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Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise)

White Bird of Paradise, Wild Banana, Natal Wild Banana, Giant Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia alba subsp. nicolai

Strelitzia nicolai, White Bird of Paradise, Wild Banana, Giant Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia alba subsp. nicolai, Bird of Paradise Plant
Strelitzia nicolai
Strelitzia nicolai, White Bird of Paradise, Wild Banana, Giant Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia alba subsp. nicolai, Bird of Paradise Plant

Grown primarily for its dramatic foliage, Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise) brings a sensational tropical accent to the garden or in a sunny interior room. This massive evergreen treelike perennial forms 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), oblong, shiny gray-green with long, thick leaf stalks. They resemble the leaves of banana plants and are arranged fanwise on the stems. They tear in the wind and come to resemble giant feathers. 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. Larger than those of Strelitzia reginae, the spectacular blossoms resemble the head of a bird, with a white crest and purple beak. Since one flower spathe sprouts out of another, this gives them a double-decked appearance. Eye-catching throughout the year, the Giant Bird of Paradise is widely cultivated as an ornamental for its exotic flowers and lush, tropical foliage. A Giant Bird of Paradise can be a real showpiece in the landscape.

  • Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall and wide (6-9 m). Give it room to spread out and unfurl its huge leaves.
  • 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, Giant Bird of Paradise is reasonably drought tolerant (the large, fleshy roots retain lots of water) and can withstand extended periods without irrigation.
  • Giant Bird of Paradise can be grown outdoors in a frost-free location with protection from strong winds.
  • Giant Bird of Paradise is a wonderful addition to Mediterranean or subtropical gardens, wall-side borders, city gardens or patio containers. Giant Bird of Paradise is also treated as a houseplant.
  • Giant Bird of Paradise is often situated against a wall or fence. Underneath can be planted other tropical plants, such as large ferns and shade-loving flowers.
  • Giant Bird of Paradise withstands salty coastal winds, making it a good feature plant or screen for coastal gardens.
  • The root system is aggressive – do not plant Giant Bird of Paradise too close to structures and paths.
  • Excellent cut flowers with a long vase life (up to 2 weeks).
  • No serious disease issues. Keep an eye out for scale insects, glasshouse red spider mites, and mealybugs.
  • When the bottom leaves are dry and brown, cut them off.
  • Propagated by seed sown at 64-70°F (18-21°C) in spring or division of rooted suckers in spring.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Strelitzia nicolai is native to evergreen coastal forests and thickets of eastern South Africa from the Gonubie northwards to southern Mozambique. It is also considered native to Mozambique, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

Bird of Paradise: Plant Care and Growing Guide


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

Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 12
Heat Zones 10 - 12
Climate Zones 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Strelitziaceae
Genus Strelitzia
Common names Giant Bird of Paradise, Bird of Paradise, White Bird of Paradise, Wild Banana
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)
Maintenance Low, Average
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 Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Strelitzia reginae ‘Mandela’s Gold’ (Bird of Paradise)
Strelitzia alba (White Bird of Paradise)
Strelitzia juncea (Narrow-leaved Bird of Paradise)
Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise)

Recommended Companion Plants

Tecoma stans (Yellow Bells)
Nephrolepis biserrata (Giant Sword Fern)
Cordyline fruticosa (Ti Plant)
Duranta erecta (Golden Dewdrop)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

31 Best Bright-Light Indoor Plants to Transform Your Home
40 Tropical Plants for Your Outdoor Garden
30 Tropical Flowers for Your Garden or as House Plants
Bird of Paradise: Plant Care and Growing Guide
Types of Bird of Paradise Plants
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 - 12
Heat Zones 10 - 12
Climate Zones 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Strelitziaceae
Genus Strelitzia
Common names Giant Bird of Paradise, Bird of Paradise, White Bird of Paradise, Wild Banana
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)
Maintenance Low, Average
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 Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise) to pick?
Compare Now

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