Strelitzia alba (White Bird of Paradise) is a tender, multi-stemmed, evergreen perennial forming a dense clump of huge, long-stalked, oblong, gray-green leaves. Blooming at any time of the year, but usually between July and December, large white flowers, up to 12 in. long (30 cm) are produced in succession from dark-colored beak-like spathes. Larger than those of Strelitzia reginae, they resemble the head of a bird, with a white crest and black beak. A White Bird of Paradise can be a real showpiece in the landscape. Strelitzia alba is the rarest of the three large banana-like Strelitzia species.

More cold-hardy than other species of Birds of Paradise, Strelitzia juncea (Narrow-leaved Bird of Paradise) is a striking, evergreen perennial forming a clump of upright cylindrical blue-green narrow stalks, 4-5 ft long (120-150 cm), which are actually leafless petioles. Emerging from a horizontal green beak-like spathe, brilliant orange and vivid blue flowers, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), bloom in succession from late fall through late spring. Floriferous and long-lived, Narrow-leaved Bird of Paradise is slow growing and takes 3-4 years to flower. Strelitzia juncea tolerates short-duration freezes down to 24°F (-4°C) but flowers and buds may be damaged by freezing temperatures.

Grown primarily for its dramatic foliage, Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise) is a massive evergreen treelike perennial forming huge clumps of erect or curving woody stems that can reach 30 feet in height (9 m). The leaves are enormous, 5-10 ft. long (150-300 cm), and resemble the leaves of banana plants. They are arranged fanwise on the stems. Blooming throughout the year, with a peak in spring and summer, large blue and white flowers, up to 20 in. long (50 cm), are produced in succession from purplish-gray beak-like spathes. Since one flower spathe sprouts out of another, this gives them a double-decked appearance. A Giant Bird of Paradise can be a real showpiece in the landscape.

Screaming out for attention with its unique flowers, award-winning Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise) brings a sensational tropical accent to the garden or in a sunny interior room. This evergreen perennial forms a clump of large, broadly oval, long-stalked, gray-green leaves. Emerging from a horizontal green and pink beak-like spathe, brilliant orange and vivid blue flowers bloom in succession, resembling the crest on a bird's head. Depending on latitude and climate, they appear anytime from late fall to late spring. Highly prized and widely cultivated worldwide as an ornamental. Flowers are a staple for florists in creating exotic bouquets, not only for their looks but also because they are long-lasting. 

Fast-growing and tough, Caesalpinia gilliesii (Bird of Paradise Shrub) is a vase-shaped evergreen shrub or small tree boasting flamboyant clusters of yellow flowers in summer. Borne at the branch tips, the five-petaled blossoms, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), feature long, protruding red stamens that create an exotic look. Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, they give way to flat seed pods, up to 2 in. long (5 cm), containing dark brown to black seeds. The foliage of lacy, feathery gray-green leaves is evergreen in frost-free climates. Bird of Paradise Shrub is a fine choice for xeriscaping and makes a wonderful large accent shrub or flowering hedge.

Caesalpinia mexicana (Mexican Bird of Paradise) is a thornless shrub or small tree boasting flamboyant clusters of bright yellow flowers from summer to fall. Borne in attractive racemes, the blossoms develop off and on during the warm months, and attract hummingbirds. They give way to large, slightly curled seedpods, 2.5 in. long (6 cm). The fine textured foliage of compound bipinnate leaves is evergreen in frost-free climates. Highly ornamental with its outstanding flower display and ferny foliage, Mexican Bird of Paradise thrives in heat and is a fine choice for xeriscaping.

Fast-growing, Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Red Bird of Paradise) is an upright evergreen thorny shrub or small tree boasting showy clusters of up to 40 brilliant gold-to-orange flowers from spring to fall (year-round in tropical climates). Borne at the branch tips, the bowl-shaped flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), feature long red stamens that create an exotic look. Attractive to hummingbirds, they give way to flat seed pods, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), containing dark brown to black seeds. The foliage of feathery green leaves is evergreen in frost-free climates. Red Bird of Paradise is a fine choice for xeriscaping and makes a wonderful large accent shrub. It has sharp thorns along its stems and forms an effective thorny barrier.