Bird of Paradise- Giant Strelitzia nicolai
The Giant Bird of Paradise is a stunning and hardy perennial with a strong architectural shape.
A large, evergreen, paddle-leaf shaped perennial which produces white and pale blue bird shaped flowers sitting in a dark purple- black bract.
These can take a surprising amount of wind before the leaves will start shredding, however an exposed site, prone to constant wind would be best avoided.
With all of the Instagram and Pinterest photos proliferating the internet, just a few truths and tips if you intend on using this species as indoor foliage interest.
They will not flower indoors unless you have a 200 litre pot and a 3-4 metre tall specimen!
They will get meali bug and other pests (possible red spider mite) if kept in a heated or full, hard sun site indoors. All of your indoor plants will end up stressing in a room with a heatpump or open fire, unless you do regular misting and are really on top of your watering regime (not overwatering regime!)
Try and place them into a hallway, big bathroom or open plan living space where they can be breezed by the front door opening or be cooled by a larger space.
They will love a good, humidity misting once or twice a week (indoors)
They will love regular foliar feeding to look like those Instagram and Pinterest photos.
Pricing
| Grade | Height Indication | Price | Available | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 litre pot | 100cm | $47.50 $95 Sale! | 19 | |
| PB60 (35 litre) | 130cm | $105 $210 Sale! | 40 |
Full sun.
Requires afternoon shade, prefers filtered sunlight.
High wind tolerant.
Will manage a very light frost to -1C.
Grows to a height of 5 metres (approx).
Perfect for screening or privacy.
Requires little moisture and is drought tolerant.
Manages coastal conditions well. Salt spray will cause minimal marking.
