Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) earns its place on the flower alone: a bright orange and blue crane's head held above grey green paddle leaves, peaking from spring through autumn. Clumps reach about 1.8m tall and 1.5m wide, giving a tropical look at a size that fits a courtyard or a pool surround. It is drought, heat and salt tolerant, and flowers best when left alone.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers you cannot mistake. Orange sepals and a blue tongue on a stiff stem, lasting for weeks in a vase as well as on the plant.
• Tropical look without tropical fuss. Drought and heat tolerant once established, so it looks lush in gardens that get neither humidity nor regular rain.
• Made for poolside. Broad leaves, no messy flower drop and genuine salt tolerance, a rare combination around a pool.
• Holds its shape. It grows as a tight clump rather than running, so it will not creep into paving or lawn.
• Low maintenance. No pruning, no staking, no spraying. Cut off spent flower stems and old leaves once or twice a year.

Where it works best

Poolside and courtyards. A single clump in a corner, or three set 1m apart along a fence, gives structure without the litter of palms.

Pots and containers. A pot 400mm across or larger suits it, and being slightly root bound encourages flowering. It is one of the few feature plants that flowers better potted.

Mass planting and coastal gardens. For a block planting, space 1m apart so the clumps meet as one band of foliage. Front line coastal positions are fine.

Growing Bird of Paradise in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, but flowering is tied to light: a plant in deep shade grows plenty of leaf and almost no flower. It suits tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. It takes light frost only, so in cool temperate and frosty districts grow it in a pot that can shelter for winter.

Soil. Free draining, with compost worked through before planting. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound, because the fleshy roots rot in ground that stays wet.

Water. Twice a week through the first summer, then only as needed. Mature clumps survive long dry spells, while potted plants need more regular water through flowering.

Feeding. This is where most people go wrong. Use a balanced fertiliser high in potassium in early spring and again in early summer. Too much nitrogen gives lush leaves and no flowers.

Maintenance. Cut spent flower stems and browned leaves off at the base. Divide congested clumps in spring only if you want more plants.

What to expect when it arrives

Bird of Paradise is grown in tube, 140mm packs of ten, 200mm packs of six, 250mm packs of three, and 300mm and 400mm pots. Be realistic about timing: small plants are good value but take three to four years to flower, since the plant must build a mature clump first. The 300mm and 400mm plants are closer to flowering size.

Plants are packed upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a few weeks of settling in, then new leaves through the warm season. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Low maintenance poolside plants
• Browse plants suited to pool surrounds
• Designing a tropical garden
• Compare the full tropical plant range

Common questions

Why is my Bird of Paradise not flowering?

Usually one of three reasons: too young, too shaded, or too much nitrogen. Plants need a mature clump before flowering, which takes three to four years from a small pot. Move it into more sun and switch to a potassium rich fertiliser.

Is it safe around pets and children?

No. All parts are toxic if eaten, with the seeds and flowers the most hazardous, and it causes vomiting and drowsiness in cats and dogs. Plant it where pets and small children are not tempted to chew it.

How far apart should I plant it?

One metre apart for a massed planting. Single feature clumps need about 1.5m of clear space.