Strelitzia alba (White Bird of Paradise)

Strelitzia alba (White Bird of Paradise) is a tender, multi-stemmed, evergreen perennial forming a dense clump of huge, up to 6 ft. long (180 cm), long-stalked, oblong, gray-green leaves. The leaves tear in the wind and come to resemble giant feathers. The older stems are woody with leaf scars and often have suckers at the base. Blooming at any time of the year, but usually between July and December, large white flowers, up to 12 in. long (30 cm) are produced in succession from dark-colored beak-like spathes. Larger than those of Strelitzia reginae, the spectacular blossoms resemble the head of a bird, with a white crest and black beak. Eye-catching throughout the year, the White Bird of Paradise is cultivated as an ornamental for its exotic flowers and lush, tropical foliage. A White Bird of Paradise can be a real showpiece in the landscape. Strelitzia alba is the rarest of the three large banana-like Strelitzia species occurring in Southern Africa.

• grows up to 12-15 ft. tall (360-450 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soils.
• During growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly in winter.
• Once established, Bird of Paradise is reasonably drought tolerant and can withstand extended periods without irrigation.
• White Bird of Paradise can be grown outdoors in a frost-free location with protection from strong winds.
• White Bird of Paradise is a wonderful addition to Mediterranean or subtropical gardens, wall-side borders, city gardens or patio containers.
• White Bird of Paradise withstands salty coastal winds, making it a good feature plant or screen for coastal gardens.
• Excellent cut flowers with a long vase life (up to 2 weeks).
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• No pruning is required.
• Propagated by division of rooted suckers.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Strelitzia alba is endemic to the Garden Route along the southernmost coastal regions of the Eastern and Western Cape. It is found in protected gorges and on slopes along the rivers.