Strelitzia nicolai

Common Name:
Giant White Bird of Paradise

Description:
Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as the Giant White Bird of Paradise, is a bold, architectural plant that brings a lush, tropical presence to gardens and indoor spaces alike. Native to South Africa, it features massive, upright, banana-like leaves that can reach several metres in height, forming a dramatic clumping silhouette. In ideal outdoor conditions, mature plants produce striking white and blue flowers resembling a bird in flight—though flowering is rare indoors or in cooler parts of Melbourne. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained, rich soil. Once established, it is remarkably hardy and drought-tolerant, making it suitable for both large-scale landscaping and oversized pots. Strelitzia nicolai adds strong vertical lines and an exotic feel, perfect for creating a statement in courtyards, around pools, or as an indoor feature in bright spaces with high ceilings.

Form:

• Tree - Medium

• Shrub - Large

• Suitable for Indoor Foliage (in large pots)

Mature Size:

• Height: 6–10 metres (outdoors)

• Width: 3–4 metres

• Indoors in pots: usually up to 2.5–3 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

• Indoors / Well lit (large space)

Flowering:

• Flowers in Summer (outdoors in mature plants)

Flower Colour:

• White

• Blue

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots (large)

• Suitable for Indoors (with space)

• Drought Tolerant (once established)

• Perennial

• Suitable for Tropical or Resort-style Gardens

• Wind Tolerant (when mature)

• Low Maintenance

Toxicity:

• Toxic to humans if ingested (seeds and flowers – can cause stomach upset)

• Toxic to cats and dogs (can cause nausea, vomiting if ingested)

Companion Plants:

• Alpinia zerumbet (Shell Ginger)

• Cordyline fruticosa

• Philodendron ‘Xanadu’

• Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm)

• Agave attenuata