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giant bird of paradise nz

Giant bird of paradise NZ searches are booming as Kiwi gardeners hunt for striking architectural plants that bring a lush, subtropical flavour to their outdoor spaces. With dramatic foliage and gorgeous white-blue flowers, the giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is a true statement plant that flourishes throughout much of New Zealand. Whether you’re creating a tropical corner in Auckland, a sheltered patio in Wellington, or hoping to brighten a Christchurch garden, the giant bird of paradise delivers year-round beauty with a wow factor unlike any other. Discover how to grow and care for Strelitzia nicolai, its best uses in NZ gardens, and how it compares to other bird of paradise varieties.

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Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana)

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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
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$299.92
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
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$358.98
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$28.28
A Protea cynaroides (King Protea) flower.

Protea cynaroides (King Protea)

Protea cynaroides, commonly known as the King Protea or Giant Protea, features flowers with deep crimson bracts and a cream-coloured centre from...

From$43.13
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush) plants in a landscaped garden.

Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush)

Juncus pallidus, commonly known as the Giant Rush, features erect, dark green leaves and grows as a tidy clump, reaching approximately 75 cm in...

From$16.13
A tui feeding on the berries and flowers in a Pseudopanax arboreus (Whauwhaupaku) tree.

Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger)

Pseudopanax arboreus, commonly known as Five Finger or Whauwhaupaku, is a fast-growing NZ native tree that typically reaches 4–6 m tall. It features...

From$18.83
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$28.28
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$63.38
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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
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
Doryanthes palmeri plant in a garden with a large red flower.

Doryanthes palmeri (Giant Spear Lily)

Doryanthes palmeri is a standout plant valued for its commonly known as The Giant Spear Lily, is an Australian native grown for its amazing flowers...

From$146.79
Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.

Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green...

From$17.48
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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$266.72
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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
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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
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
Alcantarea imperialis (Giant Bromeliad) plant with a large red flower.

Alcantarea imperialis (Bromeliad)

Alcantarea imperialis, commonly known as the Giant Bromeliad, is a striking architectural plant prized for its massive rosette of broad, silver green...

From$124.13
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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
A Cornus controversa (Giant Dogwood) specimen tree.

Cornus controversa

Cornus controversa, commonly known as the Giant Dogwood, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that features lush foliage that emerges mid-green in...

From$343.89
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
Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' green foliage and blue flowers.

Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' is a vigorous perennial prized for its aromatic foliage and abundant lavender blue flowers that bloom from late spring...

From$18.83
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Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
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Liriope 'Evergreen Giant'

Liriope 'Evergreen Giant' is an herbaceous perennial that grows as a clump and produces strap-like, dark green leaves. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
Thuja plicata 'Green Giant' trees standing 5 m tall as a lush, green screen.

Thuja 'Green Giant'

Thuja 'Green Giant' is a smaller variety of Cedar and bears sprays of glossy, dark green foliage held on slender stems. The result is a tree with a...

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Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' plants with green foliage and blue flowers growing in a garden bed.

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' (Bugleweed Plant) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy dark green leaves and striking blue flower...

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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...

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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...

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Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Ajuga, Alcantarea, Azalea, Beilschmiedia, Camellia, Cornus, Cyperus, Doryanthes, Grevillea, Juncus, Knightia, Liriope, Metrosideros, Nepeta, Protea, Pseudopanax, Sansevieria, Sequoiadendron, Sophora, Sorbus Strelitzia and Thuja, or related Categories - Bird netting, Bromeliads, Conifer Trees, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Azaleas, Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

Search giant bird of paradise nz

What is the Giant Bird of Paradise?

The giant bird of paradise NZ gardeners love is botanically known as Strelitzia nicolai. Native to South Africa, this spectacular plant boasts enormous paddle-shaped leaves and large, dramatic flower structures reminiscent of exotic birds in flight. In warmer parts of New Zealand, Strelitzia nicolai can reach several metres in height. Its robust stems and evergreen foliage make it ideal for screening, windbreaking, and creating private outdoor retreats.

Explore our range:
Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana) – perfect for subtropical gardens and patio features.

Growing Giant Bird of Paradise NZ: Care & Tips

Giant bird of paradise is surprisingly easy to grow in New Zealand when given the right conditions. Choose a spot with full sun to part shade, shelter from strong wind, and free-draining soil. While it’s tolerant of coastal sites and dry periods, regular watering and occasional feeding will encourage lush growth and prolific flowering. Strelitzia nicolai is best suited to frost-free regions, but can be grown indoors or in containers in cooler climates.

Looking for smaller or differently coloured bird of paradise options?
Try Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia) for vivid orange-blue blooms.
Explore Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower) for a unique yellow twist.
For compact gardens, consider Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise).

Plant Uses: Creating Tropical NZ Gardens

Giant bird of paradise NZ plants are a popular choice for residential gardens, courtyards, and landscape projects. Their bold foliage creates an instant sense of drama and privacy, making them ideal for screening unsightly fences or forming living walls. Use Strelitzia nicolai as a specimen plant, combine with palms or tarairi for rich texture, or anchor subtropical planting beds.

Mix with New Zealand natives such as Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) to create a lush oasis with stunning contrast between broad exotic leaves and local species.

Why Choose Giant Bird of Paradise NZ?

Strelitzia nicolai is a top choice for plant lovers wanting low-maintenance glamour and year-round greenery. Its resilience, unique flowers, and commanding size make it a must-have in modern NZ landscapes. Whether used as a screen, focal point, or patio feature, the giant bird of paradise will transform any garden with tropical flair.

Start your garden transformation with the giant bird of paradise NZ – and enjoy big-leaf beauty no matter where you are in New Zealand.


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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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