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large bird of paradise plant

If you’re searching for a dramatic, subtropical showpiece, the large bird of paradise plant is the perfect choice for your indoor collection or garden oasis. With its bold foliage and striking bird-like flowers, the large bird of paradise plant instantly brings a touch of the tropics to any space. Unlike its smaller relatives, this impressive plant can grow up to 6 metres tall (especially outdoors in frost-free climates), making it a stunning feature in entrances, patios, atriums, or large living areas across New Zealand.

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Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana)

5 from 1 customers

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
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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$83.63
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...

From$20.18
Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.

Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular...

From$22.28
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
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
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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
Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$32.33
Leonotis leonurus shrub with masses of orange flowers.

Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant)

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as the Lions Tail Plant, is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and foliage. Its unusualness comes from...

From$26.93
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$20.18
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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
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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
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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...

From$26.93
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$19.58
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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...

From$37.73
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Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
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
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Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
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PB2 Planter Bags (Plastic Plant Bags)

These PB2 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1.2 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$17.26
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Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$43.13
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

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A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$29.63
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Duranta Geisha Girl (Geisha Girl Plant)

Duranta Geisha Girl is a popular choice known for its evergreen shrub with fresh green leaves and deep, blue flowers. The flowers have a white centre...

From$28.28
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Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime)

Tilia platyphyllos, commonly known as Large-Leaved Linden, is a stately deciduous tree admired for its broad, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant summer...

From$432.79
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PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$48.54
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PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

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Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and...

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Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

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Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

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Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Azalea, Bergenia, Camellia, Carex, Chlorophytum, Coprosma, Duranta, Helichrysum, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Monstera, Perovskia, Sansevieria, Sophora, Strelitzia Stromanthe and Tilia, or related Categories - Acid Loving Plants, Planter Bags, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Azaleas, Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

Search large bird of paradise plant

About the Large Bird of Paradise Plant

The large bird of paradise plant is celebrated for its upward-reaching, banana-like leaves and its spectacular flower spikes that resemble a vibrant bird in flight. While several species are commonly referred to as a bird of paradise, the quintessential large bird of paradise is most frequently Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana), with its broad blue-grey leaves and striking white-and-blue flowers. This robust evergreen can channel a tropical or architectural vibe, suitable for creating a lush backdrop or screening large areas.

For those interested in different varieties, consider the classic Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia) with its iconic orange flowers or the rare and beautiful Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise ). Each brings a unique flair to your plant collection.

Growing and Caring for Large Bird of Paradise in New Zealand

Thriving in bright, indirect light but tolerating some direct sun, the large bird of paradise plant is surprisingly low maintenance. For best results, plant in well-draining soil indoors or out, and water deeply when the top few centimetres of soil become dry. Feed with a balanced fertiliser throughout spring and summer to encourage bold foliage and spectacular growth. Large bird of paradise plants are well suited to frost-free, sheltered areas but can also be grown in big pots on sunny patios in cooler zones, moving them indoors when winter arrives. With time, you’ll enjoy impressive foliage and, given the right conditions, sensational blooms.

If you're looking to add variety, the golden-hued Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower) offers a sunny twist, while Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise) delivers a more compact form, perfect for smaller gardens or container displays.

Styling Ideas and Plant Uses

The large bird of paradise plant always makes a statement, whether showcased as a single hero plant or mass-planted for a resort-style landscape. These plants thrive in light-filled foyers, pool sides, conservatories, and even modern offices. Outdoors, plant alongside palms, cycads, or ferns for lush contrast. Indoors, match with woven baskets and mid-century furnishings for an effortlessly stylish look.

Explore More Bird of Paradise Varieties

No matter your space, there’s a bird of paradise to suit. Browse our handpicked collection, including Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia), Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana), Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower), Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise ), and Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise) to find your next statement plant. Ready to transform your space? The large bird of paradise plant is waiting to bring a touch of the extraordinary to your home or 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.

Magnolia stellata Waterlily and Lomandra Lime Tuff are beloved staples, but Cherry Dawson, Miscanthus 'Morning Light', and Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball' bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

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