0 named cultivars

perennial

Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower

$57.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Strelitzia reginae, the bird of paradise, is an evergreen, clump-forming perennial native to South Africa, characterised by its bold, structural habit and thick underground stems. The stiff, paddle-shaped, grey-green leaves rise on long petioles, forming a dense fan that remains clean and functional year-round.

The species is distinguished by its unique inflorescences, where brilliant orange sepals and bright blue petals emerge sequentially from a horizontal, beak-like green spathe. These bird-like flowers are held on long, reed-like stems from autumn through to spring, attracting nectar-feeding native birds.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a bold, architectural focal point with structural blue-green foliage and striking, bird-like orange and blue flowers.

Highly tolerant of coastal salt spray and wind, making it an excellent structural choice for exposed seaside gardens.

The nectar-rich flowers attract native Australian birds, particularly honeyeaters, to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

59 inches

Width

47 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

South Africa

Toxicity

Toxic to cats and dogs

Bloom period

Autumn – Spring

In flower about 7 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a position in full sun to partial shade with rich, loamy, well-draining soil.
Plant the clump at the same depth as it was in the nursery pot, ensuring the crown is not buried.
Water regularly during the establishment phase, then reduce watering once the root system is mature.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser or compost during the warm spring and summer growing seasons.

Pro Tip

Avoid over-potting or frequently dividing established clumps; this species requires a degree of root restriction to trigger and maintain its optimal flowering cycles.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Remove spent flower stalks at the base to maintain a clean appearance.
Provide shelter from frost in cold-prone areas to protect foliage and blooms.
Allow the plant to become slightly pot-bound if growing in containers to encourage flowering.

Don't

Do not prune into old green leafy stems or cut the plant down to the ground unnecessarily.
Do not over-water or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged, poorly drained soil.
Avoid frequent repotting or root disturbance which disrupts the flowering cycle.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Architectural featureCoastal gardenCourtyard plantingPoolside specimenLarge container planting

Companion Plants

Agave attenuata Plumeria acutifolia Philodendron xanadu

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower questions

What zones can Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower grow in?

Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower bloom?

Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower typically blooms in autumn through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower need full sun?

Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.