An interesting form of the Bird of Paradise with reed like leaves.
Pronunciation
(stre-LITZ-ee-uh)
Plant Type
All Plants, Perennial Tender
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Sunlight
full, part shade
Moisture
average, dry, draught tolerant
Soil & Site
average
Temperature
hardy to 20-25 degrees F
Flowers
borne on grayish green leaf stalks to 6 feet, green red to purple canoe-like structure is made from bracts, each bract contains two or more protruding yellow or orange florets with elongated petals, blue tongue is the pistil or female part
Leaves
roundish redd-like grayish green leaves
Dimensions
4-6 feet height 2-5 foot spread, forms clumps
Propagation
seeds need to be scarified, soaking in water helps
Native Site
indigenous to South Africa
Misc Facts
The genus strelitzia is named after the wife of King George III, Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. The genus "juncea is derived from juncus meaning reed-like.
(syn. Strelitzia reginae var. juncea)
Author's Notes
At the Mitchel Park Domes, a series of three large, domed shaped greenhouse, there is a large clump of these plants growing in the Arid Dome. I have walked past this plant for over 30 years, Very architectural in form.
Notes & Reference
#156-San Marcos Growers web site (www.smgrowers.com)