This rhizomatous perennial has large banana-like dark green leaves that form an upright rounded clump. It produces bird-shaped orange flowers that are held above the foliage on long scape and appear solitary from mid autumn to spring. 

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Strelitzia reginae is naturally found in South Africa on the east coast from Humansdorp to northern KwaZulu-Natal growing in thickets commonly along water courses or along forest margins. 

It prefers a moist but well-drained organic rich sandy to light clay loam with a pH range from 5.5 to 7.5 and grows in an open sunny to semi shaded position. When established the plant tolerates drought and neglect but needs protection from cold strong winds and frost.

The Bird of Paradise is grown for its distinct flowers and its clumping habit. It is planted in parks and gardens as a specimen or in group plantings around water features for a tropical effect.  It is also grown in large tubs or planter boxes and establishes in 3 to 6 years and is long lived. It is also used for its architectural accent around buildings and is ideal for hot dry position tolerating drought once established. The flowers are used in floral arrangements and there are variations in the species with different leaf types. ID 43

Strelitzia (stre-LITS-ee-a) reginae (re-JY-nee)  

Strelitziaceae (stre-LITS-ee-AY-see-ee)
Bird-of-Paradise Flower Family