Strelitzia alba Seeds | White Bird of Paradise
LATIN NAME: Strelitzia alba
COMMON NAME: White Bird of Paradise
Plant Profile
White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia alba) grows as a bold, evergreen perennial in the paradise family. Plant steadily develops a rounded crown, often reaching 5-10 metres. Full sun suits it best, with deep, fertile ground. Given room and time, it reaches roughly 5-10 metres. The flowering period doubles as a feeding season for bees and other pollinators. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the paradise family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Species has also been studied in conservation and in ecology, since it is endemic to a small region of the South African coast, and its status and its habitat have been examined. Little about its garden performance is mysterious; it has been grown and observed for a very long time.
Uses & Benefits
White Bird of Paradise brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Ecologically, white bird of paradise is a dramatic plant of coastal forest. Its great flowers feed sunbirds, which pollinate them, and its bold leaves give shelter, while it is a spectacular and treasured member of coastal forests of South Africa. Its economic value lies mainly in horticulture. A plant that has settled in will get along with only routine care.
Bird of paradise is the most spectacular of tropical flowers, grown for its crane-like blooms; it has no medicinal record, just drama.
Growing from Seed
White Bird of Paradise grows readily from seed. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in full sun with steady moisture. The seed responds well to a cool, moist stratification period, which helps it break dormancy evenly. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
White Bird of Paradise repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow White Bird of Paradise often pair it with these related subjects: