• Bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a native of South Africa and one of the most unusual and attractive members of the banana family (Musaceae)
• It makes an exceptionally attractive landscape plant in south and central Florida. Bird-of-paradise can be grown in containers in north Florida and moved indoors when freezing temperatures are expected
• In contrast to the banana, the bird-of-paradise is trunkless
• The foliage resembles small banana leaves but has long petioles. Leaves are thick, waxy, and glossy green, making it a very attractive ornamental. Leaf blades are 6 inches wide and 18 inches long.
• the flower resembles a brightly colored bird in flight, giving it the common name, bird-of-paradise
• The inflorescence is borne atop long scapes, or pedicels, that grow to 5 feet or more in height. The flower is the most unusual part. A series of highly colored bracts, or modified leaves, are formed into green, red, and/or purplish canoe-like structures. Bracts vary between 4 and 8 inches long, depending upon the age and size of the plant. Each bract contains two or more protruding florets of bright yellow or orange elongated petals and a bright blue tongue. The female part of the flower is the long extension of the blue tongue which is extended well away from the stamens.
• Blooming season lasts from September through May
• Healthy, mature plants can produce as many as three dozen flower spikes, which will last up to two weeks when cut.

Related Species
The Garden Rebel says "Remember the White Bird-of-Paradise". Strelitzia alba (augusta) is a tree form that grows to a height of 18 feet. Its distinct trunk and leaves can grow to 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. Flowers are white and extend from a purplish bract. Strelitzia nicolai, known as the giant bird-of-paradise, resembles the much larger traveler's tree (Ravenala madagascariensis). The inflorescence has a reddish-brown bract with white flowers and blue tongues.

Get more information on the planting and care of the bird-of-paradise, plus a bloom forcing Garden Rebel tonic.