Orange Bird Of Paradise
Best statement plant for gardeners seeking bold, tropical architectural flair.
The Orange Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a bold, structural plant forming large clumps of stiff foliage. It produces stunning flowers of orange and blue that rise high above the leaves, resembling a bird's head. This evergreen plant is excellent as a cut flower and provides strong ornamental texture. It thrives in tropical conditions but is often grown as an outdoor annual or container plant in cooler climates. Shelter from frost is necessary for survival outside of warm zones. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and can handle environmental salt.
$14.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
141
/ 9235
#141 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-71%
Below average
Mature Height
45
/ feet ( feet with flowers)
Who it's for
- Designers seeking a bold, architectural centerpiece for their space
- Busy gardeners wanting a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance tropical plant
- Floral enthusiasts who enjoy long-lasting, vibrant indoor arrangements
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners looking for immediate, year-one flowering results
- Apartment dwellers with limited floor space or small containers
- Cold-climate residents living outside of USDA zones 9-11
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Striking architectural silhouette makes a bold statement in any living space.
Bloom Quality
Exotic, bird-like flowers provide a high-reward payoff for patient gardeners.
Environmental Resilience
Robust tolerance for urban pollution and salt makes it surprisingly hardy.
Maintenance Ease
Requires consistent light and protection from frost to truly thrive.
Growth Pace
Slow development requires patience to reach full mature height.
Styling Versatility
Functions perfectly as a structural thriller in diverse container arrangements.
Key Specs
Mature Height
4 feet (5 feet with flowers)
Mature Width
3 feet
Light Needs
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Water Needs
Average to Moist
Growth Rate
Slow
Family Name
Bird Of Paradise
Genus Name
Strelitzia
Features
- Produces stunning orange and blue flowers resembling a bird's head
- Excellent as a cut flower
- Attractive large, stiff foliage remains dark green year-round
- Highly ornamental with a bold, coarse texture
- Tolerant of environmental salt and urban pollution
- Suitable for use as a 'thriller' in container combinations
What customers say
The Orange Bird of Paradise consistently earns high marks for its exceptional quality and striking aesthetic appeal. Customers frequently report receiving robust, healthy specimens that are well established and ready to thrive immediately upon planting. The vibrant orange and blue blooms are a major draw, confirming its strong design value in the landscape. Consumers feel this plant offers excellent value, justifying the investment for a durable and beautiful tropical centerpiece that quickly enhances any outdoor space.
Know before you buy
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best flower production, provide as much bright, direct light as possible throughout the day.
Yes, it can be grown as an outdoor container plant during warmer months. However, it is not frost-tolerant and must be moved indoors or sheltered before temperatures drop.
When mature, the plant typically reaches about 4 feet in height, extending to 5 feet once it produces its signature flowers. It will also spread to a width of approximately 3 feet.
It is a relatively low-maintenance plant with a slow growth rate. It requires average to moist soil and is notably resilient, as it can tolerate urban pollution and environmental salt.
Absolutely. The flowers are excellent for use as cut flowers, providing a striking, architectural look that lasts well in a vase.
A 'thriller' is the focal point of a container arrangement. Because of its bold, stiff foliage and height, this plant acts as the dramatic centerpiece, while smaller plants can be placed around its base to fill in the container.
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$15