Strelitzia reginae yellow “Mandelas Gold”

Strelitzia reginae yellow. “Mandelas Gold”  (Strelitziaceae) Crane Flower (e), Kraanvoelblom (a). Hardy, evergreen shrub with large, ornamental, banana-like leaves. The yellow and shimmering peacock-blue flowers have an interesting structure resembling an exotic bird and flower all year round. The nectar as well as the black seeds with an orange aril attracts many birds to the garden. On the Highveld or dry regions it grows best in partial shade. The blade-shaped leaves and flowers are widely used for flower arranging. Size 1 to 1.75m. Sowing: Remove orange fibre from the seed and sow in seed trays filled with a well-drained soil medium at a depth of 1 to 1½ times the size of the seed. A constant temperature of 25°C is most suitable for germination, as low temperatures retard germination. Seedlings should be a good size before being transplanted (two to three leaves) into a well-drained potting medium. In our nursery we have found that the young plants are best grown in semi-shade, as the leaves tend to burn in direct sunlight. Regular repotting allows the young plant to develop rapidly. Restricting the root development retards growth. Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: December 2022