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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.

Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.

Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

5 from 1 customers

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.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese, Tropical
salvia-african-sky-

Salvia 'African Sky'

5 from 1 customers

Salvia 'African Sky' is a stunning perennial valued for its masses of vivid sky blue flowers that bloom over a long season from spring through autumn. Its upright growth, aromatic foliage, and ability to attract bees and birds make it an excellent choice for New Zealand gardens.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Callistemon 'Little John' shrub in a courtyard garden covered in elegant, red flowers.
Callistemon 'Little John'

Callistemon 'Little John' is a compact dwarf bottlebrush celebrated for its deep red flowers and fine blue green foliage. Flowering from spring into...

From$27.53
hosta-blue-mouse-ears--5
Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a compact perennial prized for its rounded blue green foliage and tidy growth habit. It is an excellent choice for adding...

From$24.77
Salvia 'Aztec Blue' plants with elegant blue flowers above green foliage.
Salvia 'Aztec Blue'

Salvia 'Aztec Blue' is an eye catching perennial admired for its bold cobalt blue flower spikes that bloom heavily from late spring through autumn in...

From$27.53
strelitzia-reginae--3
Strelitzia reginae (Orange Bird Of Paradise)

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...

From$39.95
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$39.95
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' plant with blue flowers.
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is an award winning Catmint admired for its long flowering season and aromatic grey green foliage. From late spring through...

From$17.87
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Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Dichroa 'Blue Stars' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of intense blue star shaped flowers followed by brilliant metallic blue...

From$30.29
Podocarpus 'Matapouri Blue' hedge.
Podocarpus 'Matapouri Blue' (Blue Tōtara)

Podocarpus ‘Matapouri Blue’, also known as Blue Totara, is a stunning New Zealand native tree prized for its striking blue-green foliage and tidy...

From$30.29
Aquilegia Blue Barlow cluster of blue flowers.
Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' (Columbine)

Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' is a classic perennial admired for its elegant double deep blue flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. This...

From$30.29
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Juncus 'Blue Dart' (Blue Rush)

Juncus 'Blue Dart' is a striking ornamental rush prized for its upright blue green foliage and strong architectural form. This hardy evergreen plant...

From$18.29
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Cupressus 'Blue Ice' (Blue Arizona Cypress)

Cupressus 'Blue Ice' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant icy blue foliage and strong upright growth habit. This hardy tree...

From$270.40
Agapanthus 'Blue Finn' blue flower.
Agapanthus 'Blue Finn'

Agapanthus 'Blue Finn' is a compact, evergreen variety prized for its deep blue blooms and tidy, clumping habit. This hardy perennial adds a burst of...

From$22.95
Westringia 'Blue Gem' low hedge with elegant mauve coloured flowers.
Westringia 'Blue Gem'

Westringia 'Blue Gem' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its fine grey green foliage, naturally dense rounded habit, and masses of soft blue...

From$18.95
An upright Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' shrub with blue flowers in a Mediterranean themed garden.
Rosmarinus 'Tuscan Blue'

The 'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary is a fast-growing and upright variety that features petite, sky-blue flowers borne amidst the dark green leaves through...

From$22.01
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Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' (Silver Gum)

Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' is a highly popular evergreen tree admired for its stunning silver blue foliage and strong ornamental appeal. The rounded...

From$408.85
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone' shrubs with green foliage in pots.
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone'

Thuja 'Blue Cone' is a dwarf conifer that features dense and erect sprays of green foliage. It gets its name from the blue cones produced during...

From$289.95
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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
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
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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
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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 '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
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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
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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
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
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
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
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
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Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas 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
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
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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
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Callistemon, Dichroa, and Hosta, or related Categories - Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

Search blue bird of paradise plant

What Is the Blue Bird of Paradise Plant?

The blue bird of paradise plant is a term often used—sometimes mistakenly—to describe several showstopping plants. The original “bird of paradise,” Strelitzia reginae, features vivid orange petals with a splash of blue, resembling a colourful bird in flight. However, some gardeners hunt for a truly blue bird of paradise, which doesn’t technically exist. Instead, consider the breathtaking Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia) as your go-to for easy-care, tropical flair and dramatic blooms. Native to South Africa, Strelitzia thrives outdoors in frost-free regions, or as a statement indoor plant.

Blue-Toned Alternatives for Your Garden

If you dream of blue flowers, leaves, or garden accents, there are remarkable alternatives that rival the mythical blue bird of paradise plant. For bold blue foliage, explore the Hosta Blue Mouse Ears, a compact perennial with charming blue-grey leaves, perfect for shaded borders and indoor pots. Prefer blue-flowering trees? The Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda) is a spectacular option—their soft blue-lavender blossoms create a canopy of colour during late spring and summer.

Looking for something with fragrant foliage? The Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant) offers aromatic leaves and subtle blue flowers, ideal for garden beds or decorative containers. For indoor gardeners, the Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern) brings a unique, cool blue-green hue to your living spaces, all while purifying the air and thriving in indirect light.

Growing Tips and Plant Care Advice

Whether you opt for the classic Strelitzia or a blue-toned alternative, the right care ensures lush growth and vibrant colour. Strelitzia reginae appreciates full sun and well-drained soil, and is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Keep in mind that these impressive plants can reach up to 1.5 metres in height and enjoy regular feeding during the warmer months.

For “blue” foliage perennials such as Hosta Blue Mouse Ears, plant in partial shade with rich, moist soil to maintain their distinctive colouring and compact form. Blue Jacaranda trees grow best in sunny locations protected from strong winds, with plenty of space to develop their umbrella-like canopy. Mint bush plants, like Prostanthera Eddington Blue, suit mixed beds and hedges, bringing delightful scent and seasonal blue flowers.

Shop Blue Beauties for Your NZ Garden

The search for the blue bird of paradise plant might lead you to some fascinating botanical treasures. Whether it’s the elegant Strelitzia, the serene blue jacaranda, or foliage wonders like Hosta and Blue Star Fern, our nursery curates a range of unique plants for gardeners seeking true colour and style. Explore the links above to browse blue-toned favourites and transform your garden into a sanctuary of vibrant hues.


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.

While Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily) and Griselinia 'Broadway Mint' often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Grape 'Pinot Noir', Hebe 'Snowdrift', and Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood) quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

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