Bird of paradise, Crane flower

(Strelitzia reginae)

August 1996

DESCRIPTION:

Flowers sit in boat-shaped, green-purplish bracts (4 - 6 " long), with orange outer petals, and inner upright blue petals.

COLORS:

Green, Orange, Blue

AVAILABILITY:

September to June

FRAGRANT?

No

USES IN ARRANGEMENT:

Focal point

SELECTION GUIDE:

Look for flowers that have a tight sheath with one opened petal section.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Very heavy stems - take special care to provide proper support in arrangement.

RECOMMENDED FOR HOME CULTURE?

Yes

HOME CULTURE NOTES:

Makes a nice house plant in cooler areas, garden plant in subtropical areas.

PROPOGATION:

Rhizome division

CARE:

Before arranging, recut stems, remove foliage that will be under water & put in mix of warm water & floral preservative for a few hours or overnight. Place arrangement away from direct sunlight, heat vents, air conditioners and drafts. Water and remove dying blooms and foliage daily. To prolong vase life, every 4 - 5 days, recut stems & clean container thoroughly. Rearrange remaining flowers, adding mixture of warm water & floral preservative to your "new" arrangement. Floral preservative is recommended and is available commercially.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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