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bird of paradise tree

If you’re searching for a striking feature plant for your garden, the bird of paradise tree is sure to impress with its exotic flair and architectural foliage. Loved for its stunning, tropical flowers and bold leaves, the bird of paradise tree is actually a member of the Strelitzia genus—an easy-care perennial that brings a splash of the subtropics to New Zealand gardens. Whether you’re after a colourful focal point for your outdoor space or seeking a lush, leafy look for your interiors, the bird of paradise tree delivers both beauty and versatility for plant enthusiasts.

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Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

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.

From $44.09

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 (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.

From $44.09

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$44.09
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
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Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King'

Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King' is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, creamy white spring flowers, brilliant...

From$387.55
A Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Sophora godleyi is a magnificent New Zealand native tree valued for its graceful weeping branches and bright yellow flowers that appear in spring...

From$323.65
Cornus 'Southern Cross' white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross'

Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross' features large and showy, white flowers which adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. It...

From$340.69
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
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
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
malus-profusion-4
Malus 'Profusion'

Malus 'Profusion' is a stunning ornamental crabapple tree celebrated for its rich purple foliage, deep crimson spring flowers, and glossy dark red...

From$387.55
Malus 'Kaitoke' dark pink flowers.
Malus 'Kaitoke'

Malus 'Kaitoke' is an attractive ornamental crabapple tree valued for its abundant spring blossom, lush green foliage, colourful autumn display, and...

From$387.55
Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.
Vitex lucens

Vitex lucens, commonly known as Puriri, is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its lush foliage, vibrant pink to red tubular flowers, and...

From$270.40
A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.
Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and...

From$30.29
malus-red-jade-1
Malus 'Red Jade'

Malus 'Red Jade' is a graceful weeping crabapple tree admired for its cascading branches, masses of white spring blossom, colourful red ornamental...

From$387.55
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$14.95
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Malus 'Strathmore'

Malus 'Strathmore' is an attractive deciduous crabapple tree admired for its masses of spring blossom, colourful ornamental fruit, and vibrant autumn...

From$270.40
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
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green...

From$22.01
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$27.95
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

From$270.40
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
Kunzea ericoides (Kanuka) shrub in full flower.
Kunzea ericoides

Kunzea ericoides, commonly known as Kanuka, is a fast-growing, NZ native tree. It features small, dark green leaves that release a pleasant fragrance...

From$8.97
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-gillian-
Camellia 'Paradise Gillian'

Camellia 'Paradise Gillian' is an elegant evergreen shrub that produces soft pink blooms with a refined appearance, bringing colour and charm to New...

From$27.95
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
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$27.95
Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.
Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree or tī kōuka, is a hardy and iconic New Zealand native. It features long, sword-like green leaves...

From$16.49
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech)

Commonly known as Black Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely in...

From$270.40
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$27.95
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$27.95
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
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beilschmiedia, Cornus, and Pseudopanax, or related Categories - Perennials, Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

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What Is the Bird of Paradise Tree?

The term “bird of paradise tree” commonly refers to several Strelitzia species that grow tall and develop a tree-like structure as they mature. These plants are native to southern Africa and thrive in well-draining soils and sunny positions throughout New Zealand. While often called a tree, most Strelitzia varieties are technically herbaceous perennials—but their robust stems and tall growth habit make them an ideal substitute for those seeking the presence of a small tropical tree.

Popular varieties include the classic Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia), which sports vivid orange and blue flowers, and the impressive Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana), known for its generous height and elegant white-and-blue blooms. For gardeners longing for unique colours, Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower) introduces sunny yellow flowers, while Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise ) and Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise) offer refined alternatives with crisp white and spoon-shaped floral displays.

Bird of Paradise Tree Uses and Benefits

Beyond its outstanding looks, the bird of paradise tree is remarkably practical. It serves as a wonderful screening plant, offering privacy and wind protection. With its bold foliage and upright growth, it’s perfect for accent planting in garden beds, containers, or even as a statement indoor plant in spacious rooms. The tree’s flowers attract birds and pollinators, supporting your local ecosystem and encouraging greater biodiversity.

Thanks to its drought tolerance and minimal maintenance needs, the bird of paradise tree is a smart choice for low-fuss landscaping. It tolerates most New Zealand climates, apart from severe frosts, and is generally resistant to pests and diseases.

Growing and Caring for Your Bird of Paradise Tree

Plant your bird of paradise tree in a spot with plenty of sunlight—partial shade is tolerated, but flower production will be best in full sun. Choose a free-draining soil and add organic matter for optimum growth. Water regularly in the warmer months and sparingly in winter; avoid soggy conditions to prevent root rot. Feed in spring and summer with a balanced fertiliser to encourage lush foliage and spectacular blooms.

For those keen to explore more species, consider Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise) for compact spaces, Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise ) for a refined palette, or Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana) for grand landscaping. The classic Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia) suits smaller gardens, and Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower) will delight collectors.

Transform Your Garden with a Bird of Paradise Tree

Embrace tropical elegance by adding a bird of paradise tree to your outdoor or indoor spaces. Whether you prefer vibrant flowers or architectural foliage, Strelitzia species offer year-round visual appeal and outstanding versatility. Visit our nursery to discover your ideal bird of paradise tree and let your garden flourish with colour and style.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
While Lomandra 'Tanika' and Lomandra Frosty Tops often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Leucadendron 'Golden Tulip', Escallonia 'Gold Brian', and Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

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