Bird of paradise - Strelitzia reginae (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Bird of paradise

Also known as: Mini craneflower, Queen's bird-of-paradise

The bird of paradise is a bright, flowering plant. It is native to South Africa, where it is important to national culture, even being featured on the country's 50-cent coin. The bird of paradise has also become the official flower of Los Angeles in spite of its non-native status. In the wild, these flowers attract sunbirds as pollinators.

Scientific classification

Species

Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Genus

Bird of paradise

Family

Bird of paradise flower

Order

Gingers, bananas, and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall, Winter

Bloom Time

Spring

Harvest Time

1.2 m to 1.8 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green, Gray, Silver, Blue

Leaf Color

8 cm to 10 cm

Flower Size

Orange

Fruit Color

Orange, Blue, Yellow, Purple, White, Green, Red

Flower Color

Green, Gray, Silver, Blue, Orange

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Bird of paradise

Distribution of Bird of paradise

Distribution Map

The bird of paradise is native to South Africa, where it grows in coastal shrublands. The species has been introduced to parts of central and tropical South America, where it's cultivated as an ornamental. It is grown and sold as a potted ornamental around the world.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Pastures

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Bird of paradise is a herbaceous perennial whose showy golden-yellow flowers are a common sight in warm-climate ornamental gardens. This plant does not fare well in the cold, however, and so should be grown in containers in cooler climates, so it can be brought indoors in winter. Outdoors bird of paradise looks best when grown in groups in beds or wall-side borders and makes a great addition to city, cottage, informal, or Mediterranean gardens. It grows well with other drought-tolerant plants like mondo grass and juniper.

Symbolism

Magnificence, faithfulness, love, optimism

Interesting Facts

Legend goes that there was a fairy that missed meeting her lover and could not become a bird, so she turned herself into a bird-shaped flower, which is the bird of paradise flower.

Name Story

Bird of paradise: The bird of paradise gets its name that its flower is made of three bright orange petals and three blue petals that are fused together into a single bud. The open flowers of the plant is a resemblance to the head and beak of a colorful exotic bird.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Bird of paradise, including the following common varieties :

Mandela's Gold strelitzia

Toxicity

Bird of paradise is mildly to moderately toxic when ingested, especially affecting cats, dogs, and children. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. The most toxic parts are the fruits and seeds. Misidentification with Poinciana gilliesii can occur. Keep bird of paradise away from pets and children to avoid poisoning risks.

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Quickly Identify Bird of paradise

Robust evergreen clumps reaching 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) in height

Distinctive flowers with orange sepals and blue fused petals

Large, gray-green banana-like leaves measuring 3.5-4 feet (1-1.2 meters)

Hardy leathery fruit capsules with vivid orange aril and small seeds

Inflorescence displays unique floral structure with orange and blue hues

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Care Guide for Bird of paradise

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Bird of paradise thrives in subtropical climates, needing consistent moisture but tolerating brief dry spells. It prefers well-draining, humus-rich soil and requires weekly watering. As an indoor evergreen, regular misting helps replicate its native humidity, promoting lush foliage and vibrant blooms.

Fertilize: Fertilize bird of paradise with high-phosphorus fertilizers every two weeks during growth seasons and once a month in winter. Apply at a quarter to half strength when soil is moist to prevent fertilizer burn, promoting vibrant blooms and strong roots.

Pruning: Bird of paradise thrives with regular pruning, best done from late winter to early spring. Remove dead leaves and spent flowers, and thin congested areas for improved light and air circulation. This encourages new blooms and prevents overgrowth, promoting overall vigor in your garden.

Propagation: Bird of paradise features vibrant flowers and is propagated by division. Use sharp, sterilized tools to separate the root ball into segments with shoots. Replant in well-draining soil, providing adequate moisture and warmth for successful establishment and growth.

Repotting: Repot bird of paradise every 2-3 years in spring using a container 2 inches wider, with rich, well-draining soil. Water sparingly post-repotting and place in bright, indirect light for root settling. Consistent care enhances bird of paradise's foliage and unique inflorescence.

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Images of Bird of paradise

Distribution of Bird of paradise

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Bird of paradise

Care Guide for Bird of paradise

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