[Strelitzia nicholai] 'Giant Bird of Paradise' or 'White Bird of Paradise' or 'Natal Wild Banana' (stre-LITZ-ee-uh: NIK-oh-ly) Strelitziaceae:
Large attractive foliage plants with large white flowers with showy blue parts. Mature plants grow more than 12 feet tall. Plants bloom the third year. Large plants grown outside should be planted were they can be pruned and cleaned up easily. Plant in rich, moist soils that have good drainage. Can be grown in full sun to part shade.
Zones 10-11 outside.
Native from the coastal forests and thickets of eastern South Africa.
Remove the orange feathery hairs (woolly aril) and soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours befor sowing. Cover seeds with 1/2 inch of soil medium and use 75F with germination starting in about a month and spread-out over then next five months.
10 seeds
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