Strelitzia juncea Seeds | Rush-leaved Strelitzia
LATIN NAME: Strelitzia juncea
COMMON NAME: Rush-leaved Strelitzia
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Rush-leaved Strelitzia (Strelitzia juncea) stands out as a rush. Clump of stiff, round, rush-like, grey-green leaves rises from base, and tall, upright stems carry striking, orange and blue, crested flowers through the season. Plant is a fine, bold addition to warm garden, conservatory and large container, and it has a long, generous flowering season. It is a slow but dependable plant of warm, sunny, sheltered spot. Each of these traits is modest on its own; together they make a garden-worthy plant.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Strelitzia juncea, a representative of the Strelitzia group with clear practical value. Rush-leaved strelitzia has a steady and growing place in plant science, and it has been studied for its striking, crested flowers and its place among the strelitzias. Modern propagation practice has made this species straightforward to raise by ordinary good methods.
Uses & Benefits
Rush-leaved Strelitzia brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Rush-leaved strelitzia is grown for striking, bold flowers. Orange and blue, crested heads open through a long season, and they are a fine, dramatic addition to warm garden, conservatory and large container. Stiff, rush-like leaves give plant a fine, architectural look, and it is a dependable, long-lived plant of warm, sheltered spot. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
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
Raising Rush-leaved Strelitzia from seed is straightforward. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. 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
Rush-leaved Strelitzia repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
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