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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.

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. It is perfect for adding texture and contrast to pathways, borders, and eco-friendly landscapes.

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
strelitzia-nicolai-

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
Anthurium Zizou Purple plant with purple flowers and green foliage.

Anthurium Zizou Purple'

Anthurium 'Zizou Purple' is a striking tropical plant admired for its rich purple blooms and glossy, heart shaped leaves. Perfect for New Zealand...

From$37.73
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$22.88
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-pearl-

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
leptinella-pusilla-

Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons)

Leptinella pusilla, commonly known as the Purple Brass Buttons plant, is an herbaceous perennial native to New Zealand. It is a creeping and somewhat...

From$18.23
Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' flower cluster.

Hoya pubicalyx 'Royal Hawaiian Purple'

Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' is a popular variety that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated, dark green leaves held on...

From$83.63
Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' purple-pink flowers and variegated foliage.

Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

Bougainvillea ‘Purple Patch’ is a dazzling climbing plant that delivers an abundance of rich purple bracts through the warmer months. Perfect for...

From$29.63
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
fraxinus-purple-spire-2

Fraxinus Purple Spire

Fraxinus Purple Spire is a popular variety of the commonly known, Claret Ash, and is grown for its impressive form and brilliant autumn colours. It...

From$343.89
strelitzia-reginae--3

Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia)

Strelitzia reginae, commonly known as the Crane Flower or Bird Of Paradise, produces spectacular orange flowers with a blue highlight through spring...

From$43.13
Colourful Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple' plants with purple flowers.

Liriope 'Royal Purple'

Liriope 'Royal Purple', commonly known as Monkey Grass, produces strap-like, dark green leaves that become adorned with masses of showy, deep...

From$18.83
mesembryanthemum-purple-splendour--2

Mesembryanthemum Purple Splendour

“Purple Splendour” is a variety of the commonly known, Iceplant, and is an herbaceous perennial grown for its spreading nature and pretty flowers. It...

From$21.53
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
lavandula-lavance-deep-purple-

Lavandula Lavance Purple

Lavandula Lavance Purple is a variety of English Lavender that grows as a compact shrub and carries masses of small, dark purple-blue flower spikes...

From$24.98
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
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-helen-

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
chlorophytum-curly--2

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
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
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-vanessa-1

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
sansevieria-hahnii-

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
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-belinda-4

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
fagus-dawyck-purple-2

Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple

Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple, commonly known as the Purple Beech tree, is grown for its beautiful colours and slender growth habit. The foliage...

From$299.92
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
Lavender 'Bandera Purple' with elegant, purple flowers growing in a border.

Lavender stoechas 'Bandera Purple'

Lavender stoechas 'Bandera Purple' is a compact and vibrant lavender variety known for its deep purple flowers topped with bright coloured bracts...

From$36.38
strelitzia-reginae-mandelas-gold-

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
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
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$299.92
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
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
azalea-paradise-elfin-

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
aechmea-fasciata-

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
Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Aechmea, Anthurium, Azalea, Bougainvillea, Camellia, Chlorophytum, Coprosma, Dodonaea, Fagus, Fraxinus, Hoya, Kniphofia, Lavandula, Lavender, Leonotis, Leptinella, Liriope, Mesembryanthemum, Monstera, Sansevieria Strelitzia and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Azaleas, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Deciduous Trees.

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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.


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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.

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