Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise) is a perennial evergreen that is native to South Africa. The Bird of Paradise is commonly grown as an ornamental in temperate and tropical gardens and is growing in popularity as an indoor plant. Not only do they grow beautiful orange flowers, but they are also low-maintenance, drought resistant and can tolerate frosts.
Suitable for Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Strelitzia reginae is also commonly known as the Crane Flower or Isigude and is far more cold tolerant and shorter than its relative, the White Bird of Paradise.
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Growth
Strelitzia reginae is a flowering evergreen tree that grows to a maximum height of 2 metres (8 feet) and a width of around 1.2 metres (4 feet). The Bird of Paradise grows in a wide variety of soils and is moderately drought-tolerant and is easy to maintain once established.
However, they do require full sunlight, and the young seedlings are not frost tolerant. They will need protection throughout their first full growing season. After their first winter and the Bird of Paradise plants are well established they are tolerant to lower temperatures down to 0°C / 32°F.
Many are grown successfully indoors when positioned near a window where they can receive plenty of sunlight.
The flowers resemble a birds’ head, are a contrasting black and orange which takes around 3-5 years to grow from seed. While many texts regarding the Bird of Paradise suggest they are intolerant to cold temperatures, we ourselves have multiple specimens that have lived through winters where the temperatures regularly drop below 0°C / 32°F.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Strelitziaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 35°C / 50 to 95°F.
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 8m (26 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 3m (10 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low.
POLLINATION:
Birds and Self-Pollination.
MATURITY:
3-5 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
55-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
4-6 weeks.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 3
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT STRELITZIA REGINAE (Bird of Paradise)
Strelitzia reginae was first introduced into the United Kingdom in 1773 at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London.
The Bird of Paradise is a popular ornamental choice by many of the world’s local councils in Sub-Tropical climates. It is so popular in California that a native of South Africa is the official flower for the City of Los Angeles.
Strelitzia reginae produces no airborne pollen which makes them ideal for allergy sufferers.
For more information regarding the Bird of Paradise click here.
