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purple bird of paradise plant

The purple bird of paradise plant is a striking, tropical-looking specimen that adds dramatic flair to any New Zealand garden or indoor space. Coveted for its deep green leaves and eye-catching, almost architectural blooms, the purple bird of paradise plant conjures up images of lush, colourful landscapes. Many plant enthusiasts seek this unique beauty to create focal points in garden beds, containers, or even as a bold indoor statement piece. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the purple bird of paradise plant, how to care for it, and some fantastic companion plants for a harmonious botanical display.

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
Acaena inermis purpurea with small purple leaves.

Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

5 from 2 customers

Acaena purpurea, commonly known as Purple Bidibidi, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover admired for its striking purple foliage and creeping growth habit. This evergreen perennial forms dense mats that provide year round colour and weed suppression.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$18.95
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' flower cluster.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Royal Hawaiian Purple'

Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' is a stunning evergreen climber prized for its thick glossy foliage and clusters of richly coloured star shaped flowers...

From$20.63
fraxinus-purple-spire-2
Fraxinus 'Purple Spire'

Fraxinus 'Purple Spire' is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its upright narrow habit and outstanding autumn foliage that develops rich purple...

From$387.55
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
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
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
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$27.95
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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
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
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
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...

From$24.95
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$27.95
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
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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$18.95
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

The Purple Fountain beech is a variety of European Beech tree that features colourful foliage and weeping branches. The glossy leaves emerge deep...

From$270.40
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$27.95
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$27.95
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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...

From$44.09
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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
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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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
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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...

From$41.33
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
bird-netting-
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
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
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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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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
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
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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
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Beilschmiedia, and Camellia, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, and Perennials.

Search purple bird of paradise plant

Understanding the Purple Bird of Paradise Plant

While the name "purple bird of paradise plant" is commonly used, it's important to clarify that the true bird of paradise genus, Strelitzia, doesn’t have a species with deep purple blooms. Often, gardeners use this name to reference the stunning Strelitzia nicolai, famous for its majestic white and blue flowers with lush, banana-like foliage. If you’re searching for a dramatic and statuesque plant similar to the legendary bird of paradise, Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana) is an exceptional option that thrives both in gardens and indoors.

Growing and Caring for Your Bird of Paradise

The purple bird of paradise plant is admired for handling New Zealand’s variable climate. It flourishes in well-draining soil, with full sun to part shade—ideal for both coastal and more sheltered spots. These plants love humidity and regular watering, but will tolerate short dry spells once established. In a home environment, consistent moisture and bright light will help them grow lush and healthy.

Tip: If you’re aiming for an indoor jungle effect, pair a bird of paradise plant with the striking Anthurium Zizou Purple', whose vibrant purplish blooms complement the bold green foliage beautifully.

Landscape Design with Purple Bird of Paradise

The grandeur of the purple bird of paradise plant makes it perfect for creating structural interest. Use it as a dramatic centrepiece in subtropical or contemporary gardens, or plant in clusters for a true lush, oasis effect. For best results, integrate contrasting foliage and colours: the deep burgundy foliage of Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush) or the pearly blooms of Camellia Paradise Pearl add a captivating contrast and visual depth.

For groundcover, consider Acaena purpurea (Piripiri) beneath your bird of paradise, which introduces textural and colour variety while suppressing weeds and helping retain moisture.

Why Choose the Purple Bird of Paradise Plant?

Few plants match the architectural flair and easy-care nature of the purple bird of paradise plant. With its bold silhouette and resilience, it’s ideal for Kiwi gardeners wanting impact with minimal fuss. Whether you’re transforming your backyard into a subtropical retreat or seeking an indoor companion for your plant collection, the purple bird of paradise plant offers year-round interest and a touch of the exotic.

Explore our plant range to discover more statement-making foliage options similar to the purple bird of paradise plant, and design a garden or indoor space that is truly your own.


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.

Sure, Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' and Corokia 'Bronze King' are crowd-pleasers, but Pear Taylors Gold, Fagus 'Dawyck Gold', and Hemerocallis 'Siloam Little Girl' are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

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