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29 June 2010
Strelitzia juncea is a rare plant in the Bird of Paradise family. It has similar flowers to the Orange Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae), but foliage is more narrow and more like grass. Other forms of Bird of Paradise usually have paddle shaped foliage, but Strelitzia juncea is the exception with this very unique foliage. Strelitzia juncea is also slower growing then other Bird of Paradise varieties, but would make a very good landscaping plant none the less. The needle-like foliage is very striking in the garden, and Strelitzia juncea can be a very drought hardy plant once it has established itself in your garden. Strelitzia juncea grows approximate 1-2m in height and width, and will take 3-4 years to flower. It is very long lived and as a bold accent plant will look fantastic amongst other tropical plants, rock gardens or formal gardens.
This Narrow Leaved Bird of Paradise suits most gardens in Australia, as it not only tolerates drought well, it is also frost hardy. Do not expose it to severe frost, or frost for long periods of time, but this plants is suitable for gardens which may experience light frost for short periods of time. Strelitzia juncea is best grown in full sun for best flowering performance, but could be grown in part shade. Part shade positions will be better for nicer, greener foliage. Keep Bird of Paradise out of draughty positions as damage to the foliage is sometimes incurred due to stormy winds. This is mainly the case for the Bird of Paradise plants with wider, paddle shaped foliage, but it pays to be careful with Strelitzia juncea as well. This Strelitzia needs to be grown in well draining soil, it cannot sit in water for long periods of time. It can handle high rainfall or regular watering, but water will need to be able to drain away from the roots easily.
Propagation is from seed, if you can get your hands on some. Our last lot of Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia Nicolai seeds was half eaten by mice, so I would imagine the same would be a problem for Strelitzia juncea seeds. Keep your seeds covered up to protect them from mice, birds and other preying wildlife!
Common names: Leafless Bird of Paradise, Narrow Leaved Bird of Paradise, Needle Leaved Bird of Paradise
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