Bird fanciers
You don’t have to go to the Canaries to bask in the beauty of a bird of paradise. David Overend reports.
The world has gone back to taking holidays, so the sight of Brits, flying back from a week in the Canaries, their arms filled with living souvenirs of fantastic flowers, is now once again a reality.
Vacation reminders like the bird of paradise flower, Strelitzia reginae,are back on the menu.
But why should a virus have denied people the joy of displaying such a stunning flower in their homes? If we want a bird of paradise flower, why can’t we grow our own? True, it will take patience, the right growing conditions and a lot of but it may well be a challenge worth accepting. After all, the result could be simply stunning.
S reginae is a low-maintenance evergreen perennial which is fairly tolerant of most soil conditions, and, once it has established itself, doesn’t even need much water. Given a decent soil and plenty of sun and warmth, it will, in its native homelands, flower several times a year.
Note the word ‘warmth’ – the bird of paradise flower isn’t a lover of cold weather, so anyone decides to try to grow one needs to make sure that their garden can house it safely. The word ‘conservatory’ springs to mind.
S reginae is slow-growing and doesn’t usually flower for several years (until it is well established) so apart from that conservatory, you’ll need plenty of patience.
If you possess both, then you may like to consider cultivating your very own bird of paradise plant to show off to friends and neighbours. Pot it up in a large container and water and feed it occasionally with a high-potash fertilizer.
In the wild, the tender leaves drop off as they age, leaving the base of the plant’s stem bare; in a big pot, the plant won’t grow tall and its stem should remain decently clothed in foliage. Top-dress annually and re-pot every 12 months.
Even with the most intensive regime of care and attention, it could take several years before a flower (or flowers) appears. Time well spent or time wasted?
Opinions may differ, but some would argue that to cultivate any plant is a challenge worth accepting. Others will probably book a holiday to the subtropical islands of the Atlantic and come home with their arms full of instant memories.