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giant bird of paradise plant

If you're searching for an eye-catching tropical statement for your garden, the giant bird of paradise plant is an inspired choice. This bold perennial, widely known for its lush, banana-like foliage and dramatic white and blue flowers, transforms outdoor spaces with a unique architectural flair. Native to South Africa, the giant bird of paradise plant thrives in New Zealand's temperate regions, lending a touch of paradise to backyard landscapes, patios, and indoor atriums. Its resilience and striking form make it a favourite among gardeners seeking greenery that delivers both impact and elegance.

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 through summer and autumn to bear showy clusters of flowers ranging in colour from orange, red, pink, yellow, and pastel.

From $20.63

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
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 $39.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.25 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
Corokia 'Geentys Giant' green leaves.
Corokia 'Geenty's Giant'

Corokia 'Geenty's Giant' is a hardy, NZ native shrub that bears green-yellow foliage held densely on slender, upright branches. Masses of small...

From$17.95
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$17.25
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$16.49
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
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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 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
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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
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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
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Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' (ZZ ZZ 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
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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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
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$399.95
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Sequoiadendron giganteum

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Redwood) is one of the world's most impressive and majestic conifer trees, valued for its towering growth habit, rich...

From$270.40
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...

From$16.95
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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
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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
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...

From$18.63
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10 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$5.76
Chusquea gigantea plant with bamboo stems and green foliage.
Chusquea gigantea

Chusquea gigantea (Giant Bamboo) is an impressive clumping bamboo admired for its towering canes, graceful arching foliage, and non invasive growth...

From$56.51
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
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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Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
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5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
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3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
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2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
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1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
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0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
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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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Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
White waterproof paper plant tags for sale.
Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

Waterproof Paper Plant Tags provide a practical way to label plants, trays, pots, and nursery stock while resisting moisture during everyday growing...

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Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Camellia, Corokia, and Cyperus, or related Categories - Grasses, Perennials, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search giant bird of paradise plant

What Makes the Giant Bird of Paradise Plant So Special?

The giant bird of paradise plant stands apart both in size and style. At maturity, it can reach an impressive height of up to 6 metres, with massive leaves creating a tropical canopy effect. Its showy flowers, reminiscent of exotic birds in flight, emerge atop tall stems, attracting admiration and occasional birdlife. In addition to visual appeal, this plant offers practical benefits: it’s relatively low-maintenance, tolerates coastal conditions, and brings evergreen lushness to gardens year-round.

If you love the look of giant foliage, you may also appreciate Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana), which is botanically synonymous with the giant bird of paradise plant. For smaller spaces or varied colour palettes, consider other Strelitzia species like Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia), famous for its vivid orange and blue flowers, or the compact Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise).

Growing and Caring for Giant Bird of Paradise Plant in New Zealand

Success with the giant bird of paradise plant begins by planting it in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-draining soil. This plant tolerates brief periods of drought but appreciates regular watering in dry spells. In cooler areas, protect young plants from frost and wind, as their large leaves can be sensitive. Feeding with a balanced fertiliser in spring and summer encourages lush growth and flower production. Remove spent blooms and damaged leaves to keep your plant healthy and tidy.

The giant bird of paradise plant also thrives in large containers given ample room for root expansion and proper drainage. It can make an impressive indoor feature—just ensure it receives plenty of bright, indirect light.

Stunning Combinations and Related Varieties

Pairing your giant bird of paradise plant with other striking specimen plants enhances the overall aesthetic. Try companion planting with texture-rich ornamental grasses like Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge) for a layered, tropical effect. For a palette of yellows and golds, explore Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower), a stunning variation to complement your paradise theme.

Add Paradise to Your Landscape

Whether transforming a modern courtyard or designing a lush tropical retreat, the giant bird of paradise plant is a truly magnificent choice. Explore our range of Strelitzia varieties and discover how easy it is to add a touch of the exotic to your New Zealand garden.

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.
Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) and Avocado 'Hass' are classic choices, but adventurous gardeners will enjoy Poa cita, Acer 'Shindeshojo', and Persimmon 'Fuyu'.
–The Plant Company

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