Tropical
Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae · Strelitziaceae
Also called: Crane Flower, Orange Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a moderate-water tropical well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It's a slow-growing tropical.
Bird of Paradise at a glance
- Water use
- Moderate (established)
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade in Tucson; afternoon or filtered shade is recommended in the low desert to prevent leaf scorch and bleaching from intense summer sun and reflected heat. Best flowering occurs with morning sun and some afternoon protection.
- Mature size
- 3-5 ft tall and wide; clumping habit
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Bloom
- Orange sepals with blue tongue (crane-like 'bird' flower), Fall through spring (cooler months), with peak bloom late winter to spring
- Cold hardiness
- Frost-tender; foliage damaged below ~32°F, hard freezes can kill it back. In Tucson plant in a warm, protected microclimate (south/east wall, under eaves) or in a container, and cover/protect during freezes. Often recovers from light frost damage.
- Soil
- Rich, well-draining soil amended generously with organic matter and compost; mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
- Native range
- South Africa
- Best used as
- Tropical accent and focal point, Courtyard and pool-area plantings, Containers, Striking long-lasting cut flowers
- Wildlife
- In its native range pollinated by sunbirds; in Tucson the nectar-rich flowers may attract hummingbirds.
- Toxicity
- Toxic. Flowers and seeds contain compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness if ingested by pets or children (ASPCA lists it toxic to dogs and cats). Plant away from areas where pets graze.
How to grow Bird of Paradise in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Grown as a landscape or container perennial in Tucson (distinct from the unrelated native-region 'red/yellow bird of paradise', Caesalpinia/Erythrostemon). Water deeply and regularly during the warm season to keep soil evenly moist; reduce in winter. Provide good drainage; established plants are moderately drought-tolerant but bloom and look best with steady moisture.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Heavy feeder—fertilize every 2-3 months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer, or use a bloom formula higher in phosphorus to promote flowering. Add iron and micronutrients to counter chlorosis in alkaline Tucson soils. Mature, somewhat root-bound clumps bloom best.
Pruning & care
Remove spent flower stalks and dead or damaged leaves at the base. Divide overcrowded clumps in spring; note that division can delay flowering for a season or two.
Notes
A true tropical (not the native desert 'bird of paradise' shrubs) used as a lush accent in protected Tucson microclimates. It needs more water and frost protection than typical desert plants and rewards patience—plants can take 3-5 years to begin flowering and bloom best when slightly root-bound. Afternoon shade prevents the broad leaves from scorching in summer.
Sources: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List; Arizona Master Gardeners (Pima County)