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strelitzia tree

The strelitzia tree, often admired for its striking foliage and dramatic flowers, is a top choice for landscaping statement pieces across New Zealand gardens. This captivating plant, sometimes called a "tree" for its impressive height and tropical presence, belongs to the Strelitzia genus and brings an instant lush, architectural look wherever it grows. Whether you’re seeking a sculptural centerpiece, a subtropical privacy screen, or an eye-catching container specimen, the strelitzia tree adds enduring elegance and an exotic touch to outdoor and indoor spaces alike.

Strelitzia alba white flowers with blue bracts and green foliage.

Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise )

Strelitzia alba, commonly known as the White Bird Of Paradise or White Strelitzia, features spectacular, white flowers with blue bracts through spring and summer. The foliage comprises large and glossy, dark green leaves as it grows to 4 m tall and 2 m wide. Strelitzia alba is commonly included in tropical plantings, planted around pools and other outdoor living areas, used to line an entranceway, or maintained in a container.

Plant type: Perennials
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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 spring and summer. The flowers are complemented with large and lush, dark green leaves as it grows to 1.5 m tall and the same wide. Strelitzia Mandelas Gold 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: 1.50 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
strelitzia-reginae--3
Strelitzia reginae (Orange Bird Of Paradise)

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...

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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...

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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

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A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

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Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

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Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
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Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

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Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise )

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Liriodendron, and Magnolia, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Perennials, and Deciduous Trees.

Search strelitzia tree

What Is a Strelitzia Tree?

The term "strelitzia tree" usually refers to the taller members of the Strelitzia genus, such as Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana), which can reach up to 6 meters and features impressive banana-like leaves and pristine white and blue flowers. Unlike true trees, they have leafy stems that gradually form a sturdy clump, creating a multi-stemmed effect and a lush canopy. These dramatic plants are native to South Africa, and have become iconic for their bird-of-paradise blooms and bold, paddle-shaped foliage.

If you’re interested in other distinctive varieties, Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise ) and Strelitzia augusta (White Flowered White Banana) also grow tall and offer similar structural impact, each with unique flower and leaf characteristics.

Growing and Caring for Strelitzia Trees in New Zealand

Strelitzia trees thrive in full sun to dappled shade and prefer well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. While they show remarkable tolerance to wind and coastal conditions, these tropical beauties appreciate regular watering during warmer months—especially when young or grown in containers. Mature plants can tolerate short dry spells once established. Mulch around the base annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

In cooler New Zealand climates, strelitzia trees can be protected from heavy frost by positioning them against a north-facing wall or under larger canopy trees. If you’re growing a dwarf variety such as Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia), consider using pots so you can move them under cover during cold snaps.

Design Uses for Strelitzia Trees

The strelitzia tree is a favourite for adding height, texture, and a sense of the tropics to landscape designs. Use it as a bold feature at the entrance, a lush privacy screen along boundary lines, or in groups for a layered, resort-style garden. The leaves catch the breeze beautifully, infusing movement into still corners. These plants also make striking indoor "trees" in large atriums or sunrooms, delivering year-round greenery.

Pairing a larger strelitzia tree with smaller relatives such as Strelitzia parvifolia (Spoonleaf Bird of Paradise) creates appealing contrast in foliage form and plant height.

Explore More Strelitzia Varieties

For gardeners passionate about the bird-of-paradise family, our curated selection features everything from the iconic Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana) to the elegant Strelitzia alba (White Bird Of Paradise ), bold Strelitzia augusta (White Flowered White Banana), and colourful Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia). Selecting a mix of these varieties ensures a garden display that stuns in every season.

Ready to introduce the tropical beauty of a strelitzia tree to your home or garden? Explore our full range of strelitzia plants and discover how easy it is to bring an architectural flair to your landscape.


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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.

Coprosma acerosa and Photinia 'Red Robin' are classic choices, but adventurous gardeners will enjoy Lomandra Little Pal, Rhododendron Vireya 'Popcorn', and Magnolia 'Star Wars'.
–The Plant Company

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