Bird of paradise: vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Strelitzia reginae
Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae, family Strelitziaceae) usually lasts 10–14 days in a vase. In season: Year-round. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: focal flower.
- Botanical name
- Strelitzia reginae
- Family
- Strelitziaceae
- Accepted name
- Strelitzia reginae Banks
- Role in a design
- Focal flower
- Vase life
- 10–14 days
- In season
- Year-round
- Fragrance
- None
- Colours
- orange
- Meaning
- Freedom and joy
- Type
- Cut flower
- Pets
- Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Bird of paradise
- Botanical name
- Strelitzia reginae
- Family
- Strelitziaceae
- Aliases
- None
- Native origin
- Coastal and subtropical South Africa
- Growth habit
- Herbaceous perennial or biennial with sturdy, upright flowering stems.
- Stem length
- 50–70 cm
- Natural colours
- Orange
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in spring and summer
- Commercial supply
- Available year-round via commercial greenhouse production
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 10–14 days
- Cold storage
- Sensitive to cold: keep above 12°C to prevent chilling injury and blackening.
- Special care
- A tropical flower: keep above about 10 °C. When the first floret fades, the next ones can be eased out of the boat-shaped sheath by hand.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Focal flower in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- A tropical flower: keep above about 10 °C. When the first floret fades, the next ones can be eased out of the boat-shaped sheath by hand.
For florists
Try Bird of paradise in a client design
We fill in the brief from this page. No stock yet? Load the sample flowers — Bird of paradise included — and see a recipe, quote and preview image in about a minute. New shops get 30 free credits.
Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- A tropical flower: keep above about 10 °C. When the first floret fades, the next ones can be eased out of the boat-shaped sheath by hand.
- Bird of paradise is mildly toxic to cats and dogs: remind clients with pets to keep it out of reach.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ✓ | No pollen staining, and it lasts long enough to make up a day ahead. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ! | Mildly toxic if eaten — advise keeping it out of reach. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ✓ | Long-lasting (about 10–14 days) — good for orders prepared ahead and weekly contract flowers. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as bird of paradise and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Statice | Filler flower | 10–14 days |
| Craspedia (billy buttons) | Filler flower | 10–14 days |
| Dendrobium orchid | Line flower | 10–14 days |
| Kangaroo paw | Line flower | 10–14 days |
| Eucalyptus | Foliage | 10–14 days |
| Monstera leaf | Foliage | 10–14 days |
Substitutes
When bird of paradise is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heliconia | 10–14 days | Year-round | None | — |
| Carnation | 10–14 days | Year-round | Light | mildly toxic |
| Orchids (cut) | 10–21 days | Year-round | Light | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| Calla lily | 7–10 days | Year-round | None | mildly toxic |
FAQ
How long does bird of paradise last in a vase?
Usually 10–14 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is bird of paradise in season?
It is available year-round.
How do you keep bird of paradise fresh?
A tropical flower: keep above about 10 °C. When the first floret fades, the next ones can be eased out of the boat-shaped sheath by hand.
What does bird of paradise symbolise?
Freedom and joy. Flower meanings are popular conventions and vary between cultures.
Is bird of paradise toxic to cats or dogs?
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
What can I use instead of bird of paradise?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Heliconia, Carnation, Orchids (cut), Calla lily.
Related guides
In season at the same time
RoseLilyCarnationGerbera daisyLisianthusBaby's breathOrchids (cut)Eucalyptus