What Is a Bird Flower?

A bird flower is actually the flowering part of a tropical herb. The bright blue and orange flower somewhat resembles a colorful bird. Large in size, it is more commonly known as the bird-of-paradise flower. The scientific name for the herb is "Strelitzia reginae" and it is actually part of the banana family. Originally from South Africa, it can be found in most parts of South America as well as in California and Hawaii. It is often sold as a cut flower by florists.

Types

There are five species of the Bird of Paradise plant, and the major difference between them is the size of the plant. The "S. nicoai" is the biggest and can grow up to ten feet tall. The others reach only 6 to 9 feet. The most popular species of the Bird of Paradise flowers is the "S. augusta," which has white blooms and is often used as the centerpiece of floral arrangements, and the "S. nicolai", because they have the biggest and showiest blooms.

Significance

The Bird of Paradise flower is known for their blooms, which are white, bright blue, orange, red, or a combination of the above colors. In most plants, the flower is composed of blue petals and orange sepals that rise vertically from a bract (leaf that holds pollen) in the shape of a beak. The leaves of the plant are very large (as large as 6 feet (200 cm) long and 2 1/2 feet (80 cm) wide and similar in shape and design to a banana leaf.

Pollination and seeds

Bird of Paradise flowers are pollinated in the wild by sunbirds. When the sunbirds alight on the flower, they perch on the bract, where pollen sticks to their feet. When they leave, the pollen is carried on their feet and rubbed off on the next flower. The seeds of the Bird of Paradise are not easy to grow. Even if they manage to germinate (which only happens if they are properly scarified), they will not flower for up to seven years after planted. For that reason, most new plants are propagated by division. To propagate by division, dig up the clumps in early spring. Divide the clumps that have four or five shoots into clumps with single shoots.

Growing

The Bird-of-paradise grows in most type of soil but thrives in organic soil that has very good drainage. It is a slow-growing plant and will only flower if placed in a location that has full or partial sun. For tallest growth, plant in a partially shaded area. They do not thrive if exposed to frequent wind or rain. Plants should be spaced about six feet apart, because flowers usually appear on the outer edges of the plant.

Caring

The soil cannot be too soggy or too dry. If the leaves are turning yellow, check to make sure you are not over or under-watering. The soil should be just barely moist at all times. During hot weather, Bird of Paradise flowers like daily watering. In the winter, once per week is usually sufficient. Mulch should be used around the base of the plant, but not touching the base of it, which can increase the chance of stem rot developing.

Resources

• Where to buy a live Bird of Paradise plant