The Bird of Paradise is one of the most striking tropical plants you can grow in Florida. Its iconic crane-shaped flowers are instantly recognizable, and the plant itself is tough, drought tolerant, and surprisingly easy to grow across most of the state.
Bird of Paradise Species for Florida
Orange Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
The classic Bird of Paradise with vivid orange and blue flowers. This clumping perennial grows 4-6 feet tall and blooms most heavily from fall through spring. It is cold hardy to about 28°F, making it suitable for most of Florida except the northernmost areas.
White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)
A much larger species growing 20-30 feet tall with banana-like leaves and white/blue flowers. The White Bird of Paradise is one of the most popular landscape plants in South Florida, used as a dramatic backdrop or screen. Cold hardy to about 30°F.
Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai — large form)
In optimal South Florida conditions, White Bird of Paradise can reach 30+ feet and develop a multi-trunk habit that looks like a small tree. These "giant" specimens are the centerpiece of many luxury Naples and Miami landscapes.
Planting and Growing Conditions
- ✓Light: Full sun to light shade (more sun = more blooms for orange variety)
- ✓Soil: Well-draining — tolerates Florida's sandy soil well
- ✓Water: Moderate — drought tolerant once established, but blooms better with regular water
- ✓Spacing: Orange variety 4-5 ft apart, White variety 8-10 ft apart
- ✓Zones: Orange — 9b-11; White — 10a-11
- ✓Growth rate: Moderate — Orange reaches full size in 3-4 years, White in 5-7 years
Getting Bird of Paradise to Bloom
The number-one question about orange Bird of Paradise is: "Why isn't mine blooming?" These plants need maturity, sun, and proper nutrition to flower. Expect no blooms for the first 2-3 years from a small division. After that, follow these tips:
- ✓Full sun is essential — 6+ hours of direct sun produces the most flowers
- ✓Fertilize with a bloom-boosting formula (high phosphorus) in fall and spring
- ✓Do not divide too frequently — root-bound plants bloom more heavily
- ✓Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new blooms
- ✓Be patient — established clumps bloom prolifically once they reach maturity
Landscape Design Tip: Use orange Bird of Paradise in front of a dark green hedge (like Podocarpus) for maximum visual impact. The orange and blue flowers pop dramatically against a dark background.
Landscape Uses in Florida
- ✓Orange variety: Foundation plantings, border accents, mass plantings, container gardens
- ✓White variety: Privacy screens, poolside backdrops, tropical focal points, estate plantings
- ✓Both varieties: Low maintenance, deer resistant, salt tolerant (moderate)
Add Bird of Paradise to your Florida landscape. Florida Palm and Plant Co. carries both orange and white varieties in multiple sizes. Call (239) 799-5594.