Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Strelitziaceae
Botanical Name
STRELITZIA nicolai
Plant Common Name
Giant Bird-of-Paradise, Natal Wild Banana
General Description
Giant or white bird-of-paradise is a popular plant for tropical and sub-tropical landscapes. It is an enormous clump-forming evergreen that is tree-like or banana-like in appearance. This South African native has huge oblong, leathery, gray-green leaves that split along their horizontal margins. These are clustered together and almost look fan-like in appearance. In early to mid spring several crested flowers of indigo, white and dark purple appear below their foliage.
Giant bird-of-paradise is a tough plant that does well in full to part sun and average well-drained soil, growing particularly lush if rich in organic matter. Moist soil in summer heat's results in lots of new, large leaves on progressively longer petiole stems that form an upright, trunk-like stem. Strong winds may shred them. Keep soil slightly drier in winter. It is a dramatic feature plant and works well along foundations or as a screen.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 14
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
15'-30' / 4.6m - 9.1m
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Width
10'-15' / 3.0m - 4.6m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
South Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
