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large bird of paradise plant nz

Bring a touch of bold, tropical style to your New Zealand garden or indoor space with the spectacular large bird of paradise plant. Known for its stunning architectural foliage and unique flowers, the large bird of paradise plant NZ gardeners adore stands out as an iconic feature for both homes and landscapes. Popular among plant lovers for its dramatic upright leaves and bird-shaped blooms, this statement piece creates an instant focal point, flourishing in our warm, sheltered climates—whether in containers or directly in your garden. Read on to discover why the large bird of paradise is a must-have and how you can successfully grow one at home.

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Strelitzia nicolai

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.

From $39.95

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 (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: 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$270.40
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$24.15
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
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$24.95
A Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Sophora godleyi is a magnificent New Zealand native tree valued for its graceful weeping branches and bright yellow flowers that appear in spring...

From$323.65
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
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
Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.
Phormium tenax

Phormium tenax, commonly known as the NZ flax or Harakeke, is a flax plant that produces erect, green, sword-like leaves. Stems rise above the...

From$7.50
correa-dusky-bells-
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...

From$25.53
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
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$30.29
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$408.85
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
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-helen-
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
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-vanessa-1
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-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
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-pearl-
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
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

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
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
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
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
azalea-paradise-elfin-
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
zamioculcas-black-knight-
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
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
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
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
10-litre-plant-pots-
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
pb-95-planter-bags-
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...

From$230.50
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
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...

From$21.39
Strelitzia nicolai

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search large bird of paradise plant nz

What Makes the Large Bird of Paradise Plant Special?

The large bird of paradise plant truly lives up to its reputation for striking beauty and versatility. With substantial glossy green leaves that create a lush, tropical effect, these plants bring structure to outdoor living areas, patios, and entrances. In New Zealand, varieties such as Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana) are renowned for their robust size, reaching up to 6 metres tall over time, while Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia) offers the classic vivid orange and blue blooms reminiscent of an exotic bird.

Beyond their visually striking appearance, bird of paradise plants are relatively hardy and well-suited to many conditions found across New Zealand, especially in northern and coastal areas. They tolerate occasional wind and can bounce back after dry spells, making them a practical yet luxurious option for Kiwi gardeners.

Choosing the Best Bird of Paradise for Your NZ Garden

If you’re searching for a large bird of paradise plant NZ-wide, you’ll want to consider which variety best fits your location and design vision. Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana) features broad banana-like leaves and towering heights, perfect for making a big statement in gardens or as a striking background plant. For a show of colour, Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia) brings the iconic bird-shaped flowers in late winter and spring. Prefer something truly unique? The elegant Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise) and the golden yellow Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower) offer unforgettable alternatives.

Looking for companion plants? Consider pairing with natives like Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai) for a distinctly New Zealand twist.

How to Grow Large Bird of Paradise in New Zealand

Plant your large bird of paradise in a sheltered spot with plenty of indirect sunlight and free-draining soil. They will appreciate protection from harsh winter frosts, thriving best in warmer zones, but can be grown in large containers and brought indoors if you live further south. Water regularly over the warmer months, and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser to promote those coveted lush leaves and dramatic blooms.

With a little care, your large bird of paradise plant will reward you with year-round architectural foliage and, in the right conditions, extraordinary flowers. Browse our range to find your perfect [large bird of paradise plant NZ] and transform your outdoor space into a subtropical oasis.

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.
Start your garden with Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily) and Griselinia 'Broadway Mint', and add depth with lesser-known gems like Correa 'Limelight', Typha orientalis (Raupō), and Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo).
–The Plant Company

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