Strelitzia (Reginae & Nicolai) The Strelitzia species - a famous tropical plant recognized by many for it's flower that spectacularly resembles a bird! Elevate your Noosa-style garden with this hardy must-have addition that will bring maximum tropical vibes. This striking plant is relatively low-maintenance and will bless you with a colourful array of flowers. These plants grow as tight clumps, with epically tall stems producing large leaves, excellent for screening, by the pool or as a feature plant in most landscapes. Keep in mind it can take up to 4-5 years before this species demonstrates its beautiful blooms. These Strelitzia's are grown on site at Lomalagi. Light requirement: Shade (indirect) to full sun (avoid afternoon sun).Water requirement: Moderate. Water regularly, once a week to keep soil moist Watering frequency: Water more frequently in summer.Soil: Well-draining, acidic, fertilised soil. Skill level: Suits Beginner Green thumb, low-maintenance plant. Remove dead flower spikes, leaves and trim back once a year before new growth appears. Fertilise in spring and summer.Growth rate: Moderate growthSuitable for container gardens: Yes, however if planting in a pot, choose one that is double the size of plant (or 400ml pot is perfect, as Strelitzia's have large root systems). Seasonality: Evergreen Drought Tolerant: Moderately drought tolerantFrost Tolerant: Prefers frost-free, but can handle light frost.Wind Tolerant: Yes ‘Reginae’ (Bird of Paradise) Mature Height: 1.5m-2.5m Mature Width: 1-1.5m Leaf colour: Large thick green leaves with plenty of watering, drier soil results in silvery-grey leaves.Leaf Variegation pattern: No Size of leaf: Leaves can reach 90cm in length and resemble boat paddles. Flower Colour: The flowers emerge from thick, upright stalks and consist of three bright orange petals, with the addition of three separate deep blue petals Flower Shape: Resembles a bird; the petals are produced on a long beak-like flower spike. The petals (that look like birds' feathers atop its head) are arranged in an upright & angled manner along the 'beak'. Flower Fragrance: No strong fragranceFlower Season: Late Winter and Spring ‘Nicolai’ (Giant White Bird of Paradise) Mature Height: A towering 6mMature Width: 1.2-2m Leaf colour: Dark green with prominent ridgesLeaf Variegation pattern: No Size of leaf: Resemble banana tree leaves with the 'natural tears' that catch the breeze and sway. The fan-like leaves can grow 1m + in length. Flower Colour: The flower bract is dark blue and the petals are white, mostly with tinges of pink or light blue. Flower Shape: The bract resembles a canoe or 'beak' and the flower petals are upright and pointed Flower Fragrance: No strong fragranceFlower Season: Summer