Types of Bird of Paradise Plants

Strelitzia reginae, Strelitzia nicolai, Streliztia alba, Strelitzia juncea, Strelitzia caudata, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Caesalpinia mexicana, Caesalpinia gilliesii

Bird of Paradise is a common name applied to two entirely different plant genera: Strelitzia and Caesalpinia. Both genera bear unique and exotic flowers.

Strelitzia

Strelitzia is a member of the Strelitziaceae family and includes five species native to the subtropical coastal areas of southern Africa: Strelitzia alba (White Bird of Paradise), Strelitzia caudata (Mountain Strelitzia), Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise), Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise) and Strelitzia juncea (Narrow-Leafed Bird of Paradise).
Three strelitzia species (reginae, juncea, and nicolai) are widely used to create a dramatic impact in the garden.
Two species (reginae and nicolai) are frequently treated as houseplants.
They make a beautiful accent or specimen plant look great in massed plantings and can also be grown in containers, bringing color and drama to patios and decks.
The flowers of Strelitzia reginae are a staple for florists in creating exotic bouquets, not only for their looks but also because they are long-lasting.

Guide Information

Genus	Caesalpinia, Strelitzia
Height
Spread

Strelitzia alba (White Bird of Paradise)

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.

Hardiness	10 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Strelitzia juncea (Narrow-leaved Bird of Paradise)

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.

Hardiness	9 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise)

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.

Hardiness	10 - 12
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread	20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)

Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise)

Strelitzia reginae, commonly known as the Bird of Paradise, is a striking plant renowned for its large, vibrant flowers that resemble a bird in flight. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, it thrives in bright, indirect sunlight indoors and enjoys warm, sunny conditions outdoors. This plant adds an exotic, tropical flair to any setting with its bold foliage and stunning blooms.

Hardiness	10 - 12
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Caesalpinia

Caesalpinia is a member of the Fabaceae family and includes countless species of tropical or subtropical woody plants. A few species are grown for their ornamental flowers.
They thrive in the desert heat and can survive on little supplemental irrigation. However, deep watering every two weeks will encourage flowering and keep the plant healthy.

Caesalpinia gilliesii (Bird of Paradise Shrub)

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.

Hardiness	8 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	7' - 10' (210cm - 3m)
Spread	7' - 10' (210cm - 3m)

Caesalpinia mexicana (Mexican Bird of Paradise)

Caesalpinia mexicana (Mexican Bird of Paradise) is a striking, heat-loving shrub or small tree with vibrant clusters of yellow, fragrant flowers. Blooming from summer to fall, it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Its feathery foliage adds a tropical touch to landscapes, making it ideal for water-wise and desert gardens.

Hardiness	9 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	10' - 12' (3m - 3.7m)
Spread	10' - 12' (3m - 3.7m)

Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Red Bird of Paradise)

Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Red Bird of Paradise) is a striking deciduous shrub known for its bright red-orange flowers. Native to the tropics and subtropics, it blooms throughout the year in warm climates. Its fern-like foliage and showy, long-stalked flowers make it a popular choice for tropical and desert gardens.

Hardiness	9 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)
Spread	6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m)

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Caesalpinia Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise)

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Caesalpinia Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.