Strelitzia reginae
Water Needs
moderate; water wise; drought hardy
Shrub medium
Crane Flower; Bird of Paradise Flower; Kraanvoelblom
1.5 m
Size
Light Conditions
shade; semi-shade; sun
Frost
moderate
Flowers
Flowers: orange: autumn winter spring
Garden Situation
sun; semi-shade; shade; afternoon sun; dry shade; windy exposed; slope bank; rockery; screen; shrubbery; salty; sandy soils; wildlife bees insects birds
Habitat
woodland; coastal Eastern Cape; Coastal KZN
Region
thicket; subtropical KZN
Rain Season
winter; summer
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Description
This famous beauty has large, tropical leaves and striking bird-pollinated orange flowers for the insects and bird garden. Large, stiff, upward- reaching leaves provide strong form and texture to the shade or sun garden. I find plants lose colour in full sun. A perfect size for both small and large gardens (1.5 x 1.5m) with a neat shape and great form. Roots can be aggressive. Make sure you position your plant correctly from the start as the Strelitzia does not enjoy being moved. Prune old stems as far down as you can reach, and remove dying or dead leaves. Sold as cut flowers world-wide and has been adopted by the city of Los Angeles as it’s flower emblem.