Bird of Paradise Crane Flower Strelitzia reginae Unusual Orange Blue Bloom Bare Root Starter 2 Inch

Strelitzias, reginae, or Birds of Paradise, are among the most popular tropical flowers. They produce unique, usual, and exotic bird-shaped orange flowers with contrasting purple and blue accents. Crane Flower is another r common name.

The plant is a large-growing, clumping perennial with broad oval, gray-green leaves that extend almost laterally at about a 50-60-degree angle from the main base atop tall stalks. Its unique growth habit adds texture, visual interest, and a tropical feel even when not in bloom.

The bloom cycle is unpredictable. Plants typically take several seasons to mature before they begin consistently producing flowers. Once the cycle of blooming becomes established, it lasts for several weeks. Flowers are long-lived, opening from long pointed gray-blue buds, take a couple of weeks to open fully, and last for another week or more. They are excellent for cut flowers.

The best location is with full, cool morning light and light-dappled shade in the afternoon. They can be grown as large potted plants indefinitely and are frequently grown indoors. Supplemental lighting is often required to achieve flowers indoors.

Photo Credit Photo 1082305 ' Bird Paradise Flower © Anke Van Wyk ' Dreamstime.com