Common Name: Bird of Paradise
Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae, Strelitzia nicolai
Type of Plant: Perennial
Description: Screaming out for attention with its extraordinarily pretty flowers, Bird of Paradise brings a sensational tropical accent in the garden or in a sunny interior room. This evergreen perennial forms a clump of large, broad oval, long-stalked, gray-green leaves. They contrast nicely with its ravishing crested flowers. Emerging from a horizontal beak-like spathe, vivid flowers bloom in succession, resembling the crest on a bird’s head.
Mature Size: 4-6′ tall x 2-4′ wide (Orange), 20-30′ tall x 6-10′ wide (White)
Blooms: Fall-Spring
Fruit: No
Climate Requirements: A full sun to partial shade lover, this plant grows best in organically rich, well-drained soils.
Care Requirements: During growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs. Cut off old flowers for a neat appearance.
Spacing: Space plants 48″ apart
Water Needs: Once established, Bird of Paradise is quite tolerant of extended periods without irrigation.
Maintenance: Low
Special Uses/Attributes: Bird of Paradise look at their best when massed along walls or hedges, in beds and borders where they will proudly stand out. Spectacular on a patio, the orange variety are well suited to container growing. Great choice for Mediterranean gardens or as cut flowers, the flowers lasting up to 2 weeks in the vase.
Florida Native: No