Bird Of Paradise Flower-Be Rewarded With The Beautiful Flower

The bird of paradise are a group of plants which belong to the strelitzia genus. The different plants of this group produce flowers which have their own kaleidoscopic colors. One species of this group of plants produces flowers which have beautiful colors of blue, yellow and orange. These colors of the flowers resemble the colors of the male bird of paradise, and hence the name. A male bird of paradise has a big plumage and long feathers which are in shades of yellow and white, with brownish/orangish body feathers and a blue beak. However, there is one species known as white bird of paradise which produces bird of paradise flowers that are white in color with a hint of blue. Given below is more information on the different species of strelitzia plants; that will help you choose the variety of the plant, and the care instructions to grow these plants.

Varieties of Bird of Paradise Plants

Here is the information on different varieties of the bird of paradise plants, and the flowers they produce.

Strelitzia Nicolai: This is also known as the white or giant bird of paradise, and can be grown as a houseplant or in the garden. If you wish to grow flowers on this plant, then it is important to plant it outdoors in the sun. The white bird of paradise plant is mostly opted for its banana shaped leaves.

Strelitzia Reginae: This plant, also known as crane lily, is a good choice of plant for home gardeners. It is the easiest to maintain plant, but patience is required for growing this plant as it grows very slowly. This plant has got orange and blue petaled bird of paradise flowers.

Strelitzia Alba: This flowering plant more known as the white bird of paradise, gets flowers which have white and blue petals. This plant is more of a tree as it grows up to 20 feet in height, and is hence not suitable for home gardens.

Strelitzia Caudata: This rare plant is also known as mountain strelitzia. It can be used as a house plant, and has similar flowers to the alba and nicolai species.

Strelitzia Juncea: This plant can stand a bit of frost, but it grows very slowly and after few years its leaves start disappearing and the plant becomes a reed. It gets flowers which have bright yellow and orange petals.

Plant Care Instructions for Growing Flowers

Choose the right variety of the bird of paradise flower for gardening. You can buy the plant online or from your local nursery. Here are the important tips you need to follow when growing the bird of paradise plants.

• Plant it on a sunny site, and maintain well drained soil.
• During the growing season, from spring till summer, maintain moist soil.
• Keep pruning the plants regularly, and always prune out the new suckers.
• Don't provide any fertilizer to this plant, as it doesn't like any salts.
• After the first flowers appear, the mature plant can be divided to increase the stock.

This was all about the information on different bird of paradise flowers and plants, and tips to grow these plants. So, maintain the above care instructions for the plant and within few years you will be rewarded with the beautiful kaleidoscopic flowers.

Bluebell Flower Facts And Information

The bluebell flower is a spring flowering perennial plant that grows best from bulbs and belongs to the family of Lilies. Bluebells are often confused with Hyacinthus, probably because it's believed to have been evolved from wild species of Hyacinthus, Iris, etc. Whether grown alone or in a mass, bluebell flowers can put up quite a dazzling display, no wonder they are a spring favorite. Not only are they a gardener's favored spring bulbous flower, bluebell flower tattoo is popular among tattoo enthusiasts too.

The bluebell flower grows from a bulb and seeds, and in an upright position, until the weight of the flowers bears them down. New narrow deep green leaves are usually erect, between 20-40cms long and 7-15mm wide that grow on 10-30cms long stems. The flower spikes begin to develop by March end, are 20-50cms high, depending upon the cultivar. All the flowers generally will grow on only one side of the stem, and are pendulous, tubular with the petals curved outward only at the end, giving it a bell shaped appearance, hence the name. The flowers are arranged in a raceme (a line of flowers growing close to each other), with each raceme bearing between 6 and 20 flowers. Traditionally, the flowers are in hues of blue, purple or violet, but one can find some very pleasing cultivated flowers colors too, in shades of white or pink, and sometimes with cream colored anthers. One amazing characteristic of the blue bell flower is its sweet fragrance, from which the bluebell flower essence is derived.

Growing a bluebell flower is a very pleasurable gardening experience. Bluebells can be grown from seeds as well as bulbs, but bluebell flowers grown from seeds need plenty of considerations for the flowers to come true, plus, they take a minimum two years to flower. Bulbs on the other hand will flower next season, beautifully too, and can be stored away for next spring's bloom. Besides the wild or native variety, one can purchase hybrids or a variety of cultivars bluebell bulbs from a reputable vendor. The bulbs you buy can have a sprout or be dried. If its last year's stock you plan to replant, check for any fungus growth, as bulbs not stored properly are susceptible to fungal growth and black mold.

Bluebell flowers enjoy partial shade, or diffused lighting if grown indoors. So select an area that receives adequate light. The bulbs should be planted in late summer or early fall for an early spring or late spring flowering, respectively. Whether in a container or on the ground, dig a hole no deeper than two inches. For the ground, clear all weeds or stones from the inside of the hole, add a little organic mixed soil and place the bulbs with the flat side (a few sprouted dried roots will be present) down and the pointed end upwards. Gently spread soil over the bulbs, and water moderately to settle the soil around it. If planning to plant it in a row or a flower bed, then space them 2-3 inch apart. For planting the bulb in a pot, use organic and perlite mixed soil.

Once you see the buds sprout on the spikes, fertilize using an organic compost or liquid fertilizer. Just one application is needed, too much fertilizing will damage the flower show and turn the leaves yellow. Once the flowering season is over, remove the faded blooms. Cease watering and leave the stems and foliage to wilt and die down, before you remove the bulbs from the ground. It is preferable to leave the bulbs in the ground and space them if they tend to get overcrowded, however, if you need the space to grow winter annuals, then dry and dust the bulbs with fungicide or germicide, before storing them in a dry place. The advantage of leaving the bulbs in the ground is that it will sprout new bulbs and increase the number of bluebell flower plants by next season. If it's a variety of spring flowers you want, then find information about them here.

Bluebell flowers are also known as 'wild hyacinth', and have a place in classic Greek mythology. It is believed that bluebells sprang up from the blood of the dying prince Hyacinthus, and on which Apollo, his admirer wrote "alas", to express his grief. They do not represent grief to most gardeners who know that in spring they bring joy to the beholder, as the fragrant bluebell flowers surpass many other spring flowers in beauty and brightness.

Most Beautiful Flowers In The World

Cannas not only feature pretty blossoms, but also beautiful leaves (often likened to that of the banana plant) that come in a variety of stunning colors. Popularized in Victorian times, Cannas are popular garden plants.

Cherry Blossom

The unofficial flower of Japan, the spectacular display of blossoms that arrive in the spring are celebrated by festivals both in Japan and the U.S. The most popular colors are white and pink. They are beautiful while on the trees and remain a stunning sight even after carpeting the ground.
Colorado Columbine

Growing high in the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Columbine is a welcome reward for the enterprising climbers of Colorado’s 14,000-foot high mountains. Picking one in the wild carries a fine ($5-$50 depending on the Ranger who catches you)!
Hydrangea

Magical snowball puffs in fall: gorgeous. The clusters of star-shaped blossoms, often found in delicate pastel hues, embody innocence. They are popular in wedding bouquets and as garden flowers.
Lily of the Valley

A delicate and fragrant sign of spring, the Lily of the Valley has inspired a number of legends. One such Christian legend explains that the tears that Mary shed at the cross turned to Lilies of the Valley, prompting the flower to sometimes be referred to as “Our Lady’s Tears.” Another legend tells of Lilies of the Valley springing from the blood of St. George during his battle with the dragon.
Calla Lily

While visually stunning and elegant, this beautiful flower is actually a member the poisonous species, Zantedeschia. All parts of the plant are highly toxic, with the capability to kill livestock and children if ingested.
Black Eyed Susan

The black eyed susan, a cheerful wildflower, is a perennial that serves as a beautiful back drop in any garden. The contrast of the bright gold yellow petals and dark middle makes it any easy one to spot and recognize. This official drink of the Preakness stakes horse race is named after this flower, consisting of 2 parts Bourbon whiskey, 1 part citrus vodka, 3 parts sweet & sour mix, one part orange juice and garnished with orange and a cocktail cherry.
Bleeding Heart

These whimsical, almost fairy-like blossoms are a traditional favorite in shady gardens. The flowers are either red, pink or white and appear in April-June.
Blue Bells

In spring, many European woods are covered by dense carpets of this flower; these are commonly referred to as “bluebell woods”. It is thought that they were named by the romantic poets of the 19th century, who felt they symbolized solitude and regret.
Lantana

These delicate flowers, with their pink and yellow petals, are butterfly magnets. The bush can grow to be quite large and the color of the petals change as the plant ages. Beware – Lantana is considered a weed by many that is quite difficult to get rid of.
Roses 
Roses are one of the most romantic and wonderfully scented of flowers. The giving of roses is steeped in tradition and cultural meaning, from the yellow rose of friendship to the deep red rose of true love.
Oriental Poppy

This perennial poppy has a delicate and striking color. After flowering in the spring, their foliage dies back entirely, only to grow new leaves once again with the autumn rains. The Oriental Poppy is the flower of The Wizard of Oz.
Mussaenda erythrophylla (Ashanti Blood, Red Flag Bush, Tropical Dogwood)

These plants are native to the Old World tropics, from West Africa through the Indian sub-continent, Southeast Asia and into southern China. The beautiful red and yellow petals are a real showstopper. A favorite of not only of gardeners, but also butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.