Online Reporter
Andrew Mangwarara
THIS WEEK, we feature strelitzias — specifically the strelitzia reginae and strelitzia nicolai — which are fantastic landscaping plants for the garden.
They are commonly known as the bird of paradise, crane flower and Natal wild banana (s. nicolai) because their blooms resemble magnificent birds.
These flowers bring a unique architectural beauty to any landscape, particularly when planted as a single specimen or in groups.
The strelitzia reginae is much smaller, reaching a height of 1,5 metres, whereas the strelitzia nicolai can grow up to six metres tall.
Strelitzia flowers are excellent for cutting and make an exotic addition to floral arrangements.
They are low-maintenance, easy to grow, fairly tolerant of various soil conditions and require little water once established.
With proper care, they will bloom multiple times a year.
They thrive in rich, loamy soil, especially when provided with plenty of water throughout the year, and do well in full sun to semi-shade.
They also respond wonderfully to regular feeding with slow-release fertiliser and compost.
However, they are sensitive to cold and must be sheltered from frost, which can damage their flowers and leaves.
Plants tend to bloom more profusely when pot-bound, so there is no need to rush into repotting; simply replace the topsoil every year or so.
When planting, ensure you do not plant them too deeply, as exposing the top of the roots supposedly encourages flowering.
Early spring is the best time for repotting if it becomes necessary, such as when the roots crack open the pot.
Plant them in any well-draining soil or soilless potting mix inside a large pot or tub.
Strelitzias rarely suffer from pest problems, though mealybugs, scale insects and spider mites may occasionally infest them.
You can easily clean the large leaves by wiping them with a soft piece of cloth.
Avoid using leaf shine products, as they can damage the natural matte finish.
Enjoy the presence of strelitzias in your garden, a sure golden subject to brighten things up.
If you would like to be featured in our green-up campaign, contact us on: [email protected] or [email protected]
