Can anyone out there in the global garden help me to obtain some viable seed of the stunning Stelitzia juncea. This plant is not being cultivated in the U.K. and I'd love to have a couple of specimens growing in my conservatory, here in downtown Gloucestershire. Happy to trade for any seeds required.
This message was edited May 17, 2006 8:53 PM
CLOSED: Strelitzia juncea seeds.
Hi....I had to look up the latin name, and to me it is very similar to the bird of paradise available here in the US. I'm afraid I don't have any seeds, but I have seen Strelitzia reginae at a discount mail order nursery. Here is a link as a last resort if no one else can help and if you are interested in this strain.
Best of luck,
Jessica
http://michiganbulb.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_66618_A_Bird+of+Paradise_E_
Jeesh- It didn't occur to me that maybe you couldn't shop from this nursery in the UK, but it would be something you would have to check on.
This message was edited May 17, 2006 3:00 PM
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for your e-mail.
Strelizia reginae IS available in the U.K. and I have a large specimen in my conservatory.
Strelizia juncea has no leaf at the end of each stalk, just a pointed stalk, making it a very "architectural" plant. It has a very limited distribution in it's native South Africa, although I believe it's in cultivation in the warmer parts of the U.S. Hence my search has spread in your direction.
Baa
May 17, 2006
Welcome to DG! Have you been to the European Gardening forum yet?
I see the RHS Plantfiner lists Strelitzia juncea at www.Readsnursery.co.uk although they don't have it listed on their website they might be able to tell you if and when it's available. There are several South African suppliers who stock this species too.
Hello Baa,
Interesting that Reads are listing S. juncea, I'll check that out. Checking out the Euro Gardening forum later today, that might prove more fruitful. I'm just amazed no-one grows S juncea in the U.K., it's a stunning plant.
I got large divisions from a grower in southern Calif USA $35us. each Don't know if they ship overseas.
Hello Eclipse,
As I suspected, this plant is cultivated in the U.S. Can you provide a website address for this grower, so I can check them out?
May run into problems getting plant material into the U.K. I will have to run some checks on regulations, otherwise the consignment could be impounded.
Thanks for the information.