Southern California Gardening With Strelitzia Reginae

Climate Considerations

• Whether you live in a cool basin or hilltop area of Southern California, a warmer zone inland or along the coastal strip, your bird of paradise will thrive. The plant grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, but will grow with protection in USDA zones 9a and 9b. It prefers full sun, though it will require partial shade in the hottest areas. Bird of paradise recovers slowly from frosts, so give it protection with a temporary cover if hard frosts are predicted.

Drought Tolerance

• Although bird of paradise thrives with regular watering, it also can tolerate the drought conditions that sometimes occur in Southern California. To keep your plant healthy, water about once a week with enough water to ensure that the soil is neither too wet nor too dry and increase the watering frequency if the weather turns really hot. A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch will help ensure that your bird of paradise stays well hydrated and will help protect it from winter chill.

Use

• In a temperate Southern Californian climate, bird of paradise will produce flowers year-round so can be planted in areas of your garden that are always visible, whether in pots of in the ground. It also works well as a poolside plant, as it produces little litter and tolerates both poolside splashing and high temperatures. Plant several plants as part of a large garden border or use a single plant for a showy focal point.

Care

• Bird of paradise prefers a rich soil with plenty of organic matter. It thrives with frequent and heavy feeding with a slow-release, 10-10-10 fertilizer -- apply 1 to 2 pounds in a 100-square-foot area. The plant blooms best when its leafy clumps become large and crowded, so dividing can be done infrequently, allowing you to enjoy an easy-going Southern California lifestyle.