White Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia nicolai

White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is a medium-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, grows happily in containers.

USDA zones

10-11

Sun

Part shade

Water

Low

Mature size

20-30 ft

Spacing

6-feet-12 feet

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

Contact dermatitis, Poisonous to humans, Problem for cats, Problem for children, Problem for dogs, Problem for horses

Native to

East Zimbabwe to KwaZulu-Natal, East Botswana