Strelitzia reginae (Bird of paradise)

Botanical name

Strelitzia reginae

Other names

Bird of paradise, Bird of paradise flower , Crane flower

Genus

Strelitzia Strelitzia

Species

S. reginae - S. reginae is an exotic, tender, evergreen perennial. It forms a clump of broadly oblong, grey-green leaves on long stalks and in winter and spring, produces unusual orange and blue flowers that resemble a birds head.

Native to

South Africa

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Clump-forming, Spiky

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Colour

Flower

Orange, Blue in Spring; Orange, Blue in Winter

Foliage

Grey-green in All seasons

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Glasshouse red spider mite , Mealybugs , Scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease free

General care

Propagation methods

Suckers, Seed, Root cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Strelitzia reginae (Bird of paradise) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Beds and borders, City, Greenhouse, Indoor, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical

Cultivation

May be grown outdoors in a frost-free, sheltered spot. Otherwise, can be grown in a pot and overwintered indoors or grown in a greenhouse or conservatory. If container grown, water regularly during the growing season and apply a liquid feed monthly.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1), Indoor unheated (H2), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 12, Zone 11, Zone 10

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Strelitzia reginae (Bird of paradise)

Common pest name

Banana moth; Sugarcane borer; Sugarcane moth

Scientific pest name

Opogona sacchari

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Occasionally intercepted in the UK with some outbreaks. EU listing needs to be reviewed to take account of current EU distribution.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/