Strelitzia reginea (1 qt) | Bird of Paradise (1 qt)

Bird of Paradise may be a bit frost tender, but planted in a protected location this tropical looking perennial is stunning in the garden.  Giant leaves, reaching out 4 to 5 feet, deep green and slightly waxy, looks great year round with some winter protection.  And in fall and early winter 4 to 5 ft flowering stems with exotic orange and violet blue blooms bring a hint of warm tropical breezes to your garden.  These are terrific cut flowers, lasting several weeks in a vase.  Plant near a wall that gets afternoon shade during the hottest part of the year, or plant in large containers.  Plants like average garden water.