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Strelitzia juncea (Narrow-leafed Bird of Paradise) - This evergreen perennial slowly forms ever larger clumps of thick succulent rhizomes from which emerge 4 to 5 foot long bluish-green narrow stalks which are actually leafless petioles - dramatically different from other Strelitzia because these stalks lack the expanded leaf at the end of the petiole. As on the more common bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae), from late fall through late spring appear orange and blue flowers that rise from reed-like, grayish leaf stalks that can reach up to 6 ft. tall. These stalks bear flowers of a most interesting floral structure with hard, beak-like green sheath-like bracts (technically a spathe) held singly at a right angle at the tip of the stalks. From this spathe, which can be 6 to 8 inches long and tinged on the upper surface with a pale pink color, emerge the flowers one at a time to display 3 brilliantly orange-colored sepals and 3 blue petals, two of which are fused into a long arrow like structure and the third cupped downward as a nectary. Individual flowers last about a week and the spathe holds 5 to 7 flowers and so are showy over a prolonged flowering period.
Plant in full sun or part shade and water only occasionally. This plant is hardy for short duration freezes down to 24° F, but flowers and buds may be damaged by freezing temperatures. An interesting and attractive plant for a specimen in the dry garden or in a large pot. The flowers are attractive on the plant and great for cut flower use, lasting up to two weeks. Care should be taken to place this species away from pathways as the leaves radiate outwards and are rigid and pointed enough to possibly be an eye hazard.
Previously considered a variety of Strelitzia reginae until evidence was produced after extensive studies in 1974 by Dr. Hendrik Albertus van de Venter at the University of Pretoria in South Africa that confirmed the specific status of Strelitzia juncea. Dr. van de Venter noted that there are genetic differences between Strelitzia juncea and Strelitzia reginae and that intermediate forms exist that could be hybrids between the two species. This species occurs naturally just north of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape where it grows with Euphorbia, Cotyledon, and Pelargonium and Encephalartos horridus, sure indications of the drought tolerance of this species. The genus name Strelitzia was given to this plant by Sir Joseph Banks in 1733, then the unofficial director of the Royal Gardens at Kew, to honor Queen Sophia Charlotte, the wife of George the 3rd of England, who was the Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and had lived at Kew for many years. The specific name juncea is derived from the Latin word 'juncus' meaning "a rush" is a reference to its rush-like appearance. There are fine examples of this plant growing in Santa Barbara and we have offered it at our nursery since 2002. We also grow the typical Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia reginae and the yellow flowering form of this species that is called Strelitzia reginae 'Mandela's Gold'.
This information about Strelitzia juncea displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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