Bird of Paradise Plant
he Bird of Paradise plant (Strelitzia reginae) is one of the world’s most iconic flowering plants. With its bright orange and blue crane-like blooms, it instantly brings a tropical, exotic feel to gardens, courtyards, and indoor spaces. Native to South Africa, Strelitzia reginae has adapted well to Australian conditions, thriving as far south as Melbourne in protected spots.
This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing, planting, and caring for Strelitzia reginae, including popular varieties, propagation tips, and landscaping uses.
Why Grow Bird of Paradise?
• Long-lasting and flamboyant blooms prized in the cut flower industry.
• Striking architectural foliage that brings a tropical look year-round.
• Hardy, low-maintenance plant suitable for both in-ground planting and containers.
• Versatile for styles ranging from modern courtyards to Balinese-inspired gardens.
Flowering and Features
Strelitzia reginae produces spectacular winter to spring blooms, ideal for brightening cool-season gardens. Each flower resembles the head of a bird in flight, with vivid orange and structural blue petals.
The mid-green foliage is upright and architectural, providing strong textural contrast. Mature plants grow to around 1.5–2 metres tall, although dwarf and compact forms are available for small spaces.
Cut flowers are highly sought after by florists, as Bird of Paradise blooms last up to two weeks in a vase.
How to Grow Strelitzia reginae
Position:
• Prefers full sun, but tolerates part shade in warmer regions.
• Ideal in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils—excellent for coastal gardens.
Soil Preparation:
• Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
• Ensure drainage is good to avoid root rot. In pots, use premium-quality free-draining potting mix.
Watering:
• Water regularly during establishment, especially through the first summer.
• Once settled, plants are drought-tolerant but flower better with consistent moisture.
Fertiliser:
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which encourage excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
• Use a balanced, controlled-release fertiliser in spring and liquid seaweed throughout the active season.
Mulching:
• Apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve soil moisture and protect roots.
Common Problems
• Leaf splitting: A natural occurrence, particularly in windy sites, most noticeable in the larger Strelitzia nicolai.
• Brown leaf edges: Often caused by overfertilising, poor drainage, or inconsistent watering.
• Sun scorch: Moving a plant from shade into full sun can cause temporary leaf spotting.
• Indoor issues: Pale leaves occur with low light or overwatering.
Propagation and Pollination
• Division: The easiest method. Mature clumps can be divided during dormancy.
• Seed: Slow to germinate, often taking 2–3 years. Seeds require patience and sometimes scarification.
In the wild, flowers are pollinated by nectar-feeding birds. In gardens, hand pollination may be needed for reliable seed set.
Popular Varieties and Species
• Strelitzia reginae – Classic Bird of Paradise, 1.5–2 m tall.
• Dwarf Strelitzia – Compact cultivar from 50 cm–1 m, great for containers or borders.
• Strelitzia alba – White-flowered form, to 2 m.
• Strelitzia nicolai – Giant Bird of Paradise, up to 10 m, with huge tropical fronds.
• Strelitzia juncea – Narrow, reed-like leaves and vivid orange flowers.
• Strelitzia ‘Mandela’s Gold’ – Golden-yellow blooms, rare and highly ornamental.
Landscaping Uses
• Ideal as specimen plants in modern or tropical gardens.
• Works well in large containers for patios and courtyards.
• Used in mass plantings for bold landscape impact.
• Taller species such as S. nicolai serve as screening or feature planting.
• Compact and dwarf cultivars perfect for front-of-border planting.
Wholesale and retail nurseries offer Bird of Paradise in sizes ranging from small tube stock through to mature 100L specimens for instant effect.
Dwarf strelitzia
Increasing popular are dwarf varieties, they seem to be claimed to range in size a little from around 50cm up to 1m, so you really need to be sure of what you are buying with this one. We suggest that between 80cm and 1m is a realistic expectation. These dwarf cultivars are around 1/2 the size of a full sized plant, and are an excellent choose for the front of the border or for growing in containers.
Where To Buy
Wholesale and retail nurseries offer Bird of Paradise in sizes ranging from small tube stock through to mature 100L specimens for instant effect.
Strelitzia plants or Bird of Paradise Plant – available for sale from the following nurseries
Phone: 0411 435 314
Online Retailer of Landscaping Plants, large quantities of small pot sizes up to advanced sizes & plant Sourcing.
SYDNEY | NORTHERN NSW | GOLD COAST | BRISBANE | MELBOURNE | ADELAIDE
www.egardens.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
Wholesale Suppliers
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au