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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 (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

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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.

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
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Strelitzia 'Mandelas Gold'

Strelitzia 'Mandelas Gold' (Yellow Crane Flower) is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its vivid yellow flowers and bold tropical foliage. The upright blooms rise above broad green leaves to create an eye catching display through the warmer months.

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
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
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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...

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A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

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Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'

Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet' is a magnificent deciduous flowering tree renowned for its masses of rich scarlet double flowers that cover the...

From$340.69
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...

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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...

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Robinia 'Frisia'

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Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

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Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

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Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

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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...

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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...

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Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its bright yellow flower clusters and attractive foliage. In...

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Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood)

Podocarpus henkelii (Henkel Yellowwood) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping foliage, stately form, and year round appeal...

From$270.40
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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

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A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

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Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

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Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

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Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

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Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

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Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping branches, fine textured foliage, and attractive...

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Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

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Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) yellow flower amidst lush, green foliage.
Liriodendron tulipifera

Liriodendron tulipifera, commonly known as the Tulip Tree, is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its stately form and striking flowers. It...

From$387.55
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

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Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

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A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.
Tilia platyphyllos

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-Leaved Linden) is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its large heart shaped leaves, fragrant pale yellow flowers, and...

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Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

From$270.40
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Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
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Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

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Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beilschmiedia, Crataegus, and Liriodendron, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Planter Bags, and Perennials.

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.


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.

Gardenia 'Veitchii' and Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) are classic choices, but adventurous gardeners will enjoy Rosmarinus 'Mozart', Camellia Roma Red, and Kumquat 'Meiwa'.
–The Plant Company

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