Outdoor Plant Profile: Bird of Paradise
Dramatic flowers, beautiful leaves and low maintenance. What's not to like about these South African beauties?
If you’re after a plant with the looks of a tropical prima donna, without the temperamental nature, then look no further than the bird of paradise species (Strelitzia). These stunning South African flowers add drama and structure to the garden but need little care, and are able to tolerate coastal conditions, strong sun and little water. No wonder they are becoming such favourites in Australian and New Zealand gardens.
Plant at a Glance
Common names: Bird of paradise flower, crane flower
Botanical name: Strelitzia. There are six species of bird of paradise, with the most commonly grown Strelitzia reginae, pictured here. The other species are mountain bird of paradise (Strelitzia caudata), giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai), the quite rare white bird of paradise (Strelitzia alba), spoonbill (Strelitzia parvifolia) and African desert banana (Strelitzia juncea), which has very narrow leaves.
Origin: South Africa
Common names: Bird of paradise flower, crane flower
Botanical name: Strelitzia. There are six species of bird of paradise, with the most commonly grown Strelitzia reginae, pictured here. The other species are mountain bird of paradise (Strelitzia caudata), giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai), the quite rare white bird of paradise (Strelitzia alba), spoonbill (Strelitzia parvifolia) and African desert banana (Strelitzia juncea), which has very narrow leaves.
Origin: South Africa
Plant type: Evergreen perennial
Size: Bird of paradise plants range in size from around two to 3.5 metres high, to the 10-metre height of the giant S. nicolai.
Find a gardener near you on Houzz for advice on which plant species will thrive in your site and climate
Size: Bird of paradise plants range in size from around two to 3.5 metres high, to the 10-metre height of the giant S. nicolai.
Find a gardener near you on Houzz for advice on which plant species will thrive in your site and climate
Signature traits
The bird-like flowers are typically a striking orange and blue, white and blue (S. nicolai), or white (S. alba). These rise out of a thick triangular-shaped spathe. They are closely related to the banana, with similar leaves that grow in a fan formation.
See the rest of this vibrant garden in Guatemala
The bird-like flowers are typically a striking orange and blue, white and blue (S. nicolai), or white (S. alba). These rise out of a thick triangular-shaped spathe. They are closely related to the banana, with similar leaves that grow in a fan formation.
See the rest of this vibrant garden in Guatemala
Looks best
Bird of paradise plants are very architectural in appearance, so should be planted with plenty of space around them to display their stunning leaves and flowers. As they are slow growing they can be grown in pots for many years, but as they grow bigger they will do better in the ground. Planting low-growing plants around them, as shown here with these Strelitzia juncea, can be very effective.
Bird of paradise plants are very architectural in appearance, so should be planted with plenty of space around them to display their stunning leaves and flowers. As they are slow growing they can be grown in pots for many years, but as they grow bigger they will do better in the ground. Planting low-growing plants around them, as shown here with these Strelitzia juncea, can be very effective.
How to plant
Dig a generous hole the same depth and twice the width of the root ball of the plant. Make sure the main stem is not sitting below ground level, as water may collect around the base and cause rotting. Add organic matter to the soil around the plant and mulch well.
When to plant
Warmer soil is best for any heat-loving plant species, so to reduce transplant shock, avoid planting in the colder months. This is not an issue of course if you are planting your bird of paradise in a container.
Where is it best positioned?
Bird of paradise plants need plenty of sun. They can tolerate light frost, but should be planted in sheltered spaces in colder regions. In warmer areas, protect them from cold winds if possible. They grow well in coastal gardens and are drought-tolerant plants. Well-drained soil is a must.
Dig a generous hole the same depth and twice the width of the root ball of the plant. Make sure the main stem is not sitting below ground level, as water may collect around the base and cause rotting. Add organic matter to the soil around the plant and mulch well.
When to plant
Warmer soil is best for any heat-loving plant species, so to reduce transplant shock, avoid planting in the colder months. This is not an issue of course if you are planting your bird of paradise in a container.
Where is it best positioned?
Bird of paradise plants need plenty of sun. They can tolerate light frost, but should be planted in sheltered spaces in colder regions. In warmer areas, protect them from cold winds if possible. They grow well in coastal gardens and are drought-tolerant plants. Well-drained soil is a must.
How to fertilise
Feed in spring and autumn with a general-purpose fertiliser.
How to prune
Remove flowers when they are spent so the plant puts energy into new growth. As the old leaves die, these should be removed also.
Feed in spring and autumn with a general-purpose fertiliser.
How to prune
Remove flowers when they are spent so the plant puts energy into new growth. As the old leaves die, these should be removed also.
When to water
Bird of paradise plants can cope with little water, but do better with regular irrigation especially during the drier months, but only if soil is well-drained. Never let them sit in boggy soil or their roots will slowly root.
Bird of paradise plants can cope with little water, but do better with regular irrigation especially during the drier months, but only if soil is well-drained. Never let them sit in boggy soil or their roots will slowly root.
Common problems
- Bird of paradise plants are generally low maintenance, but can be susceptible to root rot if drainage is poor.
- In dry areas of the garden where there is low humidity and limited air circulation, plants may be attacked by mealy bug and scale. Spraying leaves with water regularly to improve humidity can help, or for large infestations you may need to spray with an insecticide.
Grow them indoors
In countries where temperatures fall below 10 to 12°C at night, bird of paradise plants are often grown indoors, or in glasshouses during winter and taken outside for the summer. They need a brightly lit position inside.
In countries where temperatures fall below 10 to 12°C at night, bird of paradise plants are often grown indoors, or in glasshouses during winter and taken outside for the summer. They need a brightly lit position inside.
Interesting facts
In their native environment, birds of paradise are pollinated not by insects but by sun birds, which perch on the spathe, their weight causing the spathe to open and release pollen. Elsewhere, pollination usually has to be done by hand.
Landscape ideas
Bird of paradise plants make a statement, so should be positioned as focal points as shown here with this giant variety. Plant them against a plain wall so their statuesque shape and vibrant flowers can be properly enjoyed. They also work well with subtropical plants, cycads and succulents.
Your turn
Do you have bird of paradise plants growing at home? Share your green-thumbed tips in the Comments, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Need a helping hand in the garden? Read this story before hiring a landscape professional 5 Steps to Finding the Right Landscape Designer for Your Home
In their native environment, birds of paradise are pollinated not by insects but by sun birds, which perch on the spathe, their weight causing the spathe to open and release pollen. Elsewhere, pollination usually has to be done by hand.
Landscape ideas
Bird of paradise plants make a statement, so should be positioned as focal points as shown here with this giant variety. Plant them against a plain wall so their statuesque shape and vibrant flowers can be properly enjoyed. They also work well with subtropical plants, cycads and succulents.
Your turn
Do you have bird of paradise plants growing at home? Share your green-thumbed tips in the Comments, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Need a helping hand in the garden? Read this story before hiring a landscape professional 5 Steps to Finding the Right Landscape Designer for Your Home
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