About
A very large, evergreen perennial, with oblong, grey-green leaf blades up to 1.5m long on 2m long leaf stalks. In spring it produces blue and white flowers, opening in succession, from blackish, beak-like spathes.
About the genus
Strelitzia are evergreen perennials, forming a clump of long-stalked, linear to broadly oblong leaves, with stiff stems bearing beak-like bracts from which strikingly coloured flowers open in succession
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Houseplants, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toS Natal, NE Cape
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost, in a large container, in full light with shade from hot sun. During growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Top dress annually and repot every second year. Water sparingly in winter and ventilate when temperatures exceed 20°C. Plants may take a few years to bloom and will only do so if given adequate levels of light and feed. They will generally flower better if slightly pot-bound. See Strelitzia cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division of rooted suckers in spring. Although you can sow from seed in March to April, they have a very thick coating and will need to prepared by soaking prior to sowing
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free