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Glossary

White Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia nicolai

Go to - Landscape Trees
Landscape Shrubs

Family - Strelitziaceae

A native of South Africa, the White Bird of Paradise is a tropical plant notable for its large Banana-like leaves and pretty white & blue flowers that as the common name implies, resemble a bird with its wings spread.

This plant needs some growing room, it can reach 30 feet in height with a spread of 15 feet, so don't plant it too close to your house!
White Bird of Paradise forms clumps, with new stems suckering from around the base.

U.S.D.A. Zones 9b-11, will survive short term temperatures down to 28 F but with leaf burn. Remove burned or dead leaves to maintain an attractive appearance. The leaves, which can be 10 feet long, spread out in a fan-like fashion are subject to splitting from wind.

Landscape uses - A nice specimen plant, often used as a focal point or center piece for groups of smaller shrubs or flowering plants.

Plant White Bird of Paradise in any well drained soil, full sun to high, light shade is best, has moderate drought tolerance once established but should not be allowed to dry out.

No serious pests, although sometimes subject to scale, which can be controlled with applications of insecticidal soap.

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