Common name:
Giant white bird of paradise or wild banana
Origin: South Africa
Foliage: 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) long leaves, grey-green and arranged like a fan at the top of the stems
Stem: woody stems
Exposure: Full sun
Growth rate: Fast
Height: to 10 meters / 32 feet 9 inches
Hardiness: -3°C / 26,6°F
Culture: Fresh seeds germinate very well. Thereafter, the Strelitzia nicolai grows quite quickly. It needs a sunny place and plenty of water during the growing season. However, prevent the roots from standing permanently in the water. Furthermore, this easy plant is a perfect eye-catcher in the exotic garden. In a container, it will not exceed the 3 meters (9 ft) of height . As it isn’t hardy you’ll need to take it inside during winter. The watering must be reduced then as well. Transplanting is not necessary until it bursts literally out of its container.
Use: This graceful plant is beautiful in a tall container, for example on the terrace. Through the fan shape, it is quite similar to the even more exclusive Ravenala madagascariensis.
Strelitzia nicolai seedlings
