Strelitzia nicolai seeds - White bird of paradise

White Bird of Paradise, or Strelitzia nicolai, seeds allow you to grow a spectacular tropical plant, sometimes compared to Ravenala madagascariensis due to its fan-shaped habit and majestic appearance. This close relative of Strelitzia reginae is distinguished by its imposing size, its leathery leaves similar to the banana tree, and its elegant white flowers with deep blue bracts. Its evergreen foliage and exotic silhouette make it an ideal choice for very sheltered gardens, spacious patios and large, bright conservatories. You can also grow this astonishing tropical plant in a very large pot indoors in a very bright room or on the terrace, bringing it in to protect it from frost. Sowing seed requires warmth and patience to ensure good germination.

Strelitzia nicolai makes a magnificent patio or garden plant as soon as the weather is warm enough. It can be placed outdoors from spring to autumn, in sun or partial shade, then brought under cover as soon as temperatures drop below 5-6°C.

Strelitzia nicolai or Strelitzia parvifolia belongs to the Strelitziaceae family, which includes five species native to the coastal regions and riverbanks of South Africa. This evergreen rhizomatous perennial can reach 8 metres high in open ground, with a spread exceeding 3 metres thanks to its production of lateral offshoots. Grown in a pot, it generally does not exceed 2.50 metres in height with a spread of about 1 metre at the base. The false trunks (stipes), formed by the accumulation of petiole sheaths, emerge from massive underground rhizomes. At their summit, a dense fan of large leaves unfolds in two opposite ranks, giving them a remarkable architectural appearance. The elongated leaves, which can reach 2 metres long by 60cm wide, have a satiny dark grey-green hue, traversed by a midrib sometimes tinged with purple. Like banana tree leaves, they tend to split laterally, a natural phenomenon that aids wind resistance. Flowering occurs from June to September. The large inflorescences, borne in the leaf axils, consist of dark blue-grey bracts tinged with violet, which open to reveal elegant white sepals and intense blue petals. Their structure resembles exotic bird heads, adding a unique appeal to this plant. After flowering, woody capsules form, releasing black seeds wrapped in a filamentous orange aril.

Strelitzia nicolai is an ideal plant for creating a lush exotic atmosphere in a pot in an orangery, a greenhouse or a bright interior. It tolerates brief frosts of around -2°C, so it can be planted in a very sheltered garden. It combines harmoniously with tropical plants such as cannas, castor oil plants, Melianthus major, Billbergia nutans, ornamental gingers (Hedychiums) and small palms like the Sabal minor, or a small banana tree. It prefers rich, humus-bearing, well-drained soil, and a sunny to partially shaded position. During the growing season, it requires generous watering and a regular supply of fertiliser, but should be kept drier in winter. Not very hardy, it does not tolerate temperatures below 5°C and will need to be brought indoors or protected in temperate climates.