Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise

$200.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm 40cm/45L 50cm/75L 100L 200L

Current Stock Height Guides

100L: 2.5m – 3.5m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6m to 8m

Mature Width: 3m to 4m

Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise is expected to grow 40cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Trade

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

Register or learn more ›

Shipping

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise - Evergreen Trees Direct

About Your New Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia nicolai, the Giant White Bird of Paradise, is an evergreen clumping plant rather than a true tree. Multiple stems rise from the base, each carrying large paddle shaped leaves on long petioles. Mature clumps produce white and blue bird shaped flowers held in dark bracts, mostly through spring and summer.

Full sun to light shade suits it, in soil that drains freely, though it copes with most soil types once settled. Warm temperate, subtropical and tropical climates are its natural home, and it handles wind, salt air and short dry spells. Cold is the limit, since hard frost damages the foliage badly.

It is specified for screening, boundary planting, courtyards, resort style gardens and large planter boxes in commercial work. A row gives quick height and a strong vertical line where a hedge would take years. Clumps look best with room to spread, and the coarse leaf gives contrast against fine foliage.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Giant White Bird of Paradise

What is a Giant White Bird of Paradise?

It is a large clumping evergreen from southern Africa, related to the smaller orange flowered Strelitzia reginae. Instead of a single trunk it forms a tight group of upright stems topped with broad, banana like leaves. The flowers are white with a blue tongue, held in a dark purple bract, and appear on established clumps.

How big does Strelitzia nicolai grow?

In warm climates a mature clump reaches about 5 to 8 metres tall and 3 to 4 metres across, spreading slowly outward from the base. In cooler or drier districts, and in containers, it usually sits closer to 3 metres. Height comes from the stems themselves, so a clump thickens as much as it climbs.

Is it frost tolerant?

Only lightly. It will take the occasional light frost once well established, but the broad leaves scorch and tear at low temperatures and repeated frost sets a plant back badly. Treat it as frost sensitive and plant it in a sheltered, north facing position in any district that regularly drops below zero.

Can it grow in pots?

Yes, and it is one of the most reliable large plants for a pot or planter box. Use a container at least 60 centimetres across with a free draining mix, and expect a smaller ultimate size than a plant in the ground. Water regularly through summer, feed in spring, and divide or repot every few years as the clump fills out.

Is it suitable for coastal positions?

It is well suited to coastal gardens and handles salt laden wind better than most large foliage plants. The leaves split along the veins in exposed positions, which is normal for the species and does not harm the plant. If you want unblemished foliage, plant where a fence or building takes the worst of the wind.

How far apart should I plant it for a screen?

For a dense informal screen, space plants 1 to 1.5 metres apart. For a tighter, more formal line, 80 centimetres apart works, though clumps will compete as they thicken. As a feature specimen, allow 3 to 4 metres so the full clump can develop. Closer spacing gives faster cover but more thinning work later.

How do I care for a Giant White Bird of Paradise?

Remove old, damaged or wind torn leaves at the base with a sharp saw or loppers, and cut spent stems back to ground level to keep the clump tidy. Water through dry spells and feed in early spring with a general purpose fertiliser. Clumps can be divided in spring if they outgrow their space. Otherwise maintenance is minimal.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Type: Feature Trees

Ficus microcarpa ‘Flash’ – Pleached Ficus

$720.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly

From $255.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Murraya paniculata Orange Jasmine

From $30.00

Type: Evergreen

Gardenia augusta ‘Magnifica’ – Magnifica Gardenia

From $120.00

Type: Palm

Howea forsteriana – Kentia Palm

From $1,400.00

Type: Feature Tree

Lagerstroemia indica 'Natchez' White Crepe Myrtle

From $150.00

Uses in my Garden

Screening or Privacy
Feature Tree

Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise works in an:

Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.
Rainforest / Subtropical Garden – dense greenery for a rich, exotic feel.

Is Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise Evergreen or Deciduous?

Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6m to 8m

Mature Width: 3m to 4m

Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise is expected to grow 40cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

Growth Rate of Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise is expected to grow 40cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise

Is Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise frost tolerant?

Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise Flower?

Strelitzia nicolai produces large white and blue crane-like flowers, typically on mature plants during the warmer months. Flowering can be sporadic and is not guaranteed in all garden settings, with the plant more commonly valued for its bold foliage and tropical architectural form.

Does Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Summer

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

White

Is Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise an Australian Native Tree?

No

Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise is Native to Eastern South Africa, where Strelitzia nicolai occurs naturally in coastal forests and riverine environments within warm, frost-light regions.

What is the Wildlife Value of Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise ?

Its large, architectural foliage provides shelter and protected roosting space for small birds, while mature plants may also attract nectar-feeding birds when in flower. The dense, upright growth contributes to garden structure and supports local biodiversity through habitat value rather than pollination.

How much Sunlight does Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise need?

Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Strelitzia nicolai performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils with a neutral pH. It will also tolerate coastal sandy soils if enriched with organic matter to improve moisture retention and nutrition. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions unless significantly improved, as poor drainage can lead to root stress and reduced growth. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then reduce watering as the plant matures.

Is Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise Drought Tolerant?

Is Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise Drought tolerant?

As a young plant it benefits from regular watering to establish strong roots, particularly in warmer weather. Once established, Strelitzia nicolai shows good drought tolerance, performing reliably through dry periods while maintaining strong foliage structure when planted in well-drained soil.

youtube

How To Plant Your Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise

Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise is expected to grow 40cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Strelitzia nicolai – Giant White Bird of Paradise in Different Soil

Strelitzia nicolai performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Strelitzia nicolai flower reliably?
A: Flowering occurs mainly on mature plants in warm climates and should not be relied upon as a primary feature.

Q: How fast does Strelitzia nicolai grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically adding around 40–60cm per year under suitable conditions.

Q: Is Strelitzia nicolai drought-tolerant?
A: Once established, it has good drought tolerance but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Q: Is it suitable for coastal gardens?
A: Yes, it performs reliably in coastal conditions and tolerates salt-laden winds once established.