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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.

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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
strelitzia-reginae--3

Strelitzia reginae (Strelitzia)

5 from 1 customers

Strelitzia reginae, commonly known as the Crane Flower or Bird Of Paradise, produces spectacular orange flowers with a blue highlight through spring and summer. The foliage comprises large and glossy, dark green leaves which are aesthetic year-round as it grows to 1.5 m tall and 2 m wide. Strelitzia reginae 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: 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
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
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Cercis canadensis Texas White

Cercis canadensis Texas White, commonly known as the White Redbud tree, is a small tree grown for its colourful foliage, great form, and lovely...

From$432.79
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Lagunaria patersonia

Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as the Primrose Tree, is an attractive, evergreen tree featuring lovely flowers. The showy, single flowers are...

From$343.89
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Robinia Lace Lady

Robinia Lace Lady, commonly known as the False Acacia tree, is a deciduous tree grown for its lace-like foliage and pendulous form. The showy foliage...

From$299.92
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$12.50
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Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls

Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a variety of the commonly known, Swamp Cypress, and is a fabulous weeping tree that will tolerate heavy soils...

From$343.89
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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$391.14
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
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Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata (Field Elm)

Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata, commonly known as Field Elm or Variegated Elm tree, is a stately, deciduous tree grown for its colourful foliage. The...

From$432.79
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$277.74
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Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
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Fraxinus excelsior aurea

Fraxinus excelsior aurea, commonly known as the Golden Ash tree, is a large and stately, deciduous tree. The leaves emerge light green-yellow in...

From$343.89
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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$299.92
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.

Tabebuia rosea

Tabebuia rosea, commonly known as Pink Poui or Rosy Trumpet Tree, is a large tree grown for its amazing flowers. Showy clusters of pink flowers coat...

From$43.13
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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
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Fraxinus excelsior

Fraxinus excelsior, commonly known as the European Ash or Common Ash, is a large and stately, deciduous tree grown for its rich and colourful...

From$299.92
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Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii

Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii, commonly known as the Horse Chestnut, is a lovely, spreading tree. It bears large, upright sprays of double, white...

From$450.68
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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
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Cercis canadensis Hearts of Gold (Redbud)

The Cercis canadensis Hearts of Gold tree, commonly known as the Redbud Tree or Hearts Of Gold Redbud, is a small and popular, deciduous tree grown...

From$343.89
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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$343.89
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

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Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$432.79
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Aesculus Briotii

Aesculus Briotii is a variety of the commonly known, Red Horse Chestnut, and is grown for its colourful flowers and great form. It bears masses of...

From$382.61
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Corylus maxima Purpurea

Corylus maxima Purpurea, commonly known as the Purple-Leaved Filbert tree, is grown for its attractive foliage and interesting catkins. This...

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Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$343.89
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Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$12.50
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Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

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Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

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Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

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Strelitzia nicolai (Natal Wild Banana)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Aesculus, Beilschmiedia, Cedrela, Cercis, Corylus, Fraxinus, Lagunaria, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Robinia, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sorbus, Strelitzia, Tabebuia Taxodium and Ulmus, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Palm Tree Fertiliser, Plant Guards, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

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.

–The Plant Company

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