Actual size and flowering may vary slightly based on season.
Giant Tropical Bird of Paradise
Giant Tropical Bird of Paradise is a big, clumping plant with paddle-shaped leaves up to 10 feet long that give a yard an instant resort look. Mature clumps send up large white and deep blue flowers shaped like a bird's head. It grows into a tall clump about 15 to 30 feet high. That size suits large entries, courtyards, pool areas and the north or east side of a house. In the Valley it does best with afternoon shade and regular water.
Best for: a tropical focal point at a large entry or courtyard, the shaded north or east side of a house, and poolside planting.
Its huge paddle leaves give a large entry or courtyard a tropical, resort feel that desert plants can't. Set it where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Leave 6 to 10 feet for the clump to spread.
In the Valley it grows best on the north side of a house or a protected east side, out of the hot western sun. An overhang there also helps shield it from frost on cold nights.
It is a common poolside plant for a big tropical look. Pick a spot near the pool that gets afternoon shade, and keep it back from the pool edge so the wide leaves have room.
Frost damages it at about 28°F, and full western sun in summer is hard on it. Wind tears the big leaves into strips. It also gets big, so keep it out of narrow side yards and small beds.
In the low desert give it part shade, with no western sun. The north side or a protected east side works best.
Water it on a regular schedule and keep the soil evenly moist. Do not let it stay soggy, since wet soil can rot the roots.
Frost damages it at about 28°F. An overhang overhead gives good protection. Cover it with frost cloth or a sheet, not plastic, on freezing nights.
Feed it regularly through the warm months. Cut off spent flowers and tattered or dead leaves to keep it tidy.
Drainage test first. Dig the hole and fill it with water. If water is still sitting in the hole a day later, you likely hit caliche, clay or hard soil, so fix the drainage before planting. If it drains very fast, the soil is sandy. Standing water around roots is a common reason new plants fail.
Weed cloth. Cut it away from the planting hole and where the roots will spread. Remove any plastic sheeting completely, since it keeps water and air out of the soil.
Rock or decomposed granite with no soil underneath. Bring in soil close in texture to your native soil, mix it with the soil below, and build up enough depth for roots before planting.
If you can break through. Use a breaker bar, pick, or jackhammer. Dig through the caliche and break out the solid chunks. Backfill with the soil you dug out, with no compost or manure in the hole. Confirm drainage before planting.
If you cannot break through. Dig narrow holes through the hard layer beside the root ball, not under it, and refill them with the same soil, not gravel. If it still will not drain, plant on a low mound of the same soil.
Root ball. Check the outside edges for any roots circling around. Loosen or cut those so they grow outward. Do not break up the center of the root ball.
Depth. The top of the root ball should sit at or just slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot and kill the plant.
Drip emitters. At planting, put the emitters on the root ball, on different sides of the plant. After about 2 months, move them to the outer edge of the root ball. Over the first year, add emitters farther out toward the edge of the branches as roots grow. Once a plant is rooted, never water only at the trunk.
How big does a giant bird of paradise get?
It grows into a clump about 15 to 30 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide, with leaves up to 10 feet long. Give it room away from the house, walkways and small beds.
Does it need shade in Phoenix?
Yes, it does best with afternoon shade and no western sun. Plant it on the north side of the house or a protected east side.
Is it cold hardy in Phoenix?
Frost damages it at about 28°F. Plant it under an overhang or on a sheltered side, and cover it with frost cloth, not plastic, on freezing nights.
How much water does it need?
Give it regular water, and plant it in soil that drains well. Do not keep the soil soggy, since wet soil can rot the roots.
When does it bloom, and why isn't mine blooming?
It flowers mainly in spring once the clump is mature. Young plants and divisions can take several years to bloom, so keep it fed and watered and give it time.
Why are the leaves split?
Wind tears the big leaves into strips, and it happens often in the Valley. Plant it out of strong wind and cut off the most tattered leaves to keep it neat.
Should I fertilize it?
Yes, it grows best with regular feeding through the warm months. Soil rich in organic matter that drains well also helps.
What upkeep does it need?
Cut off spent flowers and torn or dead leaves to keep it tidy. Tall clumps will need a ladder for the upper leaves.
Can I divide a giant bird of paradise?
Yes, dig and divide the clump every few years to make new plants. Thin out crowded side shoots when the clump gets too dense.
Is it good by a pool?
Yes, it is a common poolside plant for a tropical look. Choose a spot with afternoon shade and room for the wide leaves.
Is it toxic to pets?
It is mildly toxic to dogs, cats and horses and can cause an upset stomach if chewed. Keep pets from chewing on the plant, especially the seeds and fruit.
How is it different from the orange bird of paradise?
The giant grows into a tall clump with white and deep blue flowers. The common tropical bird of paradise stays about 4 to 6 feet tall with orange and blue flowers.
Giant Tropical Bird of Paradise for sale in Arizona, delivered to you
Giant Tropical Bird of Paradise brings a resort look to Valley yards with paddle leaves up to 10 feet long and white and blue flowers. It grows into a tall clump and does best here with afternoon shade and regular water. Below are the questions people ask most, from size and sun to frost, flowers and upkeep.
Sourced from trusted Arizona growers and delivered directly to your door, job site, or property. We deliver across the Valley and to nearby towns, and quote delivery anywhere else in Arizona.
Can giant bird of paradise take full sun in Phoenix?
It can take sun, but in the Valley it does better with afternoon shade and no western sun. The north side of a house or a protected east side works best. It struggles when summer highs pass about 110°F in full sun.
How big does giant bird of paradise get?
Plan on a clump about 15 to 30 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide, with leaves up to 10 feet long. Give it room away from the house and walkways so the leaves can spread.
Is giant bird of paradise frost hardy?
Frost damages it at about 28°F, and it dislikes cold below the mid 30s. Plant it under an overhang or on a protected side, and cover it with frost cloth on freezing nights.
Watering giant bird of paradise in Arizona
Give it regular water and plant it in soil that drains well. Do not keep the soil soggy, since wet soil can rot the roots.
Giant vs orange bird of paradise
The giant grows into a tall clump with white and deep blue flowers. The common tropical bird of paradise stays about 4 to 6 feet tall with orange and blue flowers.
Why are the leaves split on my bird of paradise?
Wind and sun tear the big leaves into strips, and it happens often in the Valley. A spot sheltered from wind keeps the leaves fuller.
When does giant bird of paradise bloom?
It flowers mainly in spring once the clump is mature. Young plants and new divisions can take several years to bloom.
We deliver across the Valley, from Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa out to San Tan Valley, Maricopa and Casa Grande, and up to Prescott, Sedona, Payson and Globe. See delivery areas and rates.