You don’t get much more proudly South African than this. Bird of Paradise, also known as Crane Flower or simply Strelitzia, is a clump-forming evergreen perennial with serious visual impact. Its large, oblong, grey-green leaves resemble banana foliage, rising on sturdy stems to form a dense, handsome clump. Then come the unforgettable flowers: rigid, beak-like spathes of deep purple-blue, from which fan a brilliant crest of orange and bright blue petals. It genuinely looks like a tropical bird in flight, with blooms appearing mainly from autumn through spring.
Native to the Eastern Cape, Strelitzia is perfectly suited to the Western Cape’s temperate climate. Give it full sun for the most abundant flowers—though it tolerates light shade—along with well-drained, enriched soil. Once established, it’s remarkably drought-tolerant, handles coastal winds with ease, and copes with light frost. Reaching 1–1.5m tall and wide, it’s a low-maintenance choice for dramatic focal points, massed plantings, driveways, or as a stunning cut flower that florists love.
Key Features:
- Iconic orange and purple-blue crane-like blooms over a long season
- A proud South African native that’s water-wise once established
- Large, grey-green architectural foliage for bold, year-round structure
- A magnet for sunbirds, bringing life to the garden
Gardening Note: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun for best flowering. Water regularly until established; mature plants are highly drought-tolerant, though occasional deep watering in summer encourages better blooms. Remove spent flower stalks and old, damaged leaves to keep tidy. Protect young plants from severe frost.
