Strelitzia

@CarolineL that’s always a problem I guess when dividing plants. That’s why I’m a bit concerned. I’ll leave it a while.

 

wow! That’s amazing!

 

That one I have growing outside was a division that I took off the one that was growing inside a lean to greenhouse which I replaced.
They do have masses of thick brittle root which really makes them a bit unsuitable for growing in pots, but needs must I suppose.

 

Meh.
I s'pose it's alright if you like that sort of thing

 

Very interesting pete, youve done well with that !

 

Mine is still in a pot, with one flower bud, which it has outgrown, the roots are now about 9" above the pot rim. I thought of root pruning but that would probably kill it. A larger pot would have to be about 3ft in height and not worth the expense, one winter in the ground here would kill it off.

 

It was all that pushing upwards out of pot which made me decide they were not good in pots.
I think the roots being so fleshy are a large part of the whole plant, and probably a water and food storage for the plant.
Pruning them will always be a bit tricky.

 

Mine is pushing up the paving slabs, I hate the think how big the root system is, and how much soil it is displacing.

 

Hi Pete. Yours looks fantastic but looks like it is being kept outside - how do you keep it alive over winter?

 

Hi Rob,
Yes its outside growing in the ground.
Winter it gets a tempory shelter that I can cover over when it gets frosty.
Other than that it takes all winter wind and rain and seems to thrive on it.
You only need protection below Zero, so most of the year its not a problem.

 

Thanks. I thought that they were more sensitive than that. Will make some frost protection for mine and it can stay out next winter!

 

Just to add, find a winter sun trap if you can, it makes life easier.
Planted in the ground stands a better chance than in a pot, although you could try a pot for a while.
Fleece is not enough, I use old blankets as frost protection and it needs to be not touching the plant.

 

Thanks again. I have a south facing garden, so sunny spots aren’t a problem. Will also note your advice re frost protection