Screaming out for attention with its extraordinarily pretty flowers, award-winning Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise) brings a sensational tropical accent in the garden or in a sunny interior room. This evergreen perennial forms a clump of large, broad oval, long-stalked, gray-green leaves, which arise from an underground stem (rhizome). They contrast nicely with its ravishing crested flowers. Emerging from a horizontal green and pink beak-like spathe, brilliant orange and vivid blue flowers bloom in succession, resembling the crest on a bird's head. Individual flowers last for about a week, but the spathe holds 5 to 7 flowers, guaranteeing a long-lasting display. They arise from tall stems, up to 6 ft. tall (180 cm), just above the foliage and appear anytime from late fall to late spring, depending on latitude and climate. Highly-prized and widely cultivated as an ornamental for its exotic flowers, the plant still has a striking appearance, when not in flower, due to the large glaucous leaves which resemble those of banana plants.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 4-6 ft. high (120-180 cm) and spreads 1-3 ft. wide (30-90 cm)
• A full sun to partial shade lover, this plant grows best in organically rich, well-drained soils. During growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Once established, it is quite tolerant of extended periods without irrigation. Can be grown outdoors in a frost-free location with protection from strong winds. While freezes will kill back the foliage, this plant will slowly rejuvenate over 18 to 24 months if cold didn't kill the root system.
• Strelitzia reginae look at their best when massed along walls or hedges, in beds and borders where they will proudly stand out. Spectacular on a patio, they are well suited to container growing. Great choice for Mediterranean gardens or as cut flowers, the flowers lasting up to 2 weeks in the vase.
• Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs.
• Cut off old flowers for a neat appearance.
• Usually propagated by dividing the plants or using suckers produced at the base. Do not re-pot mature plants too often, as the fleshy roots can easily be damaged by disturbance.
• Native to the southern and eastern parts of the Cape Province and northern Natal in South Africa