The bird of paradise, which lives up to its name, doesn’t need to be pruned like some perennials do, but you can thin it out to get rid of flower stalks after they bloom. If the plant is getting too big for where it is, take some clumps from the base of the plant and move them to a different spot.
Since the bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) doesn’t have any real branches, it doesn’t need to be pruned very often and doesn’t use the usual methods for perennial shrubs. Instead, the plant makes stems that bunch together and leaves that grow off of them to make a fan shape. When fully grown, a giant bird of paradise can grow to be 3 or 4 feet tall, and the flower stalks can get as tall as 5 feet.
Plant lovers want the beautiful and rare bird of paradise flowers, which do well in hot places like the U.S. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 to 12. You can get rid of the flower after it blooms and then fades so that the dead, drying stalks don’t become the focal point of your garden.
First, clean your garden shears so you dont spread disease either to or from your bird of paradise. You can use chlorine bleach or a disinfectant like Lysol, but bleach is harsh and Lysol hasn’t been shown to kill plant pathogens. Good alternatives are ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which dont need to be wiped off and are immediately effective.
Clip off the flower stalk at the base an inch or so above the soil line. Take care to avoid damaging the clump itself or digging into the roots. New flower stalks will appear from the clump.
The giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is a stunning tropical plant known for its enormous banana-like leaves and vibrant orange and blue flowers resembling a crane. Native to South Africa, it thrives as a dramatic architectural specimen in frost-free climates. However, its rapid growth to 30 feet tall or more can present challenges for homeowners. If your giant bird of paradise is getting out of hand, you have several options to contain its size.
Understanding Giant Bird of Paradise Growth
In ideal conditions with ample warmth, moisture and light the giant bird of paradise grows quickly. Mature plants can reach over 30 feet tall with leaves up to 6 feet long emerging from the crown on long petioles. The huge leaves create a jungle-like effect.
This exceptionally fast growth rate makes the giant bird of paradise a candidate for becoming weedy or invasive in tropical and subtropical climates. It can easily outgrow its allotted space in just a few years. Careful management is needed to keep it in check.
This plant is best suited for a large-scale landscape where it has room to reach its full dimensions. Use it as a striking accent plant or tropical screen. Just be prepared to prune it regularly.
When to Consider Containing or Pruning
You have a few options if your giant bird of paradise is encroaching where it’s not wanted
- Prune it to reduce height and width.
- Physically contain the root system to limit growth.
- Remove suckers and offshoots as they appear.
- Cut the main trunk down drastically in height.
- Dig up and relocate the plant.
Try pruning first before taking more drastic measures like trunk removal. Here are signs it’s time to prune or contain your giant bird of paradise:
- It is touching or overhanging the house roof.
- It is growing into utility lines.
- The canopy is blocking windows or sunlight.
- It is spreading beyond its intended space in the landscape.
- It is too close to other plants and crowding them.
- Offshoots are appearing in undesired areas.
How to Prune a Giant Bird of Paradise
These plants can be pruned year-round as needed in frost-free climates. Here are some pruning tips:
- Remove lower leaves first to open up the look of the trunk.
- Cut outer leaves and leaf stems back to reduce canopy width.
- Shorten the tallest leaves to bring down the height.
- Prune suckers or offshoots emerging at the base.
- Cut back outer petioles to the trunk to contain spread.
- Remove spent flower stalks.
Always sterilize pruners between cuts with rubbing alcohol. Make clean cuts at a 45 degree angle just above a leaf node. Avoid leaving stubs.
Drastic pruning is well tolerated, but you can stagger it over time for a natural look. The plant will put out new growth rapidly, so persistence is needed to keep it controlled.
Using Physical Barriers for Containment
Since the root system expands rapidly, barriers can help keep the giant bird of paradise confined. Install them 2-3 feet away from the trunk on all sides. Options include:
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Concrete or plastic edging sunk 6+ inches into the ground
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Footers around the perimeter to block root spread
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Metal flashing inserted vertically into the soil
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Planter or raised bed with solid bottom and sides
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Root barrier fabric laid under surrounding soil
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Gravel border where roots won’t penetrate
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Surrounding pavement that won’t allow expansion
Check barriers frequently for any escaping root growth. Prune the foliage simultaneously so the plant doesn’t overgrow its bounds above ground.
Cutting the Trunk Down to Size
If your giant bird of paradise exceeds the height you desire, you can saw the trunk down to reduce its size. Cut it anywhere from 6 inches to several feet above ground level. Use a sterilized hand saw or chainsaw.
Paint the cut trunk tip with pruning sealer or latex paint to prevent dieback. Healthy new shoots will usually emerge just below the cut. Allow these to fill in, then prune as needed to shape the rejuvenated plant.
Drastic trunk cutting is best done in early spring when the plant is actively growing. Remove any adjacent leaves or petioles first so they don’t yellow and die. The shock of cutting back will be less.
Transplanting an Overgrown Specimen
Moving a giant bird of paradise to a new spot is an option if you no longer want such a large specimen in its current place. Transplant it in spring or early summer when actively growing.
Prepare the new site in advance, mixing compost into the soil. Dig up the entire root ball and surrounding soil, as big as possible. These plants resent root disturbance. Support the root ball on a tarp or rolling cart to move it.
Replant at the same level as before and water thoroughly. Stake the trunk if needed while new roots establish. Expect some leaf yellowing as it recovers from the move. Fertilize lightly monthly the first year.
Alternatives to Giant Bird of Paradise
If managing an oversized giant bird has become too much work, replace it with a similar but smaller species like:
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White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) under 20 feet tall
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Dwarf white bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai ‘Compacta’) under 6 feet
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Orange bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) to 15 feet tall
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Dwarf orange bird (Strelitzia reginae ‘Dwarf’) up to 5 feet tall
These alternatives give the same exotic look on a smaller scale and are easier to keep in bounds. The flowers are smaller but no less vivid. Site them carefully and prune regularly.
Outlook for a Pruned Giant Bird of Paradise
With some persistence controlling its size, the dramatic giant bird of paradise can make a striking addition to large gardens in frost-free climates. Just be prepared to give it adequate space and pruning attention. With smart management, you can enjoy its tropical effects without it taking over your entire landscape.
Cutting Back the Plant
If your bird of paradise is getting too tall, you can keep it in check by cutting back the stems. In February, cut the stems to just a foot tall. This will encourage new stems to emerge, which will be thicker than the originals. This results in a thick, shorter plant with a lot of flowers. You may want this in your garden, but keep in mind that this type of pruning changes the way the plant looks. Bird of paradise is usually a tall plant that adds an architectural element to a landscape. This one won’t look as natural.