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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.

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

5 from 1 customers

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple fruits through autumn and winter, which are favoured by birds. Also of interest are the leaves, which, when young, are covered in red-brown hairs that disappear as the tree ages.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 7.00 m
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Native
strelitzia-nicolai-

Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

5 from 1 customers

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue flowers. This tropical looking plant creates a dramatic feature in NZ gardens and indoor spaces.

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
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...

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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...

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Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' plant with pink flowers.
Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler'

Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' is a low growing evergreen shrub valued for its bronze tinted foliage and vibrant red flowers. Flowering over a long...

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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$323.65
Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.
Vitex lucens

Vitex lucens, commonly known as Puriri, is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its lush foliage, vibrant pink to red tubular flowers, and...

From$270.40
Cornus 'Southern Cross' white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross'

Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross' features large and showy, white flowers which adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. It...

From$340.69
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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...

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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...

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Correa 'Dusky Bells'

Correa 'Dusky Bells' is a compact evergreen shrub known for its attractive dusky pink bell shaped flowers and soft grey green foliage. It brings year...

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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$27.95
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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...

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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...

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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...

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Pyracantha 'Brilliant' red berries with lush green foliage.
Pyracantha 'Brilliant' (Fire Thorn)

Pyracantha 'Brilliant' is an attractive shrub grown for its decorative berries. Clusters of dainty, white flowers are borne in spring and result in...

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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...

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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...

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A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
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Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
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...

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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...

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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...

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PB95 Planter Bags (Large Planter Bags)

PB95 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, specimen shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock...

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Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

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White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
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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...

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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...

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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...

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Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

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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
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...

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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...

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Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beilschmiedia, Clianthus, and Cornus, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Perennials, and Evergreen Shrubs.

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.

Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' and Corokia 'Bronze King' are beloved staples, but Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai), Plum Omega, and Rhaphiolepis 'Apple Blossom' bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

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