Family : Strelitziaceae
Common names : crane flower, bird of paradise, orange strelitzia (Eng.); isigude (Nguni); kraanvoëlblom (Afr.)
Strelitzia reginae is one the most popular horticultural perennial around the world. It flowers for long periods with its vivid orange and bright purple/blue inflorences and is an ideal pot plant and cut flower subject.
Strelitzia reginae is an easy plant to grow and will thrive in most soils.
Ideal conditions are full sun, rich, well-drained loam soil with a pH of approximately 7.5, regular deep watering in summer and liberal applications of fertilizer in early summer. Bonemeal and plenty of mature compost should be mixed into the soil when planting. Plants will respond well to generous applications of manure and compost or additional fertilizer watered in about once a month during summer. A fertilizer with the proportions 3:1:5 encourages flowering, and can be alternated with other formulations.
In South Africa and other sunny countries, strelitzias will also do well in semi-shade, but in less sunny regions, they need as much sun as they can get if they are to flower well. Once established, they can survive with very little water, and they are tolerant of wind and coastal conditions. But they are sensitive to cold and need a sheltered position against a north- or west-facing wall in areas that experience frost, and is not suitable for permanent outdoor cultivation in regions that experience a winter low of -7 to -1 ºC or lower.
This is a striking feature plant, a decorative garden subject and adds a tropical feel to courtyards and swimming pool areas. It is also an excellent cutflower. It is suitable for cultivation in large tubs and containers but for better flowering performance it should then be fed with a dilute liquid fertilizer at least every second week, particularly at the beginning of the growing season. In cold climates it can be grown in a sunny or brightly-lit conservatory.
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