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Truly one of the most unique, exotic blooms out there! Bird of paradise hails from South Africa and belongs to the plant family Strelitziaceae.
“The Bird of Paradise alights only upon the hand that does not grasp.”
— John Berry
The bird of paradise has so many meanings, to name a few:
Bird of paradise isn’t just a curious beauty—it also comes in a variety of colors, each with a meaning of their own!
Green bird of paradise symbolizes nature and rejuvenation.
Red bird of paradise is a symbol of passion, love and romance. This color sends a strong message of affection towards someone and you can always pick red flowers to gift them to your loved one.
Orange bird of paradise is a symbol of passion and optimism.
Blue bird of paradise symbolizes respect and trust. This flower is a great gift for someone who deserves your trust and someone who is dear to you!
Bird of paradise is known for its extremely herbal and very grassy aroma. It’s clean smelling, and has been compared to the smell of fresh tomatoes. [7]
Bird of paradise hail from South Africa, where they are commonly referred to as crane flowers and were first brought to western attention in the late 1700s. The actual flower of this plant is a group of bright blue petals that are fused together with vibrant orange sepals.
In 1773, Bird of paradise were brought to Kew Gardens in England by a Sir Joseph Banks. A major figure in British botany for quite some time, Banks personally named only two plants during his career, Strelitzia being one of them. He named it to honor his queen—Strelitzia refers to the region of Strelitz in Germany, the birthplace of Queen Charlotte (Queen to Geroge III of England).
Their common name Bird of Paradise comes from their resemblance to a bird’s head. The actual birds, also named Birds of Paradise, are spectacularly beautiful birds but don’t necessarily look like the flower. [2]
DID YOU KNOW?
Although birds of paradise are best known for their bright orange and blue colors, their flowers can also be white and blue and completely white. [3]
Bird of paradise is a heat-craving bloom. They tend to grow best in temperatures over 50 degrees Fahrenheit and grow from 4′ to 6′ tall and wide. You can expect up to 36 flower spikes each year.
Top Growing Tips:
DID YOU KNOW?
They are pollinated by sunbirds, which use the spathe as a perch when visiting the flowers. [3]
Alright, and now onto how you should care for your freshly cut bird of paradise. (A bloom as dramatic as this, you can’t NOT show them off in your home!)
Step 1. Be sure to use sharp sheers large enough to handle the job, as these blooms tend to have quite a thick stem.
Step 2: Harvest your blooms as soon as the first flower emerges from the bract.
Step 3: If you cut a bloom that has not fully opened, soak in warm water for about 20 minutes. Then cut a 1/2 inch slit in the back of the enclosing bract near the stem, and, using your thumb and fingers, reach in through the slit on the upper side and gently lift up a new flower. Gently remove the thin white membrane that separates each flower and cut it off. Arrange the flowers in a fan shape. [5]
Wondering when the best time to gift bird of paradise? These unique blooms make the perfect gift for birthdays, congratulating someone on a promotion, or graduation!
References:
[1] flowermeaning.com
[2] Khkeeler
[3] Just Fun Facts
[4] HGTV
[5] Home Guides
[6] Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
[7] Sid Martin
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