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In South Africa, it’s native country, they represent joy and paradise, hence the name. Strelitzia comes from Queen Charlotte, Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.ĭepending on where in the world you are, birds of paradise take on different meanings and representations. Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai, its scientific names, were given by Sir Joseph Banks, one of the directors of the royal gardens. This plant is so beloved in South Africa that it’s been grown at their Royal Botanic Gardens since the eighteenth century. There is also a type of bird of paradise, Strelitzia nicolai, that blooms white bird flowers.

When the flower blooms each of the petals fan out, and the result looks a lot like a bird in flight. Its flowers are made of three bright cantaloupe-orange petals, and three royal blue petals that are fused into one bud. Originating in South Africa, the bird of paradise gets its name from the way its flowers bloom. Bird of Paradise Originsīirds of paradise are hardy, long-lasting plants that will adapt to most indoor environments. Overall plant height including growing pot: 35-40cmįact: I was named after Queen Charlotte, King George III's wife after I was brought to England from South Africa in 1773 to be part of the King's Botanical Gardens.By subscribing, I consent to receiving emails.

Both George and Charlotte were keen botanists and played key roles in the expansion of Kew Gardens, so owners of this beautiful foliage plant are in good company. In 1773, George III was presented with the plant and entered it into the Royal Botanical Garden, where it became the envy of European aristocrats. The Reginae was named in honour of George III's wife, Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (regiana = reigning queen). I'm quite rare a find - you'll mostly come across the Nicolai variety.Īlthough the variety originates in South Africa, it gets its name from an 18th century English monarch. I am grown for both my large oval leaves and flowers, although you're unlikely to see me flower indoors. A sibling of the Strelitzia nicolai, the Regina has been optimised for indoor environments and will grow reliably without taking over your living room!

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