blue bird of paradise plant
If you’re searching for the elusive and exotic blue bird of paradise plant, you’re not alone. Many gardeners are captivated by this mythical plant’s supposed vibrant blue flowers and sculptural foliage. While the classic bird of paradise, known as Strelitzia reginae, boasts stunning orange and blue blooms, there’s much confusion around a true “blue” bird of paradise. Some plants commonly mistaken for the blue bird of paradise include tropical Strelitzia species as well as rare blue-flowering trees and shrubs. Let’s unravel the truth about the blue bird of paradise plant, discover alternative blue beauties, and find the perfect plants to infuse your New Zealand garden with dazzling colour.
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)
Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and long-lasting blue flowers. Loose clusters of the deep blue-mauve flowers are borne across the tree through spring and summer. The dark green foliage has a fern-like appearance, and in warm climates, it remains evergreen; otherwise, it is deciduous. It typically grows to 12 m tall and 8 m wide. Jacaranda mimosifolia is commonly used in avenue plantings to provide an unforgettable sight, grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting, or included in a ‘tropical’ garden.
From $323.65
Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)
The Blue Star Fern features wavy leaves that are a blue-green colour. This popular indoor plant grows as a clump to about 30 cm tall and the same wide. It grows best when positioned in partial shade on a well-drained soil in a sheltered spot. It will not tolerate wet growing conditions or frost. This Fern makes for a fantastic potted plant but can also be grown outdoors in warmer climates. In such environments it is often planted around pool and other outdoor living areas. This is an easy plant to grow and very forgiving.
![Stunning, dark blue flowers on Salvia 'Blue Angel].](/file/getimage/shop/jpg/sm/salvia-blue-angel.webp)
