Tropical Bird of Paradise – Desert Horizon Nursery

Tropical Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia reginae
Categories:
Perennials  ·  
Perennials
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Moderate water; irrigate deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry. Water more frequently during summer heat and reduce in winter; avoid soggy soil.
Size
3-5 ft tall × 3-4 ft wide
Habit
Perennial clump
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets & Humans
Description
A clumping tropical perennial with upright, banana-like leaves and striking orange-and-blue flowers resembling exotic birds.
Bloom Time
Intermittent through the year; most prolific late winter through spring
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Growth Rate
Slow to moderate
Growth Habit
Perennial clump
Mature Size
3-5 ft tall × 3-4 ft wide
Flower Color
Orange and blue
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Container / Patio, Poolside, Specimen / Accent, Tropical Garden
Garden Style
Container / Patio, Tropical
Soil
Amended / Rich, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Dwarf date palm, Fortnight lily, Lily of the Nile
Toxic — Pets & Humans
Toxic to pets & humans if ingested (seeds/fruit)
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; protect from intense western exposure and reflected heat. Deep shade reduces flowering.

Water: Moderate water; irrigate deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry. Water more frequently during summer heat and reduce in winter; avoid soggy soil.

Soil: Well-drained, organically enriched loam; tolerates sandy soil with added compost. Avoid poorly drained clay and excessive salt buildup.

Mature size: 4–6 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide; clumps gradually broaden with age.

Bloom: Primarily fall through spring in Phoenix; mature, well-established plants may bloom intermittently at other times. Seed-grown plants often take 3–5 years or longer to flower.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; foliage can be damaged by frost.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate; faster with warmth, adequate moisture, and light feeding during active growth.