Bird-of-Paradise

Where it grows

Wild Strelitzia reginae forms dense clumps on the coastal bushveld and riverbanks of South Africa’s Eastern Cape. It was introduced to European cultivation through Kew Gardens by Sir Joseph Banks, who named it for Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, consort of George III. It is now grown across the subtropics for cut flowers and as the floral emblem of Los Angeles.

How to recognise it

A clumping evergreen perennial reaching about a metre and a half, with long-stalked, banana-like grey-green leaves. The flower emerges from a horizontal, beak-like green-and-pink sheath called a spathe. Bright orange sepals stand up like crests, with arrow-shaped violet petals tucked between, the whole resembling a perched crane or sunbird.

Garden & cultural uses

Bird-of-paradise is pollinated in the wild by sunbirds that perch on the rigid blue petals, which act as a trigger releasing pollen onto their feet. In cultivation, the flowers last two to three weeks in the vase, and a single plant can throw a dozen blooms a year once mature.

In symbolism

The flower symbolises joy, freedom, and the strength to overcome difficulties, and is the floral emblem of Los Angeles.