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| Storage Temperature: 55 - 70 F |
| Ethylene Sensitive: No |
| Description: Dramatic flowers that fan out from a
boat-shaped sheath at the end of a long, thick, fibrous stalk 24 to 48 inches long.
Petals are pointed and 3 to 4 inches long. |
| Colors: Orange-blue flowers. |
| Botanical Facts: This flower was named after Queen
Charlotte of Mecklenberg - Strelitz (1744 - 1818) |
| Design Notes: These dramatic tropical blossoms are
used in large vase arrangements and contemporary floral designs. The stems are very
large and heavy. The use of chicken-wire is suggested for extra support when
designing in floral foam. |
| Purchasing Hints: Purchase stems with very
tight sheaths, just beginning to open. Stems should be free of damage or brown
spots. |
| Conditioning: Remove any protective wrap,
tape or covering on the sheath. As a cut flower, strelitzia flowers will nor open (fan
out) by themselves. Soak the flower heads in warm water for 20 minutes to soften the
sheath. Then carefully open the sheath, working your thumbs under the petals and gently
lifting them up and fanning them out, one petal after another. This process will
release a sticky, jelly-like substance which should be wiped away with a damp cloth.
Cut 2 - 3 inches off of the stem under water with a sharp knife. Hydrate in a
solution of warm water and commercial floral preservative / floral food for two hours
before storage or usage. Hold strelitzia at a temperature above 50 F. This flower is
very cold sensitive. Cold damage will appear as brown lesions on the flowers and
bracts. |
| Additional Notes: |
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