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bird of paradise plant varieties

Few plants can rival the dramatic flair and tropical beauty offered by the bird of paradise. With their striking flowers and lush foliage, bird of paradise plant varieties are treasured by gardeners and landscape designers across New Zealand. Whether you’re seeking a statement specimen for your garden, a bold container plant, or an architectural addition to your indoor oasis, exploring the different bird of paradise plant varieties can help you choose the perfect fit for your space.

strelitzia-nicolai-

Strelitzia nicolai

5 from 1 customers

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue flowers. This tropical looking plant creates a dramatic feature in NZ gardens and indoor spaces.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
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Strelitzia reginae (Orange Bird Of Paradise)

5 from 1 customers

Strelitzia reginae (Crane Flower, Bird Of Paradise) is an iconic tropical plant known for its bold orange and blue flowers that resemble a bird in flight. This striking plant thrives in NZ conditions and adds colour, structure, and a tropical feel to gardens and containers.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.25 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 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$24.95
Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' plant with pink flowers.
Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler'

Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' is a low growing evergreen shrub valued for its bronze tinted foliage and vibrant red flowers. Flowering over a long...

From$24.95
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$24.95
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...

From$270.40
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

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

From$20.63
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
Grevillea 'Ignite' plant.
Grevillea 'Ignite'

Grevillea 'Ignite', commonly known as Spider Flower, is a fast growing, dense shrub which is grown for its spikes of exquisite, bright red and...

From$24.95
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$26.15
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$270.40
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$28.95
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$28.95
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$28.95
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$28.95
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$494.05
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' (ZZ ZZ Plant)

Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
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$28.95
azalea-paradise-elfin-
Azalea 'Paradise Elfin'

Azalea 'Paradise Elfin' is a compact evergreen azalea prized for its masses of colourful blooms and tidy rounded growth habit. Flowering generously...

From$26.95
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$317.40
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus 'Snowmound' is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
Strelitzia nicolai

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beilschmiedia, Clianthus, and Grevillea, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Perennials, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search bird of paradise plant

Understanding Bird of Paradise Plant Varieties

“Bird of paradise” is the common name given to the captivating members of the Strelitzia genus. Native to South Africa, these plants are famous for their exotic blooms, which resemble brightly coloured birds in flight. Not all bird of paradise plant varieties are alike; from compact shrub-like types to towering, banana-leafed specimens, this group offers rich diversity for Kiwi gardens.

Popular Bird of Paradise Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Strelitzia reginae

The classic orange and blue bird of paradise, Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia), is a favourite for its upright leaves and reliable flowering. This variety reaches about 1.5 to 2 metres and thrives in full sun to part shade, making it ideal for both gardens and large pots.

Strelitzia nicolai

For a taller, more architectural impact, Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana) is a prime choice. Also known as the Giant White Bird of Paradise, it features lush, banana-like leaves and tall, white-and-blue flowers. It can grow up to 8 metres outdoors in frost-free areas and is stunning both as a garden feature or indoor plant.

Strelitzia alba

Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise) stands out for its pure white, crane-like flowers. Slightly more understated in colour but just as elegant, this variety is perfect for gardeners wanting a minimalist look without sacrificing a tropical feel.

Strelitzia Mandelas Gold

For something truly unique, Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower) showcases an unusual yellow bloom. This rare form offers a refreshing twist on the classic bird of paradise, adding a pop of golden colour and conversation-starting appeal to subtropical landscapes.

Strelitzia parvifolia

Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise) is a lesser-known gem among bird of paradise plant varieties. Its distinctive, narrow leaves and compact form make it great for smaller or modern gardens, all while delivering the bold flowers the genus is renowned for.

How to Choose the Best Bird of Paradise for Your Garden

Selecting among bird of paradise plant varieties depends on your space, climate, and style preferences. For smaller areas or container planting, Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia) or Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise) work wonderfully. If you’re after height and a dramatic effect, consider Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana). Those seeking unique colours might fall for Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower) or the elegant Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise).

No matter which bird of paradise plant varieties you choose, these stunners are sure to become the talking point of your garden. For more tips on growing and caring for them, explore our plant care guides or contact our friendly team for advice specific to New Zealand conditions.


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.

Corokia 'Geenty's Green' and Heuchera 'Peppermint Spice' are tried and true, but new favourites like Euonymus 'Emerald Gem', Pyrus 'Candelabra', and Arctotis 'Fireball' (African Daisy) are just waiting to be discovered.
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