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Types of Bird of Paradise Plants

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

Strelitzia, Crane Flower, Bird of Paradise Flower, Strelitzia reginae, Strelitzia nicolai, Streliztia alba, Strelitzia juncea, Strelitzia caudata

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, White-Flowered Wild Banana, White Strelitzia, Strelitzia augusta, Bird of Paradise Plant

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.

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Hardiness 10 - 11
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 12' - 15'
(3.7m - 4.6m)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
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Strelitzia juncea, Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia, Crane Flower, Bird of Paradise Flower, Narrow-leaved Bird of Paradise, Rush-leaved Strelitzia

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.

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Hardiness 9 - 11
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 4' - 6'
(120cm - 180cm)
Spread 4' - 5'
(120cm - 150cm)
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Strelitzia nicolai, White Bird of Paradise, Wild Banana, Giant Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia alba subsp. nicolai, Bird of Paradise Plant

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.

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Hardiness 10 - 12
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
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Strelitzia reginae, Bird of Paradise, Orange Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia, Crane Flower,AGM Award

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. 

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Hardiness 10 - 12
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 5' - 6'
(150cm - 180cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
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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, Poinciana, Bird of Paradise Bush, Desert Bird of Paradise, Yellow Bird of Paradise, Poinciana gilliesii, Bird of Paradise Shrub, Yellow Bird of Paradise Shrub, Desert Bird of Paradise ShrubAGM Award

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.

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Hardiness 8 - 11
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 7' - 10'
(210cm - 3m)
Spread 7' - 10'
(210cm - 3m)
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Caesalpinia mexicana, Mexican Bird of Paradise, Mexican Caesalpinia, Mexican Poinciana, Tabachín del Monte, Bird of Paradise Shrub, Yellow Bird of Paradise Shrub, Desert Bird of Paradise Shrub

Caesalpinia mexicana (Mexican Bird of Paradise)

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.

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Hardiness 9 - 11
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 10' - 12'
(3m - 3.7m)
Spread 10' - 12'
(3m - 3.7m)
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Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Red Bird of Paradise, Barbados Pride, Barbados Flower Fence, Dwarf Poinciana, Flamboyant Tree, Paradise Flower, Peacock Flower, Spanish CarnationAGM Award

Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Red Bird of Paradise)

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.

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Hardiness 9 - 11
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest 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.

Guide Information

Genus Caesalpinia, Strelitzia
Height
Spread
Compare All
Caesalpinia Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise)
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Caesalpinia Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise)

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