Strelitzia nicolai

Digging in compost into the soil then plant out container grown plants into a sheltered but sunny position, they will tolerate a partial shade but do better in full sun. Water well in. They do best when they are in a tight clump or if in a container almost pot bound.

They produce their own seed which can be harvested, dry thoroughly, soak them in tepid water, place them in on a paper towel that is damp, put them in a plastic bag seal them and put them in a fridge for two weeks. Remove the seeds and carefully nick them before planting into a suitable compost, cover them with the compost, water well. Place plastic bags over the pots and leave in a warm area but not in direct sunlight, keep them moist. When established and large enough to handle they can be planted out.

The flowers are orange and blue and resemble a crane in flight. Grown inside can flower at any time during the year. Planted outside it is most likely to flower in the late spring to early autumn.

Rhizomes can be divided, to do this you will have to dig up the plant and using a sharp knife and cut the rhizome into pieces that have roots growing from them. Replant them at the same depth as the parent plant and water well in. They can be planted into pots that free drain and water them in, Place in a warm light site but not in direct sunlight.