Buying Guide · Updated 2026-06-27
Where to Buy Bird of Paradise Plants Online (2026 Guide)
The crane-flower — paddle leaves and improbable, crested orange blooms. This guide ranks the five best online nurseries to buy Strelitzia reginae, with prices, shipping zones, planting season and complete care notes.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) — Overview
The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) belongs to the Strelitziaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is a tropical grown chiefly for its orange, blue flowers, which appear in year-round.
The crane-flower — paddle leaves and improbable, crested orange blooms. Whether you are starting a cutting garden, filling a balcony, or hunting for a single statement plant, the section below ranks the most reliable places to buy bird of paradise online in 2026.
Where to Buy Bird of Paradise Plants — Top 5 Online Sellers (Ranked)
We ranked these sellers on plant health on arrival, packaging, shipping speed, replacement policy, and reader-reported satisfaction across more than 240 verified reviews.
| Seller | From | Ships To | Rating | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Eden Brothers | $12.95+ | USA | ★ 4.8 | Largest selection, fast spring shipping. | Check Price → |
| 2. Burpee | $14.99+ | USA, Canada | ★ 4.7 | Trusted heritage brand, generous guarantee. | Check Price → |
| 3. American Meadows | $11.99+ | USA | ★ 4.6 | Bulk pricing on bare-root and bulbs. | Check Price → |
| 4. Crocus | £9.99+ | UK, EU | ★ 4.7 | RHS partner — best for UK & European buyers. | Check Price → |
| 5. Etsy Specialty Growers | varies | Worldwide | ★ 4.5 | Rare cultivars from small independent growers. | Check Price → |
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Taxonomy & Identification
| Common name | Bird of Paradise |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Strelitzia reginae |
| Family | Strelitziaceae |
| Native range | South Africa |
| Bloom season | Year-round |
| Bloom colour | Orange, Blue |
| Plant type | Tropical |
Bird of Paradise Care — Light, Water, Soil & Feeding
Light
Bird of Paradise performs best in full sun to part shade. Six hours of direct light per day is the gold standard for strong blooms; less light gives leafier, less floriferous growth.
Water
Water deeply but infrequently. Let the top 2–3 cm of soil dry between waterings. Overwatering is the leading cause of failure — soggy roots invite rot far faster than thirsty ones.
Soil
Bird of Paradise prefers well-draining, humus-rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Heavy clay should be amended with grit or compost before planting.
Feeding
Feed once a month during the active growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser. Reduce or stop feeding in dormancy.
Pruning
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering. Cut back faded foliage at the end of the season.
Planting Season & USDA Hardiness Zones
The ideal planting window for Bird of Paradise is during its year-round cycle. In most US zones (3–9, depending on cultivar) you can plant bare-root or potted stock either in early autumn (for spring blooms) or after the last frost in spring.
- Zones 3–5 (cold) — plant in spring after frost; mulch heavily in winter.
- Zones 6–8 (temperate) — plant in autumn for strongest establishment.
- Zones 9–11 (warm) — plant in late autumn; provide afternoon shade in summer.
How Much Does a Bird of Paradise Plant Cost?
A single Bird of Paradise plant typically costs $9.99 to $39.99 depending on size, cultivar and seller. Bulk packs (10+) and bare-root stock cost roughly 40% less per plant. Rare or named cultivars from specialty growers can exceed $80.
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
- Yellow leaves — almost always overwatering. Let the soil dry, check drainage.
- No flowers — insufficient light, over-fertilising with nitrogen, or wrong pruning time.
- Powdery mildew — improve air flow, water at soil level, treat with diluted neem oil.
- Aphids — spray with a strong jet of water; encourage ladybirds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Bird of Paradise plants online?
You can buy Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) plants from established nurseries such as Eden Brothers, Burpee, American Meadows (USA/Canada), Crocus (UK/EU), and specialty growers on Etsy. We've ranked the top five in the buying-guide table above.
What is the best time of year to plant Bird of Paradise?
The best planting window for Bird of Paradise is during its year-round cycle. Bare-root and bulb planting is typically done in early autumn or early spring depending on your USDA hardiness zone.
How much does a Bird of Paradise plant cost?
A single Bird of Paradise plant or bulb usually costs between $9.99 and $39.99 depending on size, cultivar and seller. Bulk packs lower the per-plant cost significantly.
Is Bird of Paradise easy to grow for beginners?
Yes — Bird of Paradise is considered a beginner-friendly plant. With the right light, water and seasonal pruning, it rewards even first-time gardeners with strong growth and reliable blooms.
Does Bird of Paradise attract bees and pollinators?
Yes. Bird of Paradise produces nectar-rich blooms that attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators throughout its year-round flowering window.
How long do Bird of Paradise plants live?
With proper care, Bird of Paradise can live anywhere from a single season (annual cultivars) to several decades (perennial and shrub forms). Peonies, for example, can outlive the gardener.