Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

bird of paradise plant size

Wondering about bird of paradise plant size? Whether you’re considering this spectacular plant for your New Zealand garden or as a striking indoor feature, understanding how big your bird of paradise will grow is crucial. Luckily, the bird of paradise family, formally known as Strelitzia, offers a range of sizes to suit different spaces—from compact forms perfect for pots to towering specimens suited for landscaping. On this page, we'll cover the typical sizes you can expect from the most popular varieties, tips for encouraging healthy growth, and advice for placing bird of paradise plants in your garden.

strelitzia-nicolai-

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-mandelas-gold-

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 spring and summer. The flowers are complemented with large and lush, dark green leaves as it grows to 1.5 m tall and the same wide. Strelitzia Mandelas Gold 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: 1.50 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
Grevillea prostrata 'Aurea' yellow flower.

Grevillea prostrata Aurea

Grevillea prostrata Aurea is a low growing, dense shrub featuring pendulous clusters of yellow flowers. These are borne at the ends of branches that...

From$28.28
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' pink flowers amidst dark green foliage.

Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha'

Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' is a popular evergreen groundcover shrub admired for its dense, spreading habit and masses of pink and cream...

From$28.28
A fantastic Titoki tree (Alectryon excelsus) growing as a speciment tree in an urban park.

Alectryon excelsus

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as the Titoki tree, is a handsome New Zealand native tree valued for its lush, glossy foliage and tidy, rounded...

From$26.93
Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.

Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

From$299.92
bird-netting-

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
Pseudopanax crassifolius growing in a garden with dark green foliage.

Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)

Pseudopanax crassifolius, commonly known as Lancewood or Horoeka, is a distinctive New Zealand native tree renowned for its dramatic transformation...

From$25.58
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

correa-dusky-bells-

Correa 'Dusky Bells'

Correa 'Dusky Bells' is a compact evergreen shrub known for its attractive dusky pink bell shaped flowers and soft grey green foliage. It brings year...

From$24.98
grevillea-eureka-1

Grevillea Eureka

Grevillea 'Eureka' is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its striking yellow and pink spider-like flowers. Blooming from spring through summer, it...

From$28.28
grevillea-clearview-david-

Grevillea 'Clearview David'

Grevillea 'Clearview David' is a vigorous evergreen shrub known for its attractive foliage and masses of soft coloured flowers. Flowering over a long...

From$28.28
A tui feeding on the berries and flowers in a Pseudopanax arboreus (Whauwhaupaku) tree.

Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger)

Pseudopanax arboreus, commonly known as Five Finger or Whauwhaupaku, is a fast-growing NZ native tree that typically reaches 4–6 m tall. It features...

From$299.92
kniphofia-dwarf-orange-

Kniphofia Dwarf Orange (Torchlily)

Kniphofia Dwarf Orange is a variety of the commonly known, Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
tecomaria-capensis-1

Tecomaria capensis

Tecomaria capensis, commonly known as Cape Honeysuckle, this is a quick growing shrub renowned for its pretty flowers and foliage. Showy, orange...

From$29.63
nyssa-sheffield-park-

Nyssa sylvatica Sheffield Park (Tupelo)

“Sheffield Park” is a variety of the commonly known, Tupelo, and is an attractive tree with fantastic autumn colours. The foliage emerges light green...

From$432.79
viburnum-emerald-lustre-

Viburnum 'Emerald Lustre'

Viburnum Emerald Lustre features pink flower buds that open to reveal clusters of mildly fragrant, white-light pink flowers during winter and early...

From$29.63
Pyracantha 'Brilliant' red berries with lush green foliage.

Pyracantha 'Brilliant' (Fire Thorn)

Pyracantha 'Brilliant' is an attractive shrub grown for its decorative berries. Clusters of dainty, white flowers are borne in spring and result in...

From$33.68
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.

Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen...

From$438.39
hymenosporum-gold-nugget--2

Hymenosporum Gold Nugget (Dwarf Frangipani)

Hymenosporum flavum Gold Nugget is a shrub grown for its clusters of fragrant flowers through spring. The flowers emerge a cream colour, age to...

From$33.68
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-helen-

Camellia 'Paradise Helen'

Camellia 'Paradise Helen' is a graceful evergreen shrub that produces soft pink blooms, adding elegance and seasonal colour to New Zealand gardens...

From$33.68
fig-mrs-williams-

Fig Mrs Williams

Fig Mrs Williams produces fruit with a purple-brown skin and amber-red flesh. The fruit are of large size and produced early season. It grows as a...

From$28.28
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-pearl-

Camellia 'Paradise Pearl'

Camellia 'Paradise Pearl' is an elegant evergreen shrub known for its beautiful soft white to blush toned flowers that bring brightness and...

From$33.68
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-vanessa-1

Camellia 'Paradise Vanessa'

Camellia 'Paradise Vanessa' is a beautiful evergreen shrub that produces soft pink blooms, bringing elegance and seasonal colour to New Zealand...

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
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-belinda-4

Camellia 'Paradise Belinda'

Camellia 'Paradise Belinda' is a stunning evergreen shrub prized for its soft pink blooms that bring colour and elegance to New Zealand gardens...

From$33.68
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
grape-buffalo-1

Grape Buffalo

Grape Buffalo is a variety of eating grape that produces fruit that ripen in early autumn. It features large sized, juicy, dark blue-black berries...

From$29.63
Camellia 'Paradise Blush' plant with pink and white flowers against dark green foliage.

Camellia 'Paradise Blush'

Camellia 'Paradise Blush' is a beautiful evergreen shrub that produces soft blush pink flowers, adding gentle colour and elegance to New Zealand...

From$33.68
Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Alectryon, Azalea, Beilschmiedia, Camellia, Correa, Fig, Grape, Grevillea, Hedycarya, Hymenosporum, Knightia, Kniphofia, Nyssa, Pseudopanax, Pyracantha, Sansevieria, Strelitzia Tecomaria and Viburnum, or related Categories - Bird netting, Fig Plants, Grapevines, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Azaleas, Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

Search bird of paradise

How Big Does a Bird of Paradise Plant Grow?

The bird of paradise genus comprises several species, each with its own growth habits. Here’s an overview of the bird of paradise plant size for the main types found in New Zealand nurseries:

Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia)

This iconic orange-flowered bird of paradise is renowned for its manageable size. Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia) typically reaches a mature height of 1.2 to 1.8 metres, with a similar spread. Its compact nature makes it a favourite for patio containers or sheltered garden beds.

Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise)

A more robust option, Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise ) can grow to around 6 metres tall, with lush, banana-like leaves. The impressive bird of paradise plant size makes it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or a tropical accent.

Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana)

The largest species, Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana), boasts a mature size of up to 7 metres high and wide. It forms a dramatic clump, notable for its bold foliage and ability to fill large, sunny spaces—ideal for landscaping or as a statement tree.

Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise)

If you’re after something compact, Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise) remains petite, typically growing under 1 metre. This species is perfect for smaller garden corners or ornamental pot displays.

Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower)

Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower) closely resembles Strelitzia reginae in form, with a height of 1.5 to 2 metres. Its unique yellow flowers and moderate bird of paradise plant size make it suitable for mixed borders and courtyard gardens.

Growing Tips for Your Bird of Paradise

To achieve the full bird of paradise plant size potential, place your plant in a spot with plenty of sun, shelter from harsh winds, and well-drained soil. Regular feeding and occasional repotting for potted specimens will keep growth vigorous. For larger species, allow enough space to accommodate their mature size and dramatic foliage.

Choosing the Right Bird of Paradise for Your Space

Matching bird of paradise plant size to your garden is key. Want a bold tropical effect? Try Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana) or Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise ) for their impressive height. Need a smaller profile? Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia), Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise), or Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower) are great options.

Explore our range of Strelitzia species to find the perfect plant in the right size for your New Zealand garden.


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

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews