The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae), also known as Crane Flower, is one of the most impressive and valued ornamental plants in tropical and subtropical gardens around the world. Known for its exotic flowers that resemble the head of a colorful bird, this species, from the Strelitziaceae family, stands out both in landscaping and in sophisticated floral arrangements. In addition to being widely used as a feature plant in flower beds and pots, its flowers are highly valued in commercial floriculture as a cut flower, due to their durability and visual appeal. In regions such as California and Florida, in the United States, Strelitzia reginae is widely cultivated, even being the official flower of the city of Los Angeles.
Originally from South Africa, the Bird of Paradise occurs naturally along the east coast, from Humansdorp to the north of KwaZulu-Natal. Its habitat includes coastal forests and riverbanks, where it grows in open and sunny areas. The climate of these regions is subtropical, with well-distributed rainfall throughout the year, providing ideal conditions for the plant’s development. In its native environment, Strelitzia reginae plays a significant ecological role, serving as a source of nectar for birds, especially the sunbirds, which are its main pollinators.
The botanical name Strelitzia reginae was assigned by the Scottish botanist Sir Joseph Banks in 1788, in honor of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III of Great Britain. The choice of name reflects both the queen’s origin, born in the duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and her dedication to botany and her support for the development of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. The specific epithet “reginae” derives from Latin and means “of the queen,” reinforcing the tribute to the monarch.
The introduction of the Bird of Paradise in Europe occurred in 1773, when Francis Masson, a plant collector from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, brought specimens from South Africa. Since then, the plant has won over gardeners and landscapers around the world, becoming a symbol of elegance and exoticism in landscape projects.
The Bird of Paradise is a perennial herbaceous and rhizomatous plant, characterized by its growth in dense clumps. The plant generally reaches between 4 feet (1.2 meters) and 5 feet (1.5 meters) in height, and can expand laterally through its rhizomes, forming clumps that occupy considerable areas. Its growth is slow but continuous, and under ideal conditions, the Bird of Paradise can live for several decades, becoming a permanent feature in the garden. Its root system consists of robust underground rhizomes, from which thick, fleshy roots originate, adapted to store nutrients and water, giving the plant a remarkable drought resistance.
The stem of the Bird of Paradise is virtually absent, with leaves emerging directly from the rhizomes. The leaves are arranged in two opposite rows, forming a fan-like structure that contributes to the ornamental appeal of the plant. Each leaf is supported by a long, erect petiole, which can reach up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) in length, and ends in an oval, rigid, and leathery leaf blade, measuring approximately 10 to 28 inches (25 to 70 cm) in length and 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) in width. The color of the leaves varies from bluish-green to grayish-green, with a prominent central vein and sometimes reddish margins. This leaf configuration resembles that of banana leaves.
The Bird of Paradise is a monoecious plant, with hermaphroditic flowers that possess both male and female reproductive structures. The inflorescences of the Bird of Paradise are hermaphroditic and emerge above the foliage, supported by floral stems that can reach up to 5.9 feet (1.8 meters) in height. Each inflorescence consists of a rigid, horizontal spathe, green in color with pinkish nuances, resembling the beak of a bird.
From this spathe, five to seven flowers successively emerge, each with three bright orange sepals and three blue-purple petals. Two of the petals are fused, forming an arrow-like structure that houses the nectary. Its pollination is highly specialized, depending on the interaction with specific birds that act as natural pollinators. When birds, such as sunbirds, land on this structure to feed on the nectar, the petals open, exposing the anthers that release pollen onto the birds’ feet, facilitating cross-pollination.
The flowering of the Bird of Paradise mainly occurs from late autumn to early spring, although in tropical and subtropical climates it may bloom throughout the year. Each individual flower can last up to a week, but the presence of multiple flowers on a single spathe ensures a prolonged period of floral display. Under ideal conditions, a mature Bird of Paradise can produce up to 36 floral stems per year, making it highly valued in floriculture as a cut flower.
The fruit of the Bird of Paradise is a leathery capsule that opens into three lobes when ripe, releasing spherical seeds that are black to brown in color, each with a bright orange aril. This aril is rich in lipids and attracts birds, which, by consuming the seeds, aid in the dispersal of the species.
In addition to the typical species, Strelitzia reginae presents variations that enrich its diversity and expand its ornamental use possibilities. Although most of the plants sold correspond to the common type with orange flowers and blue-purple petals, certain forms stand out for their distinctive characteristics. Among them, the following are highlighted:
- The variation Strelitzia reginae subsp. mzimvubuensis was proposed based on a population found along the banks of the Mzimvubu River in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Although it does not have formal recognition in the main taxonomic databases, this subspecies was described as morphologically distinct from the typical species by having white inner petals instead of blue-purple, a shorter stigma, and a subtle variation in leaf shape. The discovery dates back to 2002 and remains restricted to local specialist literature and field observations.
- The Strelitzia reginae ‘Mandela’s Gold’ is a registered cultivar and widely recognized in the horticultural community, especially for its symbolic and ornamental importance. It was developed at the National Botanical Garden of Kirstenbosch, South Africa, from the selection of spontaneous individuals with yellow flowers — rare natural mutations of the species. The process of controlled hybridization and stabilization took more than twenty years until its official commercial introduction in 1996. Initially called ‘Kirstenbosch Gold’, it was later renamed in honor of Nelson Mandela. This cultivar maintains the shapes and dimensions of the original species but is distinguished by its bright yellow sepals that contrast with the blue-purple petals. As this characteristic is not reliably transmitted through seeds, its propagation is carried out exclusively by division of clumps.
The versatility of the Bird of Paradise in contemporary landscaping makes it an essential element in projects that seek visual impact and personality. In tropical-style gardens, the plant is often used as a structural element, creating dramatic focal points when planted alone or in small groups. Its distinctive silhouette, combining sculptural foliage with exotic flowers, provides dynamism and interest even in limited spaces.
In residential landscaping, the Bird of Paradise is especially valued in pool areas and leisure spaces, where its presence evokes a sophisticated tropical atmosphere. On balconies, patios, and terraces, especially in urban environments, the cultivation in large pots enables the creation of green oases with strong aesthetic appeal.
In commercial and institutional landscaping projects, the Bird of Paradise is often employed in the composition of reception gardens and high-standard corporate areas. Its association with elegance and tropicality contributes to the creation of environments that convey sophistication and exoticism. In hotels, guesthouses, and luxury resorts, the plant is a recurring element in the composition of gardens that create exotic and tropical atmospheres for visitors.
When combined with other species, the Bird of Paradise harmonizes particularly well with cycads, small palms, heliconias and alpinias, creating ensembles that explore different textures and foliage heights. In gardens designed for contemplation, the Bird of Paradise can be paired with water features such as ponds and fountains, where its reflection enhances the visual impact of the composition.
Urban landscaping also benefits from the qualities of the Bird of Paradise, especially in flower beds along avenues, squares, and public parks in regions with suitable climates. Its resistance to urban pollution and low maintenance needs, combined with the strong visual impact during blooming periods, make it an efficient choice for public space managers who seek to combine beauty and practicality.
Beyond the garden, in contemporary floral art, Strelitzia reginae stands out as a high-impact structural element in tropical and exotic arrangements. Its post-cut durability, which can last up to 14 days, along with its sculptural form and vibrant colors, make it ideal for sophisticated events and artistic compositions. It is widely used in both modern vertical arrangements and in creations inspired by ikebana or maximalist styles, pairing well with tropical foliage and flowers. Its prestige is recognized in international competitions, where it often serves as the central piece in innovative and expressive arrangements.
The Bird of Paradise thrives in full sun, requiring at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily for vigorous flowering. Indoors, it is essential to place it near large windows facing north (in the Southern Hemisphere) or south (in the Northern Hemisphere), ensuring intense light. The plant is suitable for subtropical and tropical climates, tolerating temperatures between 50°F (10°C) and 95°F (35°C), although optimal growth occurs between 64°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C). It is sensitive to frost and can suffer damage below 41°F (5°C). In regions with harsh winters, it is recommended to grow in pots to facilitate protection during cold periods, moving the plants to greenhouses or indoors.
The plant is not demanding regarding soil, but it prefers soils rich in organic matter, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5). In pots, a substrate made of equal parts garden soil, coarse sand, and organic compost is used, with the addition of perlite or pine bark to improve aeration. It is crucial to ensure a drainage layer at the bottom of the container to prevent water accumulation.
For planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the plant’s root ball, maintaining the same depth as the original container. After positioning, fill it with prepared soil, pressing lightly to eliminate air pockets, followed by thorough watering. The Bird of Paradise does not require staking, as its stem is robust and self-supporting. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, until the plant is fully established, at which point it will resume growth. Thereafter, watering can be gradually spaced out.
During the summer, the frequency can be two to three times a week, reducing in the winter as needed. It is important to allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Fertilization is essential for healthy growth and abundant flowering of the Bird of Paradise. During spring and summer, apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10) every 15 days. In autumn and winter, the frequency should be reduced or suspended, depending on the plant’s growth. The addition of organic matter, such as worm castings, compost, and mulching, at the beginning of spring, is also beneficial.
Pruning involves removing dry or damaged leaves and wilted flowers, promoting both the aesthetics and health of the plant. It is preferably done at the end of winter or beginning of spring. Maintenance may include periodic cleaning of the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, especially in indoor environments, and regular inspection for pests such as scale insects and mites, which can be controlled with appropriate insecticides or natural solutions.
Although the Bird of Paradise prefers sheltered environments, it can withstand moderate winds and, in coastal areas, shows moderate resistance to soil and air salinity, provided the soil has good drainage. Regarding cold, it tolerates temperatures down to about 41°F (5°C); light frosts may damage the foliage, but the plant generally recovers if the rhizome remains intact. In regions with harsh winters, it is advisable to grow in pots to facilitate protection during the colder periods.
Despite its robustness, the Strelitzia reginae can be affected by some pests and diseases. Among insects, aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, and mites stand out, which can be controlled with neem oil sprays or insecticidal soap. Borer larvae, such as Opogona omoscopa, can cause damage to the rhizomes, requiring manual removal and application of specific insecticides. Fungal diseases, such as root rot caused by Pythium and Armillaria, as well as leaf spots and powdery mildew, can occur under conditions of excessive moisture or inadequate ventilation. Prevention includes practices such as avoiding waterlogged soil, ensuring good air circulation, and performing regular sanitary pruning.
Propagation of the Bird of Paradise can be done by seeds or division of clumps. Seed sowing requires scarification of the seeds and soaking in warm water for 24 to 48 hours to accelerate germination, which can take from two weeks to six months. Seedlings usually flower between three to five years after planting.
Clump division is the most effective method to maintain the characteristics of the mother plant, especially in cultivars like ‘Mandela’s Gold’. This technique should be performed in spring or early summer, by digging up the clump of the plant and separating segments with at least one fan of leaves and part of the rhizome. After replanting, it is common for flowering to resume between one to three years, depending on the cultivation conditions and the vigor of the seedling.
