General Information
- Common Name
- Bird of Paradise
- Botanical Name
- Strelitzia reginae
- Hardiness Zone
-
- Zone 9a
- Zone 9b
- Zone 10a
- Zone 10b
- Zone 11a
- Sun
- Sun with Light Shade
- Water Requirements
-
- Moderate
- Dormancy
-
- Evergreen
- Size
- 4'-5' tall
- PROS:
-
- Unusual, attractive flower
- Tropical foliage
- Easy care
- CONS:
-
- Can form very large clumps
- Heavy feeder
- Dead leaves persist on plant, need to be removed
Wonderful tropical plants that will add an exotic touch to the garden. There are 2 commonly grown varieties of this plant, Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai. Strelitzia nicolai is a large plant reaching 20' or more. It is often referred to as the Giant Bird of Paradise or White Bird of Paradise. It closely resembles the Travelers Palm (Ravenala madagascariensis). They are part of a large plant family which includes Gingers, Heliconias and bananas.
Strelitzia reginae is the smaller orange flowering plant that is more common in the Florida garden. It can tolerate a good deal of neglect, but will respond enthusiastically if given care. It is a heavy feeder that appreciates a good manure, although artificial fertilizers work well also. Generous fertilization will result in lush green foliage as well as an abundance of flowers. It can form very large clumps that will need periodic cleaning. Dead leaves should be removed at the base so as not to leave any dead material. The clumps can be divided and planted elsewhere in the garden, given away or simply discarded. It has the capability of becoming a very large clump outgrowing it's original space, so watch it carefully.
Strelitzia reginae is the smaller orange flowering plant that is more common in the Florida garden. It can tolerate a good deal of neglect, but will respond enthusiastically if given care. It is a heavy feeder that appreciates a good manure, although artificial fertilizers work well also. Generous fertilization will result in lush green foliage as well as an abundance of flowers. It can form very large clumps that will need periodic cleaning. Dead leaves should be removed at the base so as not to leave any dead material. The clumps can be divided and planted elsewhere in the garden, given away or simply discarded. It has the capability of becoming a very large clump outgrowing it's original space, so watch it carefully.
