Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
9a-11b
USDA zone
-7°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
9m | Max | 5m |
12m | Min | 4m |
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise Overview
Strelitzia nicolai is a large evergreen perennial species from the Strelitziaceae family. It produces showy foliage and flowers which resemble birds, hence the common name Giant Bird Of Paradise. The leaves are large and oblong in shape, measuring up to 1.5m in length, they are borne on long stems up to 2m tall. Flowers are coloured blue and white, from beak-like spathe structures. This striking plant is a popular choice for making a statement, however it needs a good amount of space so plant with care. It may be used to create a lush, tropical effect and to offset hard landscaping, buildings and pools. Withstands salty coastal winds, making it a good feature plant or screen for coastal gardens. Due to its large size, place towards the back of borders or as showstopper! This is a common feature plant. ZA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal.
Common problems with Bird of Paradise
Generally disease-free but it can suffer from Red Spider Mites, Mealybugs & Scale Insects when grown under glass.
How to harvest Bird of Paradise
Flowers can be harvested once they have opened and will last a few days in a vase.
How to propagate Bird of Paradise
Seed
To grow from seed, remove the orange arils and sow seed in a mixture of equal parts river sand and compost. Cover with a thin layer of compost and keep moist.
Division
Divide root suckers in spring and plant into pots or directly into the soil.
Suckers
Suckers in the spring.
Special features of Bird of Paradise
Attracts birds
Flowers provides nectar that attracts sunbirds, especially Olive Sunbirds and Grey Sunbirds. Vervet and Samango monkeys feed on the soft part of the flowers as well as on the orange aril of the seeds.
Drought resistant
The plant is is fairly drought tolerant once established.
Pot plant
It can be planted in large pots and will grow happily for a few years until it becomes too big for the pot.
Indoor plant
It can be grown indoors as a foliage plant, but it will most probably not flower. It needs high levels of light.
Wind break
Hedge plant
Wet sites
Other uses of Bird of Paradise
Grown for their showy flowers.