Page 28 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 3_2024

GARDENING
Initiative

BIRD OF

PARADISE

The Strelitzia plant is one of the most popular perennials around

the world, not only as a garden specimen, but also as a pot plant.

It’s successfully grown for the cut flower market as well.

B Y ELIZE MALAN

amed after Queen Charlotte of allow enough space around each plant Strelitzia reginae can be propagated
Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife in the garden. It is suitable for planting from seed and, although slow-growing,
of George III of Great Britain, in winter and summer rainfall areas will start flowering after three to five
Nthe plant family Streliziaceae and it will tolerate light frost but prefers years. When dividing mature plants, it is
has five species native to South Africa. full sun for maximum flowering. It will, important to have a minimum of 60cm
The flowers of all five only differ in size however, grow in dappled shade. clump diameter to encourage recovery.
and colour. Plant it in well-drained loam soil and Remove all flowers after division. Full
only fertilise twice yearly. The plant has recovery after division will be more or
STRELITZIA REGINAE a fleshy root system and is water-wise. less three years.
This plant grows up to 1,5 metres tall The flowers have orange sepals and
and 2 metres in diameter. It has an blue petals and are seen throughout the Bees and sunbirds are welcome visitors
extensive root system so be sure to summer season. as pollinators. Monkeys, rats and

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18 DPL issue 1 2024issue 3 2024