Andalucia Life Fauna and Flora, Flowers of Andalucia Southern Spain

January 2004, Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia reginae

Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia reginae

A strikingly large tropical herb with a large blue and orange blossom that resembles an exotic bird. This plant is a member of the banana family and originates in South Africa.

In this part of Spain we are fortunate that the climate supports them in the wild and they can be seen in many surprising places as well as cultivated in gardens.

They are in flower now after the autumn rains and many will flower again in May or June. A full grown plant can be 2 metres in diameter with a flower stalk 3 or more metres high. The plant is trunk less, compact and clustering but slow growing with fleshy roots.

Care: The Bird of Paradise requires a good amount of sunlight, do not overwater, it fares better if the roots dry out somewhat between watering.

Temperature: Definitely a tropical, Bird of Paradise needs protection below 300F.

Fertilization: The Bird of Paradise should be fertilized with a good liquid plant food, plus several applications of blood meal and bone meal in early and late summer.

Pruning: Bird of Paradise respond especially well to pruning.

Propagation: Bird of Paradise may be propagated via rhizome division.