Bird of Paradise Shrub
The Bird of Paradise shrub definitely falls into the “you can’t possibly grow that here!” category in that it looks like something from the tropics with its incredibly showy giant yellow flowers and 3″ long bright red stamens protruding from the center. The fine divided foliage is a light grayish green and makes an incredible backdrop for the exotic looking flowers. Prefers the hottest location you can give it in full sun. Drought adapted and native to Argentina and Uruguay. Deciduous and surprisingly hardy to Zone 7, possibly Zone 6 in the right spot with heavy winter mulching!
Please note: This plant is different than the Bird of Paradise species Strelitzia reginae.
Latin Name: Caesalpinia gilliesii
Site and Soil: Full sun and well-drained soil. Very drought tolerant once established and will need little to no supplemental watering during the summer season.
Rootstock Description: Self-rooted
Hardiness: Hardy to approx. 0º F.
Size at Maturity: 8 ft. in height by 6-8 ft. width
Bloom Time: Flowers begin opening in late June and continue all summer
Pests & Diseases: Bird of Paradise is not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 7