Strelitzia reginae Seeds | Bird of Paradise
LATIN NAME: Strelitzia reginae
COMMON NAME: Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) stands out as a clump-forming, evergreen perennial in the strelitzia family, native to warm coasts of south Africa, while it is grown for its extraordinary flowers. Established plants reach around Two metres. Each of these traits is modest on its own; together they make a garden-worthy plant.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Strelitzia reginae ranges from the botany of the strelitzia family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Bird of paradise has a genuine and distinguished place in both horticultural and botanical research. The practical point for growers is that this plant has been observed in gardens for so long that its behaviour holds few surprises.
Uses & Benefits
Bird of Paradise works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, bird of paradise is a generous plant of the South African coast. Its remarkable flowers are pollinated by sunbirds and other birds of region, and its large leaves give shelter, while it is a dramatic presence in coastal scrub of its home. For a grower, bird of paradise is a rewarding and long-lived plant, and for a gardener it brings the most striking of blooms. 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
Bird of Paradise grows readily from seed. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
As a clump-forming, evergreen perennial, it settles into a routine quickly once established. Fresh seed sown into evenly moist compost is most of the battle won.
Related Reading
If Bird of Paradise appeals to you, these related plants are worth a look: