Bird of Paradise

The interesting flowers of this popular tropical shrub are often considered a nature's work of art.  Unique exotic orange blooms are often described as a bird in flight, as a colorful crane's head, or even a sunbird drinking water.

The slow growing plant forms a clumping habit with thick gray green leaves upon graceful upright stems. Best with partial sun to partial shade, consistently moist soil and high humidity.

Grows to be about 4 ft. tall at maturity, extending to 5 ft. when in bloom, with a 3 ft. W spread. An outstanding tropical accent usually used as a dramatic focal point, where it can show off its unusual form and beauty.

A fine choice for the garden and outdoor patio pots, where it is often used as the "thriller" in a thriller-spiller-filler container planting.

• Bold statement with exotic bright orange blooms amongst its green foliage

• Considered wind resistant, tolerates arid climates and coastal sites

• Flowers profusely year round when grown outdoors in warm climates

• Flowers are excellent for cutting

• A tropical plant that will not survive temperatures below 55°F

• Ships in a 10 in. tall and wide black nursery pot and the plant itself is approximately 15 in. tall

• Outdoor hardy in USDA plant zones 9-11 only; in all other zones, grow in a pot and place outdoors only during the warm summer season and bring indoors before temperatures fall below 70°F

• To accommodate mature size or when planting in groups, space 3 ft. away from other plants or structures

• Thrives in fertile well drained soil and a partially sunny site, to grow indoors, place the plant out of direct sun near a warm bright window with a western or southern exposure and provide as much natural light as possible

	Advantages: Easy To Grow Low Maintenance Grows well indoors or Outdoors Good For Containers
	Grow Best:     Landscape     Indoors    Containers
	Ideal position: Part sun 3 to 6 hours morning sun best
	Water: Water regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat or containers.
	Healthy Temperatures: Warm, tropical vibes of 65-90°F Grown indoors as a houseplant but can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-11
	Growth Outlook: Height : 5' - 20'  Wide: Up To 3' Growth Rate: Moderate grower Plant Spacing:  30" apart
	Pet Friendly - ? Toxicity: This species is mildly toxic for cats, dogs and people which would need to be consumed in fairly large amounts to affect the person or pet.
	Qualifies For Free Delivery

Landscape uses

• Accent plant

• Single yard specimen

• Anchor for a garden bed

Plant care

Add top soil or organic peat moss to the hole when you plant. 

You can also add composted cow manure to enrich the soil around the plant's roots.

No trimming is necessary other than to remove any browned leaves and stems.

These plants are drought-tolerant, but do best with regular irrigation and enough time between waterings for it to dry out. 

Never place a bird of paradise in an area that doesn't drain well, and for shadier locations that hold moisture longer, check the soil before watering to get your irrigation timed just right.

Orange birds are heavy feeders, so begin fertilizing a month after planting. Apply a good granular fertilizer in spring, summer and autumn, supplemented with bone meal and liquid fertilizer for best results.

Avoid mulching right up to the plant (this goes for any plant, for that matter) to avoid stem rot.