The bird of paradise plant can shine out in every corner of your garden thanks to its glossy leaves and vivid flowers. It’s as beautiful as its name. But do you know that there are multiple bird of paradise plant varieties?
This article will be your must-read if you are wondering about the best species to grow. We have listed the most common choices and some tips to care for your bird of paradise plants. So, let’s dig into the details!
Bird Of Paradise Plant Overview
The bird of paradise originated in the subtropical coastal regions of southern Africa but then became popular worldwide.
A bird of paradise in full bloom resembles numerous birds concealed in a mass of greenery by hunching their necks upward and moving their beaks in multiple directions.
There are two main types of bird of paradise plants:
Strelitzia Genus
The Strelitzia plant is closely related to the banana plant, a low-growing species with distinctive exotic blossoms. People also call it “Florist’s Flower.”
Because of their unique and gorgeous blossoms, the Strelitzia genus plants are a more well-known and widespread species than the Caesalpinia genus.
Strelitzia plants come from the humid, warm regions in South Africa. People often grow them as indoor and outdoor perennials.
Caesalpinia Genus
The Caesalpinia genus belongs to the pea family. It’s a thorny plant that likes desert and dry conditions.
The leaves of the Caesalpinia genus are broader. It also has evergreen shrubs and trees. Even though it’s stunning, it can’t beat the Strelitzia plants in terms of appearance.
When grown outdoors, the plants love shades. However, if you move them indoors, remember to give them plenty of illumination.
Bird Of Paradise Plant Varieties
Strelitzia and Caesalpinia are the two primary varieties of bird of paradise plant. However, each has different subspecies. Here are some best options for home gardening:
Strelitzia Genus
Orange bird of paradise
- Origin: South Africa
- Height: 5-6 feet
- Sun: Partial shade to full sun
- Zones: 10-12
This species is the most common variety of bird of paradise grown in the US. You may have heard about it as the official flower of Los Angeles.
The orange bird of paradise, also called the crane flower or bird of paradise, is famous for its blue petals and orange sepals. It has leathery leaves like the banana tree.
When blooming, the flowers of this plant resemble exotic birds. During the growing season, they can expand up to 25 times annually.
Growing the orange bird of paradise requires little maintenance. It flourishes in areas with high humidity and warm winters as a tropical plant.
White bird of paradise
- Origin: South Africa
- Height: Up to 30 feet
- Sun: Partial shade to full sun
- Zones: 9-11
The plant’s magnificent white blossoms, which bloom from July to December, give it the name. Unlike the orange variety, it can grow to a stout 30 feet tall. Because of this trait, it lives mostly in the wild, where it can reach full sunlight.
This plant looks like the banana plant in some ways. The most evident characteristic is the white flowers. Meanwhile, the large leaves resemble those of the palm.
The white bird of paradise needs lots of moisture and warmth to thrive. As a result, it is widespread in its home South Africa, where ideal development conditions exist.
Caesalpinia Genus
Mexican bird of paradise
- Origin: Northern Mexico
- Height: 15–25 feet
- Sun: Full sun
- Zones: 8-11
Native to Northern Mexico, this Mexican bird of paradise is a part of the Caesalpinia genus. It can remain evergreen in areas with milder climates.
A mature plant can reach heights of 25 feet and widths of 6 to 10 feet, depending on your pruning techniques.
The Mexican bird of paradise has oval, fan-shaped, deep green leaves. Its fragrant, yellow blooms can entice hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
The plant often blossoms in the spring and summer. It releases its green seed pods after flowering, scattering the seeds far from the plant.
Red bird of paradise
- Origin: Tropical regions in the US
- Height: 10–20 feet
- Sun: Full sun
- Zones: 9-11
The red bird of paradise is an evergreen plant with large leaves indigenous to dry areas. It grows quickly and has numerous blooms of red-orange flowers.
Compared to Strelitzia plants, the flowers on this shrub and other Caesalpinia varieties are smaller. The clustered flowers resemble azaleas in appearance.
Desert areas and dry climates are more favorable for this plant. Their leaf layout and forms are similar to those of other pea plants.
Yellow bird of paradise
- Origin: Uruguay and Argentina
- Height: 7–10 feet
- Sun: Fun
- Zones: 9-11
The yellow bird of paradise has different names, such as bird of paradise bush or poisiana. This shrub, which is evergreen in warmer areas, is one of the shrubbier Caesalpinia varieties.
The plant blooms typically in July and August when the red or yellow, azalea-like blooms surround the plant. Like other plants in the legume group, it has leaves that resemble ferns.
The seeds from this plant can quickly self-seed since this process occurs as the shells dry. The seeds will then scatter and develop in the adjacent areas.
Interesting Facts About Bird Of Paradise Plant
Aside from the beautiful flowers, some facts about birds of paradise will wow you. We have gathered some right here, so let’s take a look.
- The appearance of birds of paradise in floral bouquets is excellent. With the proper maintenance, you can keep the fresh flowers in your bouquet for up to a month.
- Bouquets of flowers keep their beauty longer than solitary flowers would.
- The steam sap and leaves of the Strelitzia genus are toxic. Although you can take advantage of the chemicals to produce herbal medicine and cosmetics products, keeping your kids and animals away from the plant is necessary.
- Since Bird of Paradise plants are toxic, you cannot eat them like snapdragons.
- Strelitzia can reduce itching and inflammation. Meanwhile, cosmetics made from strelitzia extract are good for removing dark spots under your eyes and improving your skin condition.
Conclusion
The bird of paradise plants come in different varieties. You can choose your favorite one based on the flower’s color and appearance. Then, learn how to take care of them properly.
Most birds of paradise are easy to grow. However, your desired ones can be more challenging. Try to think about how gorgeous your garden can be to overcome the difficulties and wait for a rewarding outcome.
Thank you for reading!
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