Bird of Paradise Flowers

Last Updated on December 17, 2025

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a South African perennial celebrated for its crane-like orange-and-blue blooms, symbolizing tropical elegance. It’s prized as a long-lasting cut flower and as a bold, architectural plant for warm climates or bright indoor spaces.

Message Tone

Bold, celebratory and adventurous.

Relationship Safety

Best for friends, family, colleagues, confident givers.

Care Effort

Moderate attention; not for neglectful homes.

Gift Lifespan

Around one to two weeks.

Flower Language

I see your unique brilliance and celebrate your bold, adventurous spirit.

Quick Flower Gift Guide

You want a dramatic, modern centerpiece that immediately draws attention.
You are congratulating someone on a promotion, achievement or new business venture.
You are gifting a creative person who loves striking, unusual design.
You want a tropical, vacation-like feeling for birthdays or summer parties.
You are sending a confident, non-romantic congratulations to colleagues or clients.

You want a soft, understated or traditional romantic bouquet.
The recipient dislikes bold, architectural or exotic-looking flowers.
You need a compact gift for small desks or shared hospital rooms.
You are sending sympathy flowers for very conservative or traditional mourners.

Meaning & Symbolism as a Gift

Bird of Paradise brings a bold, exotic and optimistic mood, perfect for celebrating milestones and energising modern spaces. It suits friends, partners and confident professional gifting.

Joyful celebration

These tropical blooms symbolise excitement, success and the thrill of new adventures, making any room feel like a celebration.

Expression strength Bold and upbeat

Etiquette safety Safe for friends, colleagues and informal business congratulations.

Best setting Great as a striking focal piece in living rooms, reception areas or party spaces.

Colour hint Classic orange and blue with fresh greens emphasise energy and festive joy.

Avoid Not ideal for very solemn occasions or traditional mourning arrangements.

Best occasions

Good for

close friend colleague client boss romantic partner

Exotic admiration

Bird of Paradise can say “you are unique and inspiring”, expressing admiration for someone’s bold style or achievements.

Expression strength Confident yet non-romantic unless paired with very passionate colours.

Etiquette safety Suitable for professional gifting when you want something distinctive but not intimate.

Best setting Ideal for modern offices, studios, lobbies and creative workspaces.

Colour hint Pair vivid orange blooms with crisp white or green accents for a sophisticated, design-led look.

Avoid Avoid for very traditional or minimalist recipients who prefer soft, understated flowers.

Best occasions

Good for

colleague client boss close friend teacher

Tropical escape

Their dramatic silhouette evokes holidays, warmth and relaxation, offering a mental getaway in flower form.

Expression strength Relaxed and playful

Etiquette safety Best for informal, friendly gestures rather than very formal settings.

Best setting Perfect for holiday homes, sunny terraces, lounges and casual dining areas.

Colour hint Combine orange and blue with lime green or tropical foliage for a vacation feel.

Avoid Too playful for sombre hospital visits or formal condolence flowers.

Best occasions

Good for

close friend best friend romantic partner parent

Caring Tips for Recipient

Place in bright, indirect light in a warm room, away from cold drafts or heating vents.
Check every few days and keep stems in fresh, cool water, trimming ends weekly.
Avoid strong direct sun, dirty water, or heat sources, which quickly wilt and brown the striking blooms.

How to present as a gift

Present upright to protect the sculptural spathes; avoid crushing the bracts. Remove blemished leaves, clean stems, and provide water tubes or a deep vase with preservative. Because sap can stain, handle with gloves and include care instructions. For corporate/formal gifts, pair with structured greens (e.g., monstera, aspidistra) and keep the palette restrained; generally avoid for somber funerals.

Ideal delivery time

Deliver in the morning, 1–2 days before the event, when the first floret is just cracking the spathe. For weddings, deliver day-before or early event day to allow opening.

Card message ideas

May your new chapter be as bold and brilliant as these blooms—congratulations!
To paradise found—cheers to your success and new adventures.
Sending sunshine and strength—feel better soon.
Happy Birthday! Wishing you adventures and bright days ahead.
For your grand opening—may your business soar.

Things to Know Before You Gift This

Use this as a quick check if you’re gifting to a household with children or pets.

Bird of Paradise is considered mildly toxic if ingested, so it is best kept out of reach of curious children and pets.

Risk area	Level	Practical advice
Children	Mild risk if ingested	Discourage chewing or playing with leaves and flowers, and seek medical advice if larger quantities are swallowed.
Pets	Mild to moderate if ingested	Place arrangements and potted plants where cats and dogs cannot nibble them, and contact a vet if vomiting or drooling occurs.
Skin contact	Low	Most people tolerate normal handling well; wash hands if sap contacts sensitive skin or small cuts.

If significant ingestion occurs or worrying symptoms develop, contact a doctor, poison centre or veterinarian promptly.

Helpful if you’re choosing for someone with fragrance or pollen sensitivities.

Bird of Paradise flowers usually cause few allergy problems indoors, as they produce relatively modest, heavy pollen and have a noticeable but not overpowering scent.

Factor	Level	Suggestion
Pollen	Low to moderate	Generally suitable for most hay fever sufferers, but keep a little distance from bedsides if someone is very sensitive.
Fragrance	Light / unobtrusive	Fine for most homes and offices; if anyone is scent-sensitive, avoid crowding many stems in a very small room.
Best placement	Living areas and bright offices	Display a few stems in open, well-ventilated spaces rather than tight bedrooms or clinical areas for maximum comfort.

* For severe respiratory allergies, it’s always best to follow the recipient’s own doctor’s advice.

Before you decide on colours, check if any combination might feel awkward for this occasion or culture.

Color meanings for Bird of Paradise can shift by culture and occasion; the table below highlights common sensitivities to keep in mind.

Color/Combination	Region/Culture	Common Association	Occasions to Avoid
Pure white arrangements	Many East Asian and some European traditions	Often linked with mourning, funerals and memorial services.	Weddings, baby showers and cheerful birthday celebrations.
Very dark red with black accents	Various cultures	May feel heavy, aggressive or overly intense and dramatic.	Casual thank-you gifts, professional congratulations and light-hearted events.
Neon mixed colours with Bird of Paradise	General Western business gifting	Can appear loud or playful rather than refined or professional.	Formal corporate gifts, conservative offices and solemn ceremonies.
Orange and blue with stark black wrapping	Certain conservative cultures	Strong contrast may be read as harsh or inappropriately bold.	Traditional religious events, serious hospital visits and formal sympathy gestures.
Highly contrasting “rainbow” mixes	Global, mixed contexts	Seen as fun and party-like rather than respectful.	Somber memorials, official remembrance days and serious condolence calls.