White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is a conservatory or greenhouse grown type of plant that can grow 8m – 15m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai).
This plant is commonly known as white bird of paradise.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 10-20 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: white bird of paradise
Scientific name: Strelitzia nicolai
Plant type: Conservatory & Greenhouse, Perennials
Habit: Clump-forming
Height: 8m – 15m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Mediterranean Garden, Patio & Container Garden, Sub-tropical
Planting type: Cut Flowers, Wall-side Borders
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) – Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
[yarpp template=”yarpp-template-genus” require_tax='{“genus”: 1}’]
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
-
The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
-
The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
-
Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Strelitzia nicolai likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) – Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
