Outdoor Plant Profile: Bird of Paradise
Dramatic flowers, beautiful leaves and low maintenance. What's not to like about these South African beauties?
Carol Bucknell
25 June 2017
Houzz New Zealand Contributor. Journalist who lives in Auckland and specialises in writing about gardens, houses and design. Author of two books on garden design: Contemporary gardens of New Zealand and Big Ideas for Small Gardens both published by Penguin. I also design gardens and am a passionate gardener. Currently I write the garden pages for New Zealand magazine Your Home & Garden and contribute to NZ Gardener and NZ House & Garden magazines.
Houzz New Zealand Contributor. Journalist who lives in Auckland and specialises... More
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 2-3.5 metres high, to the 10-metre height of the giant S. nicolai.
Size: Bird of paradise plants range in size from around 2-3.5 metres high, to the 10-metre height of the giant S. nicolai.
Signature traits
The bird-like flowers of bird of paradise are 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.
A beginner’s guide to container gardening
The bird-like flowers of bird of paradise are 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.
A beginner’s guide to container gardening
Looks best
Birds of paradise are very architectural plants, 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.
Birds of paradise are very architectural plants, 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 into 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 tolerant of drought. 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 into 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 tolerant of drought. 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.
Outdoor plant profile: Cycads
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.
Outdoor plant profile: Cycads
When to water
Birds of paradise 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.
Birds of paradise 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
- Birds of paradise 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 10-12°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 10-12°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 fully enjoyed. They also work well with subtropical plants, cycads and succulents.
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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 fully enjoyed. They also work well with subtropical plants, cycads and succulents.
Your say
If you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation!
More
Read more garden stories
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Oh Liz so true!!
As much as I love these and have had lots of them, an older specimen of the more common orange one had to be pulled out with a bobcat. And the taller nicolai needs constant removal of the old leaves, and frankly can look pretty awful after a certain age. But yes always gorgeous when young and pretty haha
Have been down the bobcat removal road too. A friend with one had it in a huge ceramic pot, the plant got bigger and bigger and finally busted the pot open like a peeled orange. So be warned folks!
They look good but I have seen examples of when they turn nasty. I have a small one in my garden but I think I will pull it out before it grows too large.