Strelitzia

Exotic flower with royal roots

Strelitzia is also known as the bird of paradise flower. That’s not entirely surprising, since in the hot regions where it grows the birds use the sepal as a perch, causing the flower to open. This flower performs well in eye-catching bouquets, but also likes to shine in a group of three or four in a vase in your home. 

Colours and shape

The simple stem bearing a comb made up of elegant open orange sepals with two or three blue petals ensures that you’re unlikely to overlook this beauty. It’s a unique-looking flower: there’s nothing that resembles it!

Symbolism

The flower has various symbolic meanings. Strelitzia is seen as the flower of freedom, and also represents immortality. This special symbolism deserves a good story to go with it. So if you’re giving someone Strelitzia, include a card explaining why they deserve this flower. 

Origin

Strelitzia originates from South Africa, and was transported to many countries in the 18th century. That’s also how it acquired its name: the wife of the English King George III, Charlotte of Meckelenburg-Strelitz, had a great love for flowers and plants, and so this remarkable flower was named after her.