bird of paradise | PlantVine

Bird of Paradise Care Guide

Strelitzia or Bird of Paradise is a large-leaved exotic known for flowers that resemble a gorgeous tropical bird. As the plant matures, its leaves split with slits - an adaptation that allows the wind to pass through.

Cylindrical Orange Bird of Paradise

Scientific Name: Strelitzia Juncea

Common Names: Cylindrical Orange Bird of Paradise, Leafless Bird of Paradise

Overview: This extremely rare South African cultivar, the Strelitzia Juncea is known as the leafless Orange Bird of Paradise or Crane flower because of its very small leaves and cylindrical shape. When flowering it produces lots of the famed tropical orange and blue bird-shaped flowers which really stand out against the silvery stems.Its architectural, upright, arrow-shaped foliage is perfect for contemporary or minimalist styles. This versatile plant is right at home in your yard or on your patio, but its low maintenance needs and max size of only about 4 feet makes it perfect in your house too.

Click here for instructions on caring for Birds of Paradise.

White Bird of Paradise

Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae

Common Names: White Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower

Overview: If you wish to give your house garden an exotic feel, the banana-like leaves of Strelitzia Nicolia will make a great addition to your home. In Southern Africa, the plant grows up to 20’ tall. However, outside its native habitat, the plant easily adjusts to a height of 3’ to 8’.The flat deep green oval leaves similar to banana leaves and exotic flowers scream tropical beauty in many house gardens. Junior White Bird of Paradise plants grows tall easily and in no time. Their big leaves also need a spacious area to spread out and unfurl.

Click here for Birds of Paradise care instructions.

Orange Bird of Paradise

Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginaeCommon Names: Orange Bird of Paradise, Crane FlowerOverview: The Orange Bird of Paradise is an extraordinary plant with attractive broad leaves and giant orange flowers. If you take good care of the plant, you will not have to worry about it not growing to its best potential. You can pair this plant with other aesthetically pleasing options and enjoy the beauty it brings to your space!Click here for care instructions.

Paradise Tree

Scientific Name: Simarouba glauca

Common Names: Paradise Tree

Overview: The evergreen Paradise Tree is known throughout Central America for its medicinal and functional properties. The tree’s leaves and bark have been used by herbalists to treat malaria and dysentery, and its wood was often used for furniture.The Paradise can reach a height of 50 ft., and showcases a dense rounded crown at maturity. Tiny white springtime blooms are followed by small clusters of dark purple, edible fruits. Some homeowners find its seeds and fruits messy, and staining to surfaces, but these are much loved by bees and birds. Its shallow root system may cause problems to sidewalks, so be sure to plant away from walkways. Highly salt tolerant, the Paradise is a good choice for coastal areas – and it will hold up well in high winds. They’ll thrive in semi-shade, and prefer moist or wet soil.

Heliconia psittacorum ‘Lady Di Variegata’

Scientific Name: Heliconia psittacorum 'Lady Di Variegata'

Common Names: Variegated Heliconia Lady Di, False Bird of Paradise

Overview: Step into the vibrant world of the tropics with the Heliconia psittacorum 'Lady Di Variegata'. Named in homage to the elegant and timeless beauty of Lady Diana, this variant of the parrot's beak plant presents an arresting display. Its flamboyant bracts—vivid, red-orange with hints of yellow—emulate the form of tropical birds, lending an exotic appeal to any space.The 'Lady Di Variegata' stands out further with its variegated foliage, a symphony of green and cream, which dances in harmony with the brilliant bracts. Originating from the lush rainforests of Central and South America, it infuses warmth and vivacity into gardens, patios, or indoor settings.

Heliconia ‘Choconiana’

Scientific Name: Heliconia psittacorum 'Choconiana'

Common Names: Heliconia Choconiana, False Bird of Paradise, Parrot's Beak

Overview: Choconiana is a stunning tropical plant known for its striking, bird-like blooms and lush, banana-like foliage. Also called "Parrot’s Beak Heliconia," this variety boasts vibrant orange and yellow bracts with dark green leaves, creating an eye-catching contrast that brings a bold, exotic feel to any landscape. Native to tropical regions, 'Choconiana' is a fast-growing plant that can reach heights of 3 to 4 feet, making it perfect for borders, garden beds, or container planting.Thriving in full to partial sun, Heliconia 'Choconiana' prefers warm, humid environments and well-draining soil. It is a low-maintenance plant that rewards with blooms year-round in tropical climates, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds. This variety is also ideal for indoor cultivation in bright, sunny spots.

Lobster Claw Heliconia

Scientific Name: Heliconia rostrata

Common Names: Lobster Claw Heliconia

Overview: The Lobster Claw Heliconia showcases its unique claw-like flowers in vibrant hues of orange to red to yellow. A favorite of hummingbirds, this plant is sometimes mistaken for a Bird of Paradise. It’s also sometimes called the Parrot Flower, with tiny flowers covered by showy bracts.When you’re thinking about the right spot to plant it, make sure to allow adequate space. This Heliconia loves to spread, and can grow up to 6 ft. tall. The Lobster Claw does well in full sun or partial shade. They thrive in well drained, slightly acidic soil that stays constantly moist. As you might expect of a tropical plant, preferred growing conditions are humid and warm. Heliconias need regular attention – food and water – to keep their optimum appearance. They can thrive indoors, provided the humidity levels are right.

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Traveler’s Palm

Scientific Name: Ravenala madagascariensis

Common Names: Travelers Tree, Travelers Palm

Overview: The Ravenala Madagascariensis or Travelers Palm is not a palm at all, but part of a flowering plant family native to Madagascar. The Travelers Palm grows to be enormous, truly a centerpiece for your landscaping with its huge leaves sprouting from long stems in a glorious fan-shaped pattern.

These storied trees have tales folks love to share about them. Here’s a true one: a parched traveler can poke a hole almost anywhere on this “palm” and find clean drinking water. And here’s a false one: the plant’s leaves will always grow in an east-west direction, so a lost traveler can find their way.

Best in full sun areas with a moderate amount of water, these trees grow tall – quickly! However, once a trunk begins to develop, the growth rate slows to a more moderate pace.

Overview: Barbara Karst Bougainvillea is a stunning plant variety known for its vigorous growth and vibrant, red flowers. This fast-growing, evergreen vine can reach up to 20 feet or more, providing a spectacular display when in full bloom. Native to tropical regions, Barbara Karst thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its robust nature and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for warm climates and low-maintenance gardens. Not just a feast for the eyes, this plant is also beneficial for pollinators, attracting butterflies, bees, and birds. Despite its exotic appeal, Barbara Karst Bougainvillea is relatively hardy and can withstand occasional light frosts. With the right care, this captivating vine can turn any garden or patio into a vibrant tropical paradise. Its cascading blooms and lush green leaves add an unmatched aesthetic appeal to trellises, pergolas, and garden walls.

Overview: Cape Honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis) is a vibrant, ornamental plant known for its lush, golden-orange trumpet-shaped blossoms and glossy, dark green foliage. Originating from South Africa, it’s adored for its ability to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and beneficial pollinators to your garden, acting as an ecological haven. Whether situated as a standalone shrub or manicured into a sophisticated hedge, Cape Honeysuckle adapts with grace, thriving in various climatic conditions and soil types.Our Cape Honeysuckle is meticulously nurtured to guarantee robustness and extensive blooming periods, transforming spaces into a tropical paradise. It is drought-resistant and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Choose our Cape Honeysuckle to infuse an explosion of color and texture into your landscapes, while fostering a harmonious environment for local wildlife.

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