Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
An old photo that I thought I would showcase today. It has other names, Crane Flower, Mzimvubu Flower and Queen's Bird of Paradise. It is native to South Africa. Its name comes from, as you might guess, its resemblance to the head and beak of a colorful and exotic bird.
I haven't seen one in several years. I found this one inside the conservatory of Brookside Gardens, in April 2013. Others I found while on vacation in various areas of the States.
It doesn't do very well in cooler climates. Summers may be okay depending on where they thrive, but in the winter-time it should be brought inside. You just have to check on your zone I guess. That's why we saw it in the conservatory. Also, people tend to put them in large pots in their gardens, so that they can be brought inside in the wintertime.
We haven't been to Brookside in a very long time as it's a little further away in Maryland. Only 47 minutes to an hour by car but as we have several botanical gardens within easy reach, we usually head to one of those. Still, it would be nice to go back, maybe this year. It has a lovely butterfly house in the summer. I am not sure if it still does as it's been a long time, and I need to check on that. The butterflies are always a big draw for me. You can click on this link which will take you to Brookside’s website. More information can be found here. Added note: The inside butterfly exhibit was closed in 2023 due to staff and supply shortages. Hopefully it will open again one day, but I have not been able to find any more current information. There is an outside butterfly garden.
This is a favourite too! Have a fabulous day, Denise.
ReplyDeleteWhat a spectacular photo! I have seen one real one, in a pot in the backyard of a friend. I have also been to a few butterfly gardens, they are such fun! And they will land on you! One of the gardens gave us some kind of nectar to put on our fingers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photo of the Bird of Paradise!
ReplyDeleteIts colors really do look like an exotic bird.
I hope you get to visit Brookside Gardens again soon .
Butterfly houses are wonderful to visit and see all the different stages of the life cycle.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful flower, I have seen them in Hawaii and in the Caribbean islands.
ReplyDeleteTake care, have a great day!
they were common here, but the drought did away with a lot of them, we have a white one in our back yard, but no blooms and the storm did a number on it
ReplyDeleteBeautiful plant. I've never heard of anyone growing one in their garden unless they were somewhere like Hawaii. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI have seen Bird of Paradise flowers in the Fybos of South Africa with sunbirds sipping nectar. Now that is to experience paradise!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful flower that is and you captured it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and her friend have gone to a butterfly garden in Canada several times. She's always gotten some fabulous pictures there.
I find the bird of paradise such a beautiful work of art...just amazing
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
I've always liked that name, bird of paradise. It really speaks of warmth and sunshine. Happy day to you!
ReplyDeleteThey are exotically beautiful.
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