Bird of Paradise

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General Description/History

TCertainly one of the most distinctive cut flowers, the flower resembles the name. Bird of Paradise have a green/blue beak with one or two bright orange and blue ‘crests’ sticking up from the base. While there are 4 species known, only S. reginae is commonly used as a cut flower.

They are semi-tropical plants and are usually grown outside in the field. Most stock comes from QLD, but supplies are locally grown in most states (not TAS) in summer.

What to look for

  • The first floret (or crest) should be sticking out of the split green sheath;
  • These flowers are tropical, so chilling injury can occur in colder climates – avoid flowers with brown marks.

Flower Care

  1. Never refrigerate.
  2. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem (and the leaves if they are present) and place in warm water immediately.
  3. Never bash or split stems.
  4. A preservative is recommended, but not essential.
  5. Replace vase water every day as they are thirsty flowers.
  6. If you need to bring the florets out: soak the entire flower in warm water for 20 minutes, then carefully insert your thumb inside the sheath and lift up the floret.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

Strelitzia reginae was named after the wife of King George III, Queen (reginea in Latin) Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (Strelitzia).

According to the Language of Flowers, Bird Of Paradise is given today from a woman to a man as a symbol of faithfulness.

Botanical Name: Strelitzia reginae

Common Names: Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower, Strelitzia

Stem Length: 50 to 100 cm

Country of Origin: South Africa

Available Colours: Blue, Green, Orange

Season: Autumn,Winter,Spring

Availability: March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November