Bird of paradise.

Also known as the Crane Flower or Strelitzia

A Beautiful exotic flower originating from South Africa, the largest of the species can grow up to 30 feet in height.

An evergreen perennial which arrived in England in the 1700’s and where it was given the name strelitzia.

The name strelitzia was given to the crane flower in honour of Princess Charlotte Mecklenburg- Strelitz, Strelitz being the region in Germany where Charlotte was born in the 1700’s and at the age of seventeen she came to England as a suitable bride for King George the third within six hours of their first meeting one another they were married. They went on to have a happy life together and a large family of 15 children.

The symbolism of the strelitzia is Optimism, joy, romance and success, so suitably named in honour of the then Queen Charlotte.

The strealitza is the official flower for the ninth wedding anniversary

And is used as a focal point in modern arrangements.