Strelitzia Or Bird Of Paradise Flowers

Strelitzia Or Bird Of Paradise Flowers Uk

Name : Strelitzia or Bird of Paradise Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Strelitzia, (Strelitzia alba)
Strelitzia or Bird of Paradise Description

Strelitzia is a genus comprising of five species of perennial plants belonging to the Family Strelitziaceae, native to South Africa. Strelitzia are commonly known as Birds Of Paradise Flower since the striking Strelitzia plants are reminiscent of a bird in flight. Sometimes the term Plumage is used to describe the spectacular Strelitzia as the blossom itself resembles a bird’s beak and head plumage. A South African common name for the genus is Crane Flower. Other common names include Wild Banana or Giant Bird of Paradise.

Birds of Paradise are one of the most colourful and unique flowers in the world. The foliage is evergreen and is similar to the banana plant only much smaller in size. Still the leaves can grow to be about 30 inches long while the stems of Strelitzia reginae can measure up to 60 inches from ground to the base of flower.

Crane flower or Bird of Paradise has thick, waxy, and glossy green leaves, making it a very attractive ornamental even when not in bloom. Strelitzia flowers are pollinated by sunbirds, and are produced in a horizontal inflorescence emerging from a stout spathe.

The inflorescence of Crane flowers or Birds of Paradise comprises of a series of highly coloured bracts, or modified leaves, which are formed into green, red, and or purplish canoe-like structures. Each individual flower is made up of three upright orange sepals and three highly modified vivid blue petals. Two of these petals are fused together in a structure resembling an arrowhead while the third petal forms a nectary at the base of the flower. Each bract contains two or more protruding florets of bright yellow or orange elongated petals and a bright blue tongue.

Birds of Paradise or Strelitzia thrive in part shade to part sun. They grow well in clay, loam and sand, as long as the soil is well-drained. A quality peat-based potting soil is perfect for the Bird of Paradise plant.

Water Bird of Paradise thoroughly during the summer but then allow it to dry out almost completely before re-watering since it doesn’t like to be over-watered. During the rest period in the winter, the birds of Paradise should only be watered when the soil is almost completely bone dry. Birds of Paradise are moderately drought tolerant once established. Strelitzia or Birds of Paradise tend to do very well in a protected environment such as a greenhouse or conservatory, which provides protection against frost. The Crane flower blooms more when crowded either by other plants, or in the confinement of a pot.

Strelitzia propagate easily by seeds or clump division in spring. Divisions of Birds of Paradise may take two years to reach blooming size, whereas when grown from seed it will take about 7-10 years before you see your first flower. Strelitzia seeds can take up to 6 months to germinate.

Birds of Paradise usually start to bloom at Christmas time and sometimes later in the Summer months. Bold blossoms of Birds of Paradise are abundant from September through May.

Birds of paradise are unique, amazing flowers that make your garden look enchanted and heavenly. They add spectacular texture and striking colour to your flower garden. Sun birds flock around these divine blossoms, making your garden look like paradise in its own self.

Bird of paradise is best grown as a potted plant that can be brought indoors for the fall and winter months. It works well in containers or above-ground planters and is suitable for growing indoors, near a deck or patio or as a specimen plant. The Birds of Paradise or Crane flowers are an exceptionally attractive landscape plant due to their dark, waxy, evergreen foliage and striking, bold blossoms. The interesting flowers are also ideal for entranceways for a dramatic effect or for use at poolside. Strelitzia plants are not messy but ragged leaves should be periodically removed for a tidy appearance.

The use of Strelitzia as a cut flower specimen is unsurpassed. A single stem accompanied by a single leaf in a tall slender glass vase will afford timeless, classical elegance to any room. Bird of Paradise is the first flower that comes to mind when a tropical, exotic theme is under consideration. These medium-sized, exotic blooms have a vase life of about a week. One of the most unique flowering plants used in cut flower arrangements, the Bird of Paradise provides structure by forming lines and mass, its orange and blue flowers offer vibrant colours and a style that no other flower can compete with. It is best to use these striking flowers as the most dramatic piece in the arrangement. When using Bird of Paradise it is best to keep other flowers and foliage lower in the design and to choose a material that complements the tropical feel.

The Crane flower can be added to wedding centerpieces or even as a topper for the wedding cake. Birds of Paradise flowers can also be paired up with fruits such as grapes, kumquats or small vegetables for a unique, contemporary flower arrangement. Simplicity is the best option if you want to bring out the maximum effect of this flower. Keep in mind that Birds of Paradise need to be bound together, or supported in some way in larger vases and may bruise smaller flowers.

The variety Strelitzia nicolai is commonly known as the White or Giant Bird of Paradise; Wild Banana; Blue-and-White Strelitzia and is the largest in the genus reaching to a height of about 10 m, with stately white and blue flowers. Other popular varieties include Strelitzia alba, or the White Bird of Paradise; Strelitzia reginae, Bird of paradise, or Crane Lily; and finally, Strelitzia caudata, the African Desert Banana.

Strelitzia or Bird of Paradise Meaning

The striking Strelitzia or Birds of Paradise signify Magnificence, Joyfulness, Freedom and Beginnings. In accordance with its name, the Bird of Paradise also symbolizes Paradise. This majestic flower also indicates Exciting and Wonderful Anticipation. This enchanting, heavenly flower also stands for Good Perspective and Faithfulness, especially when given by a woman to a man.

The Bird of Paradise also has the honour of being the 9th wedding anniversary flower.

Strelitzia or Bird of Paradise Mythology

The genus name Strelitzia is derived from the duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, birthplace of Queen Charlotte of the United Kingdom. The beautiful Birds of Paradise were first brought to England for King George and named Strelitzia in honour of his wife.

Another view is that Strelitzia or the Bird of paradise is named after actual birds-of-paradise: extremely beautiful birds with brightly coloured plumage and fanlike tails.