Giant white bird of paradise Strelitzia nicolai
Giant white bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Strelitziaceae family, native to Eastern South Africa and Mozambique (coastal dune forest). It grows 5–9 m (16–30 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Giant white bird of paradise at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Strelitziaceae |
| Mature height | 5–9 m (16–30 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 9–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern South Africa and Mozambique (coastal dune forest) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Giant white bird of paradise toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: seeds, fruit
Seeds and fruit can cause vomiting and drowsiness in pets (ASPCA lists Strelitzia).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Giant white bird of paradise
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Giant white bird of paradise in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- The Huntington (3 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (2 plants)
Questions about Giant white bird of paradise
- How far apart should I plant Giant white bird of paradise?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Giant white bird of paradise need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Giant white bird of paradise need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Giant white bird of paradise?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Giant white bird of paradise flower?
- From about April for 9–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Giant white bird of paradise poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Seeds and fruit can cause vomiting and drowsiness in pets (ASPCA lists Strelitzia).
- What grows well with Giant white bird of paradise?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Giant white bird of paradise. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Frost-tender to half-hardy: in cold-winter climates it needs a cool glasshouse (as in the Kew Temperate House).
- Banana-like clumping plant; dark blue-purple boat-shaped bracts with white sepals, pollinated by sunbirds.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bird of paradise Strelitzia reginae
- Traveller's tree Ravenala madagascariensis
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata