Annual – Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise 

Botanical name: strelitzia reginae 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 6 ft in height with a spread of up to 3 ft 

Hardy zone: zones 10-12 

Foliage color: green/gray

Flower color: orange, yellow, red, blue

Bloom time: year-round 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in first growing season 

Pruning instructions: lightly prune as needed to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate by division during the spring or fall months 

Landscape use: summer flower garden, container plant, porch accent, annual focal point 

Special features: blooms that resemble the head of a bird, disease resistant, heat tolerant

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a flower food fertilizer once a month throughout the spring and summer

Best time to plant: spring

Best type of soil: loam, sand 

Companion plants: croton, spider plant, bromeliad, lavender

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no