DESCRIPTION: Exotic tropical
appearance. Fantastic flowers last a long time; may be used in arrangements.
Can be used in sheltered gardens away from hot winds and freezing temperatures,
enclosed patios, atriums or entryways. Wide, paddle-like blue green leaf
blades rise from trunkless plant base and radiate outward at top. Moderate
to slow growth to 3 to 5 feet or more high. Roots are long and fleshy and
need room to spread. This group consists of four, tender perennials originally
from South Africa.  The
most commonly grown is S. reginae, commonly known as the Bird-of-Paradise,
Crane Flower or Crane Lily. This plant forms clumps of long-stalked leaves
up to 3 feet long. The evergreen, bluish- or gray-green leaves have an
oblong shape and leathery texture. The beautiful flowers are produced atop
long stalks, mainly in the spring. The orange and blue or purple flowers
are enclosed in a green, boat-shaped bract edged with red. The vivid flowers
grow erectly from this beak-like bract, resembling feathers and making
this flower look like an exotic bird. S. nicolai forms clumps of evergreen,
long-stalked, oval, bluish-green leaves up to 5 feet long. The flowers,
which are produced intermittently throughout the year, resemble those of
S. reginae, except that they are white and light blue enclosed in a dark
purple bract. This plant can reach an ultimate height of up to 25 feet.
These plants are excellent for growing in containers, especially in climates
with cold winters.
POTTING: These plants need a
minimum
temperature ranging from 41º to 45º F. They can be grown
as house or greenhouse plants in cool climates. They should be grown in
fertile, well-drained soil or potting mix in a well-lighted location that
is shaded from hot sun. They should be watered well during the growing
season, sparingly in the winter.
PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown
in containers of sandy soil in the spring, or easily from suckers that
may be detached and potted.
 VARIETIES:
S. reginae; S. nicolai; S. augusta; S. parvifolia; S. kewensis (cross between
S. reginae & S. augusta). Also I've seen a white variety known as S.alba
NB: these plants are highly adaptable to most climates however any area
less than a temperate zone they will stuggle of grown outdoors. |