Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae
- Striking bloom
- Clumping perennial
Safety
Mild GI irritant -- clinical signs are mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, caused mainly by the fruit and seeds rather than the foliage or flowers. ASPCA independently notes the same mild-severity profile applies to humans.
Poison control
If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.
Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.
Quick facts
- Hardiness zones
10a-12b (tropical/frost-sensitive).
- Water needs
water freely during the growing season; keep drier in winter
- Mature size
3-4 ft tall, 3-4 ft wide; clumping, multi-stemmed perennial, medium growth rate.
Full field manual in the app
Step-by-step care
The numbered steps for caring for this plant, where we have them.
Why each step works
The reasons behind the steps, where we have them.
Problems and fixes
What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.
Soil, feeding and pruning
How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.