Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai): Tree-Like Banana Relative

Giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai), also called Natal strelitzia or wild strelitzia, is a massive, clumping plant with enormous, paddle-shaped, gray-green leaves (up to 6 feet long) that shred in wind, resembling a banana plant. It produces large, blue-and-white, bird-like flowers from a dark, beak-shaped spathe.

Growth

In ground, it reaches 20–30 feet tall; in containers, 8–10 feet. It forms dense clumps from suckers. The flowers are spectacular but often hidden among the leaves. It is a dramatic architectural plant for tropical and subtropical landscapes.

Culture

Full sun to part shade; rich, moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly. Feed heavily. Protect from wind to prevent leaf shredding. Hardy in zones 10–11; in zone 9, may survive with protection.

Taxonomy

• Family: Strelitziaceae
• Genus: Strelitzia
• Species: nicolai
• Synonym: Strelitzia nicholai