Yellow Strelitzia
Strelitzia reginae 'Mandela's Gold'
Also known as
Yellow Crane Flower, Yellow Bird of Paradise
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
H5-H1c
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
2m | Max | 2.4m |
1.5m | Min | 1.5m |
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Yellow Strelitzia
Yellow Strelitzia Overview
'Mandela's Gold' is a rare yellow variant of the well-known crane flower, Strelitzia reginae that appears spontaneously due to recessive genes. Endemic to South Africa this plant is identical to the original Strelitzia except for the flowers being yellow instead of orange and being less cold-hardy. It took 20 years of careful hand pollination to obtain seeds that produce only yellow flowers, renamed after Nelson Mandela as tribute to him. These yellow flowers makes this a striking feature plant, beautiful and long-lasting cut flowers, a decorative garden subject and adds a tropical feel to courtyards and swimming pool areas.
Common problems with Yellow Strelitzia
Pests include the grey squirrel, caterpillars, boring insects, aphids, mealybugs, scale and spider mites. Diseases include Southern bacterial wilt.
Yellow Strelitzia Companion Plants
Plant with shrubs and trees or as stand alone specimen.
How to harvest Yellow Strelitzia
To harvest the seed remove the bright orange aril and soak the seed in a solution of ethrel at a concentration of 2000 ppm active constituent, for 48 hours. Excellent cutflower, stalks are thus harvested by cutting the stalk near the base rather than pulling the stalks from the plant.
How to propagate Yellow Strelitzia
Division
Large clumps that are split or moved will take at least two years to re-establish themselves and flower again.
Seed
Sowing time is in Summer. Sowing depth is 1 to 1½ times the size of the seed. Germination time approximately 4 to 8 weeks.
Special features of Yellow Strelitzia
Attracts birds
The bird which serves as a pollinator is unknown.
Drought resistant
Once established, they can survive with very little water.
Pot plant
Suitable for cultivation in large tubs and containers provided good drainage.
Indoor plant
It grows well indoors in a large container with enough drainage holes.
Attracts bees
Other uses of Yellow Strelitzia
Ornamental
Used in landscaping as an architectural plant and focal point.