Bird of Paradise – Pride of Barbados

Native to the Austin area, the Red Bird of Paradise is a favorite for summer blooms. Every summer the shrub is covered in a dazzling display of orange-red flowers that can last from March until October. The eight-inch flowers appear in a pyramid-like shape. Growing up to 8 feet, the red bird of paradise produces medium green leaves in a fern-like pattern. Those leaves need full sun to provide enough energy to sustain the floral growth. Although the Red Bird of Paradise can tolerate cold, it will lose its leaves at temperatures below freezing. Below fifteen degrees, the upward growth of the plant will likely die, but the root system will produce sprouts the next spring.

Quick Facts:

  • Category: Shrub
  • Size: 8’x8’ (but is often trimming to be much smaller)
  • Blooms: March-October
  • Exposure: Full Sun
  • Water: Moderate
  • Growth Rate: Fast
  • Cold Hardiness: 15 degrees

 

Red Bird of Paradise is listed on Austin’s Grow Green Plant List meaning that is naturally drought tolerant and resistant to pests and diseases. Here at Top Choice Lawn Care we reference this list often when selecting beautiful plants for landscaping projects. If you are looking for the next plant for your yard take a look at the list here: https://austintexas.gov/department/grow-green/plant-guide.

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