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Strelitzia alba (White Bird of Paradise)

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

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

Strelitzia alba (White Bird of Paradise) is a tender, multi-stemmed, evergreen perennial forming a dense clump of huge, up to 6 ft. long (180 cm), long-stalked, oblong, gray-green leaves. The leaves tear in the wind and come to resemble giant feathers. The older stems are woody with leaf scars and often have suckers at the base. 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, the spectacular blossoms resemble the head of a bird, with a white crest and black beak. Eye-catching throughout the year, the White Bird of Paradise is cultivated as an ornamental for its exotic flowers and lush, tropical foliage. 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 occurring in Southern Africa.

  • grows up to 12-15 ft. tall (360-450 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soils.
  • During growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly in winter.
  • Once established, Bird of Paradise is reasonably drought tolerant and can withstand extended periods without irrigation.
  • White Bird of Paradise can be grown outdoors in a frost-free location with protection from strong winds.
  • White Bird of Paradise is a wonderful addition to Mediterranean or subtropical gardens, wall-side borders, city gardens or patio containers.
  • White Bird of Paradise withstands salty coastal winds, making it a good feature plant or screen for coastal gardens.
  • Excellent cut flowers with a long vase life (up to 2 weeks).
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • No pruning is required.
  • Propagated by division of rooted suckers.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Strelitzia alba is endemic to the Garden Route along the southernmost coastal regions of the Eastern and Western Cape. It is found in protected gorges and on slopes along the rivers.

Bird of Paradise: Plant Care and Growing Guide

Learn how to grow lush, healthy, and spectacular Bird of Paradise plants outdoors or as houseplants.
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Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 11
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Strelitziaceae
Genus Strelitzia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 12' - 15'
(3m - 4m)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spacing 72" - 96"
(180cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Garden Uses Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Strelitzia reginae Mandela's Gold, Bird of Paradise, Yellow Bird of Paradise, Bird of Paradise 'Mandela's Gold', Strelitzia 'Mandela's Gold', Crane Flower 'Mandela's Gold', Strelitzia reginae 'Kirstenbosch Gold'
Strelitzia nicolai, White Bird of Paradise, Wild Banana, Giant Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia alba subsp. nicolai, Bird of Paradise Plant
Strelitzia juncea, Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia, Crane Flower, Bird of Paradise Flower, Narrow-leaved Bird of Paradise, Rush-leaved Strelitzia
Strelitzia reginae, Bird of Paradise, Orange Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia, Crane Flower,

Recommended Companion Plants

Tecoma stans, Yellow Bells, Yellowbells, Esperanza, Yellow Trumpetbush, Yellow Trumpetflower, Trumpetbush, Trumpetflower, Yellow Elder, Bignonia stans
Nephrolepis biserrata, Giant Sword Fern, Aspidium biserratum, Evergreen Fern, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade
Cordyline fruticosa,Cabbage Tree, Ti, Tiplant, Ti Plant, Ki, Hawaiian Good Luck Plant, Convallaria fruticosa, Cordyline terminalis, Dracaena terminalis
Duranta erecta, Golden Dewdrop, Pigeon Berry, Sky Flower, Purple Flowers, Drought tolerant flowers,
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 11
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Strelitziaceae
Genus Strelitzia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 12' - 15'
(3m - 4m)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spacing 72" - 96"
(180cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Garden Uses Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Guides with
Strelitzia
Not sure which Strelitzia to pick?
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