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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.

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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
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...

From$83.63
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$20.18
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
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
Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$32.33
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
Leonotis leonurus shrub with masses of orange flowers.

Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant)

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as the Lions Tail Plant, is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and foliage. Its unusualness comes from...

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
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
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PB2 Planter Bags (Plastic Plant Bags)

These PB2 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1.2 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$17.26
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
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
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$19.58
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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
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
aechmea-fasciata-

Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

pb-18-planter-bags-

PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$65.10
chlorophytum-curly--2

Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
pb-12-planter-bags-

PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$48.54
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
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

From$21.53
perovskia-atriplicifolia--1

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and...

From$24.23
bergenia-cordifolia-3

Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
duranta-geisha-girl-

Duranta Geisha Girl (Geisha Girl Plant)

Duranta Geisha Girl is a popular choice known for its evergreen shrub with fresh green leaves and deep, blue flowers. The flowers have a white centre...

From$28.28
perovskia-blue-spire-

Perovskia Blue Spire (Russian Sage Plant)

The Perovskia Blue Spire plant, commonly known as the Russian Sage Plant, is a small shrub grown for its fine foliage and impressive flowers. Masses...

From$24.23
helichrysum-petiolare--3

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
half-litre-plant-pots-

0.51 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$20.00
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$29.63
15-litre-plant-pots-

1.5 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$23.75
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
Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Azalea, Bergenia, Camellia, Chlorophytum, Coprosma, Duranta, Helichrysum, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Monstera, Perovskia, Sansevieria Strelitzia and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Bird netting, Plant pots, Planter Bags, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials Evergreen Azaleas 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.

–The Plant Company

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