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A mature White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Border · Specimen · Coastal · Container · Houseplant · Patio · Cottage

Data sources

NC State Extension

White Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia nicolai · Perennial

White Bird of Paradise is a moderate-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 10-11, that matures to about 20–30 ft. It does best in part shade with low water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect black, blue and purple blooms in spring. It attracts frogs and songbirds, stands up well to drought and salt and grows happily in containers.

USDA zones
10-11
Sun
Part shade
Water
Low
Mature size
20–30 ft
Spacing
6–12 ft
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Soil
Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry
Foliage
Silver, Green
Bloom color
Black, Blue, Purple, White
Bloom season
Spring
Attracts
Frogs, Songbirds
Tough against
Drought, Salt
Watch out for
Can irritate skin on contact
Toxic to
People, Children, Dogs, Cats, Horses
Native to
East Zimbabwe to KwaZulu-Natal, East Botswana

Will it survive your winters?

We score White Bird of Paradise’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 10 · Zone 11

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