Photo of Strelitzia nicolai flower, stem by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Strelitzia nicolai

Also Known As

  • Bird of Paradise Tree
  • Giant Bird of Paradise
  • White Bird of Paradise

Plant type

tree, perennial

size

  • H: 20'-30'
  • W: 8'-18'

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Strelitzia nicolai plant details

Strelitzia nicolai is a broadleaf evergreen perennial tree with blue and green foliage. In summer blue, purple and white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - occasional water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Strelitzia nicolai

Plant type: perennial tree
Plant family: strelitziaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 8 FT - 18 FT - wide, 20 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: blue, purple and white blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, houseplant, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Strelitzia nicolai

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Makes a great houseplant! Best grown in fertile, organic, acidic soil. Fertilize monthly, more frequently in containers, and water regularly. Shield from drying winds. Protect your PRINCE OF PARADISE™ from frost!
Cobalt blue birds with white wings and light blue tongue are up to 10" long. This is a very large growing and almost tree-like bird of paradise and will need ample room to grow. Evergreen in frost free areas. Probably best suited to a greenhouse or atrium in cooler climates. In cooler climates, if you have the means to move it, the Giant Bird of Paradise makes a beautiful and majestic specimen in very large containers like the one that we saw in the Gardens of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. in 2010.The Giant Bird of Paradise is one of the very first plants that I learned and lusted after after seeing it in all of its glory covering the wall of a greenhouse at Hodges Gardens in Many, Louisiana. A fine garden to this day and if you get the oppurtunity you should visit it. I was about 10 or 11 years old the first time I saw it and the image of that beautiful specimen with it's blue and white bird-like flowers will forever be etched in my memory.

Gardening facts about Strelitzia nicolai plant

How to Grow Strelitzia nicolai

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - occasional
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Flower Color

    • white
    • blue
    • purple
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Texture

    • glossy
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