Bird of Paradise

The History of Bird of Paradise

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]

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:

• • Keep bird of paradise in full sun for optimal growth
  • Fertile soils with good drainage produce the best growth and flowering. Add compost to soil before planting.
  • Water regularly during the first 6 months after planting—not too wet, not too dry. Once you’ve got yourself an established plant, water deeply during the growing season, letting the soil dry before each watering.
  • Start fertilizing your bird of paradise a month after planting. [4]

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]