What's the Difference Between Bird of Paradise Strelitzia Reginae & Nicolai?

Birds of Paradise are iconic plants that bring a bold, tropical vibe to any garden, but not all Bird of Paradise plants are created equal. Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai are two of the most popular species, and while they share similar features, they differ in size and their overall impact in the garden. Let’s dive into the key differences between these two striking plants.

Strelitzia reginae: Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia reginae, commonly known as the Bird of Paradise, is the smaller of the two species and a popular choice for smaller gardens or feature plantings.

  • Mature Height

    1-2m tall and wide, making it ideal for smaller spaces.

  • Recommended spacing

    1m apart if you’re planting multiples for a border or feature.

  • Ideal growing conditions

    Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

  • Growth rate

    Slow to moderate, so you’ll enjoy watching it mature over time.

Strelitzia reginae is famous for its vivid orange and blue bird-like flowers that appear on long stems, creating a stunning display. The flowers look almost like an exotic bird in flight, hence its common name. The bright blooms contrast beautifully against its banana-like, paddle-shaped green leaves, providing a tropical vibe.

Ideal Uses for Strelitzia reginae:

  • Feature plant: A perfect focal point in garden beds or courtyards.
  • Small garden: Great for compact spaces and works well in pots.
  • Tropical gardens: Adds lush, exotic flair without needing a lot of room.

Strelitzia nicolai: Giant Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia nicolai, or Giant Bird of Paradise, lives up to its name by reaching heights of 5-10 metres, making it an excellent choice for those looking to create a bold, tropical statement.

  • Mature height

    5-10m tall, much larger than its smaller cousin.

  • Recommended spacing

    1.5m apart for mass plantings or screening purposes.

  • Ideal growing conditions

    Full sun to partial shade.

  • Growth rate

    Slow to moderate, but with time, it can become an impressive specimen.

Unlike Strelitzia reginae, Strelitzia nicolai produces large, white flowers with a blue center. These blooms are striking but less colourful than the smaller Bird of Paradise. Its sheer size and banana-like leaves make it a perfect plant for creating tropical privacy screens or lush, green backdrops in larger gardens.

Ideal Uses for Strelitzia nicolai:

  • Screening: Provides dense, tall privacy screening or garden walls.
  • Feature tree: An excellent statement tree for larger gardens or tropical designs.
  • Tropical landscape: Adds grandeur and lushness to larger spaces.

Key Differences Between Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai

  1. Size: The most noticeable difference is size. Strelitzia reginae stays small, maturing at around 1-2m, while Strelitzia nicolai towers at 5-10m tall.

  2. Flowers: While Strelitzia reginae has bright orange and blue flowers, Strelitzia nicolai produces larger but less colourful white and blue blooms.

  3. Uses: Strelitzia reginae works well in pots or small gardens as a feature plant, while Strelitzia nicolai excels in larger spaces for privacy screens or dramatic statements.

  4. Space: You’ll need much more room for Strelitzia nicolai, whereas Strelitzia reginae is compact and easy to incorporate into a wide variety of garden settings.

Pictured: Strelitzia Nicolai

Which Bird of Paradise is Right for You?

Choosing between Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai depends on your garden size and needs.
If you’re working with a small space or want a pop of colour with eye-catching flowers, Strelitzia reginae is your go-to. However, if you’re looking for a towering plant that provides tropical screening or a bold statement in a larger garden, Strelitzia nicolai will deliver.

You can buy Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai online from Platypus Plants, with delivery to Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, South East Queensland, and beyond. Whatever your choice, you’re sure to bring an exotic touch to your garden!