So technically Strelitzia probably shouldn't be in my Sussex Garden Dreams collection as it's a touch exotic for our garden!

(I am planning an exotic flower collection - if you'd like to be amongst the first to hear when I have new designs, do sign up for our Newsletter.)

But back to Strelitzia. My first encounter with these vibrant flowers was on family holidays to the Canary Islands many years ago. On the return journey Mum would pick up a bunch at the airport (this was in the days you could bring cut flowers back on a plane.) We discovered they would last for weeks - each pointy flower sheath contains several flowers. As one bloom dies, you can gently ease it out and another one pops forward.

Also known as Bird of Paradise flowers, I couldn't resist pairing them with the intense blue of a tropical sky.

Newly launched at the Horsham Artists Art Trail in June 2026, I have so far created a repeat pattern suitable for curtains and blinds. Individual flower heads would make great statement cushions - just ask for details.