Strelitzia nicolai

Strelitzia nicolai Details

Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as Natal Wild Banana or Giant White Bird Of Paradise, is a striking foliage plant with unusual flowers. This herbaceous perennial produces multiple stems that host large, fresh-green leaves. These may reach 2 m in length as it grows to 8 m tall and 4 m wide in the right environment. In the home garden it typically grows to just 2 m tall and 1.5 m wide. The flower resembles the head of the bird, with a white crest and purple beak, and are borne throughout the year. Best results with this Bird Of Paradise are achieved when it is grown on a well-drained, sheltered site in full sun. It is tolerant of dry periods, coastal environments, and light frost once established. Strelitzia nicolai is commonly included in tropical plantings, planted around pools or against stark walls, used to line an entranceway, or maintained in a large container.