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bird of paradise bush

With its vivid, exotic blooms and striking architectural foliage, the bird of paradise bush is a favourite among New Zealand gardeners who want to add a touch of the tropics to their landscape. Widely recognised for its stunning, crane-shaped flowers—often in shades of orange, blue, and even white—this remarkable plant is as hardy as it is beautiful. If you’re looking for an easy-care plant that brings year-round interest and attracts birds and pollinators, the bird of paradise bush could be the perfect addition to your garden.

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Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana)

5 from 1 customers

Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as Natal Wild Banana or Giant White Bird Of Paradise, produces multiple stems that host large, fresh-green leaves. In the home garden it typically grows to just 2 m tall and 1.5 m wide. The flower resembles the head of the bird, with a white crest and purple beak, and are borne throughout the year. Strelitzia nicolai is commonly included in tropical plantings, planted around pools or against stark walls, used to line an entranceway, or maintained in a large container.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
strelitzia-reginae--3

Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia)

5 from 1 customers

Strelitzia reginae, commonly known as the Crane Flower or Bird Of Paradise, produces spectacular orange flowers with a blue highlight through spring and summer. The foliage comprises large and glossy, dark green leaves which are aesthetic year-round as it grows to 1.5 m tall and 2 m wide. Strelitzia reginae is commonly included in tropical plantings, planted around pools and other outdoor living areas, used to line an entranceway, or maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
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Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower)

Strelitzia reginae Mandelas Gold, commonly known as Yellow Crane Flower or Yellow Bird Of Paradise, produces spectacular yellow flowers through...

From$83.63
Camellia sasanqua 'Paradise Diana' bright pink flower.

Camellia sasanqua 'Paradise Diana'

Camellia sasanqua 'Paradise Diana' is a beautiful evergreen shrub admired for its soft pink semi double blooms and glossy green foliage. Flowering...

From$33.68
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$20.18
Buddleia fallowiana 'Lochinch' purple flower cluster amidst lush grey foliage.

Buddleia 'Lochinch'

Buddleia ‘Lochinch’ (Butterfly Bush) is a fast growing deciduous shrub admired for its long sprays of soft lavender blue flowers and silvery green...

From$25.58
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-belinda-4

Camellia Paradise Belinda

Camellia Paradise Belinda is a lovely, evergreen shrub that produces pretty, single, dark pink flowers. The glossy, dark green foliage provides a...

From$33.68
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-helen-

Camellia Paradise Helen

Camellia Paradise Helen produces masses of showy, double, white blooms which are mildly fragrant, and contrast nicely with the glossy, dark green...

From$33.68
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

Coprosma 'Rainbow Surprise' pink and dark red foliage.

Coprosma 'Rainbow Surprise' (Mirror Bush)

Coprosma ‘Rainbow Surprise’ is a vibrant NZ shrub admired for its colourful and glossy foliage. The leaves display a lively mix of pink, cream, and...

From$21.53
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Coprosma Plum Hussey (Mirror Bush)

Coprosma Plum Hussey, commonly known as Mirror Bush or Mirror Plant, features glossy foliage that is an intense purple colour with a dark green...

From$24.98
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Bird netting - 4 m x 50 m roll

This netting has been manufactured from superior, UV stabilised, HDPE monofilament yarn, and comes with a 10-year UV warranty. The holes are shaped...

From$266.72
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Coprosma Scarlett O'Hara (Mirror Bush)

Coprosma Scarlett O’Hara, commonly known as Mirror Bush, is a NZ native shrub that carries small and glossy, dark red and orange variegated foliage...

From$21.53
azalea-paradise-elfin-

Azalea Paradise Elfin

“Paradise Elfin” is a variety of Azalea grown for its lovely form and profuse flowering. This hardy, evergreen shrub produces clusters of small, rich...

From$26.93
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Coprosma Margarita (Mirror Bush)

Coprosma Margarita, commonly known as Mirror Bush, features small and glossy leaves that are variegated green and brown. This evergreen grows...

From$21.53
Camellia 'Paradise Blush' plant with pink and white flowers against dark green foliage.

Camellia Paradise Blush

Camellia Paradise Blush produces showy, white blooms that are blushed with pink. These spectacular, semi-double flowers are borne in autumn and...

From$33.68
prostanthera-eddington-blue-

Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant)

Prostanthera Eddington Blue is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It features small and glossy, green leaves which are highly...

From$26.93
Salvia 'Santa Barbara' shrub in a garden with dark pink flowers.

Salvia Santa Barbara (Mexican Sage)

Salvia Santa Barbara, commonly known as Mexican Sage or Mexican Bush Sage, is grown for its rich display of flowers from summer through autumn. It...

From$26.93
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-vanessa-1

Camellia Paradise Vanessa

Camellia Paradise Vanessa produces large and showy, white flowers which are flushed with pink. The flowers are borne through autumn and winter and...

From$33.68
sansevieria-hahnii-

Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
Coprosma Evening Glow in a garden looking amazing.

Coprosma Evening Glow (Mirror Bush)

Coprosma Evening Glow, commonly known as Mirror Bush or Mirror Plant, features glossy leaves that are a mix of red, yellow, green, and orange. This...

From$23.63
A fabulous Convolvulus cneorum plant with grey foliage and masses of white flowers.

Convolvulus cneorum

Convolvulus cneorum Silver Bush is a striking compact shrub valued for its silvery foliage and masses of bright white funnel shaped flowers. This sun...

From$20.18
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Viburnum opulus Sterile (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum opulus 'Sterile' is a deciduous shrub known for its beautiful clusters of white flowers without producing berries. This low-maintenance...

From$26.93
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Coprosma Hot Chocolate (Mirror Bush)

Coprosma Hot Chocolate, commonly known as Mirror Bush, features large and glossy, chocolate brown leaves. It typically grows to 2 m tall and 1.5 m...

From$21.53
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-pearl-

Camellia Paradise Pearl

Camellia Paradise Pearl is renowned for its large and showy, double flowers. The mildly fragrant, white flowers tinged with purple are borne from...

From$33.68
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Coprosma Green Rocks (Mirror Bush)

Coprosma Green Rocks, commonly known as Mirror Bush, is a NZ native shrub that carries glossy green leaves on spreading stems. This evergreen...

From$24.98
teucrium-fruticans-

Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander)

Teucrium fruticans is a popular, commonly known as Bush Germander, evergreen shrub that features small, dark blue flowers from summer through autumn...

From$24.23
Clerodendrum ugandense (Blue Butterfly Bush) blue flowers.

Clerodendrum ugandense (Butterfly Bush)

Clerodendrum ugandense, commonly known as the Blue Butterfly Bush, is an open, sprawling evergreen shrub favoured for its lovely masses of blue...

From$36.38
Cranberry 'Sungold' plant with variegated leaves.

Cranberry Sungold (Cranberry Bush)

Cranberry Sungold carries pale pink-white flowers in spring which are followed by 1-2 cm diameter fruits in autumn. The fruit on this cranberry bush...

From$24.23
calocephalus-brownii-

Calocephalus brownii (Cushion Bush)

Commonly known as the Cushion Bush, Calocephalus brownii is an impressive Australian native grown for its colourful stems and great form. It produces...

From$24.23
streptosolen-jamesonii-

Streptosolen jamesonii (Marmalade Bush)

Commonly known as the Marmalade Bush, this is an evergreen shrub grown for its colourful flowers. It produces bell-shaped, yellow-orange flowers at...

From$26.93
Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Azalea, Buddleia, Calocephalus, Camellia, Clerodendrum, Convolvulus, Coprosma, Cranberry, Dodonaea, Prostanthera, Salvia, Sansevieria, Strelitzia, Streptosolen Teucrium and Viburnum, or related Categories - Bird netting, Cranberry Plants, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs Evergreen Azaleas and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search bird of paradise bush

What Is a Bird of Paradise Bush?

The term "bird of paradise bush" most commonly refers to the evergreen perennial Strelitzia family. Among its members, Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia) is the classic variety, renowned for its bold orange and blue flowers. These plants are best suited for frost-free regions in New Zealand, thriving in full sun or part shade, and well-drained soil.

Other varieties include the compact Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise), the statuesque Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana) with white and blue blooms, and the elegant Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise ). For a splash of unique colour, Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower) offers rare golden-yellow flowers.

Growing and Caring for a Bird of Paradise Bush

The bird of paradise bush is surprisingly low-maintenance, making it a superb choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Choose a sunny spot with shelter from strong winds and heavy frost. While the bird of paradise bush is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during dry spells will encourage lush growth and prolific flowering.

Feed with a slow-release fertiliser in spring and remove old leaves to keep your bird of paradise bush tidy. If grown in containers, bring the pots indoors or to a sheltered location during cold snaps.

Landscaping Uses for Bird of Paradise Bush

Thanks to their bold silhouette and dramatic flowers, bird of paradise bushes are incredibly versatile in the landscape. They make striking focal points in beds and borders, bring structure and colour to subtropical gardens, and look fantastic alongside other architectural plants. Dwarf varieties are ideal for pots on patios or decks, while the larger types, such as Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana), create an instant sense of lushness when used as screening plants.

Explore Strelitzia Varieties for Your Garden

If you’re ready to bring the beauty of a bird of paradise bush to your outdoor space, explore our range of Strelitzia varieties. Whether you’d love the classic blooms of Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia), the slender elegance of Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise), or the distinct colour of Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower), you’ll find the perfect plant to suit your garden vision.

Bring a slice of the tropics home and enjoy the lasting beauty and low care needs of the bird of paradise bush—an iconic feature in New Zealand gardens.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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