Strelitzia Nicolai 'White Bird Of Paradise'

"Giant White Bird of Paradise". Huge black and white flowers open on this rare member of the banana family. It is often seen abroad in hotel gardens where it grows to a great height., whilst in the UK it makes an impressive large-leaved plant for a pot in the conservatory. Large seeds resemble little puppets' heads with orange hair!

Abrade a small portion of each seed with sand paper or on a rough brick or similar, then soak seeds for 24 hours before sowing 2cm deep in a good loamy compost. Keep in a propagator or warm place, at between 20 and 25 degrees C, and do not exclude light. Germination can be erratic, usually taking between 2 to 12 months, sometimes longer, so do not discard the seed pots. Pot on small plants frequently in a coarse loose compost to achieve huge plants very quickly.