It’s a biggy and a beauty, Strelitzia nicolai really is quite awesome. Mature plants have large, relatively stiff, paddle shaped leaves up to 1.8 meters long on tough stalks up to 5mtrs tall. The bizarre science fiction like flowers can be up to 45cm long and are white and blue, these open in succession from an almost black, beak like spathe. Although they are at their most amazing when large, younger plants are equally attractive and have a very architectural feel about them growing as a houseplant by the patio doors or in the conservatory. They do also show off well out on the patio during the summer months.

Hardiness wise, well its proving quite cold resistant especially with more mature specimens and the one we have had growing under cold glass for the past few years has tolerated temperatures down to -1.5c with now damage. In May 2019 it will be being planted outside in our south coast garden to establish in time for outdoor winter trials.

Plant in full sun in a well drained compost and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly from March through to October. Water regularly during the summer reducing watering right down for the winter. A large, strong, thick walled pot is a must as the roots are very chunky and strong.

Sent in a 12cm pot. Height above pot varies between 30 to 45cm. 

Additional photo By Eric in SF - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11989790