BIRD OF PARADISE (Strelitzia 'Mandela's Gold') 5 seeds

Strelitzia reginae 'Mandela's Gold', known as the Yellow Bird of Paradise, is a a rare yellow form of the well-known Bird of Paradise plant, Strelitzia reginae. The yellow form originated in South Africa and was released and traded under the name 'Kirstenbosch Gold' until 1996 when it was re-named in honour of Nelson Mandela.

The plant forms large evergreen clumps of stiff leaves growing up from the base. The grey-green banana-like leaves grow about 1.5 m in height and the distinctive yellow flowers stand above the foliage at the tips of long stalks. Mature plants are very floriferous with flowers in autumn, winter and spring.

The structure and pollination of the flowers are rather interesting. The hard, beak-like sheath from which the flower emerges, is called the spathe. This is placed at right angles to the stem, which gives it the appearance of a bird's head. The flowers, which emerge one at a time from the spathe, consist of 3 brilliant yellow sepals and 3 bright blue petals. Two of the blue petals are joined together to form an arrow-like nectary. When the birds sit to have a drink of nectar, the petals open to cover their feet in pollen.

Strelitzia reginae is an easy plant to grow in the garden. Plants do well in full sun to semi-shade, love a rich loamy soil and plenty of water throughout the year. They respond well to regular feeding with a slow release fertiliser and compost. They are however very tolerant plants and will thrive in most soils and can survive with very little water once established. The plants are also wind resistant and grow well in coastal gardens. Strelitzias are sensitive to cold and would need a sheltered position in areas with frost as the flowers and leaves are often damaged by frost. In very cold climates it is better to grow them in pots that could be moved indoors when freezing temperatures are expected.

For sale is a packet of 5 fresh seeds.