Desert Bird of Paradise

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 3-10 feet
Spread: 3-6 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Desert Bird of Paradise – A Vibrant, Drought-Tolerant Shrub for Arizona Landscapes

The Desert Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii) is a stunning, low-maintenance shrub that thrives in Arizona's hot and arid climate. Native to South America, this plant’s striking blooms and feathery foliage make it a standout choice for water-wise landscapes in the Phoenix Valley.

Key Features of the Desert Bird of Paradise

• Eye-Catching Flowers: Bright yellow petals with long, contrasting red stamens resemble a bird in flight, providing exotic beauty from late spring through early fall.
• Fine, Fern-Like Foliage: Green, bipinnate leaves add a soft texture to the landscape, enhancing the visual appeal of the garden.
• Moderate Size & Versatile Form: Grows as a shrub or small tree, ideal as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or in xeriscape gardens.

Why Choose the Desert Bird of Paradise for Phoenix Valley Gardens?

• Drought Tolerance: Requires minimal watering once established, making it perfect for Arizona’s water-efficient and xeriscape designs.
• Low Maintenance: Thrives in well-draining soils with little care, providing a hassle-free option for busy gardeners.
• Extended Blooming Season: Flowers from late spring through early fall, offering months of vibrant color to brighten the landscape.

Landscaping Uses

The Desert Bird of Paradise is versatile and works well as a focal point, in group plantings, or as part of a mixed border. Its colorful blooms and fine foliage add a touch of tropical elegance to desert landscapes, while its drought tolerance and easy care make it a practical choice for sustainable garden designs.

Summary

The Desert Bird of Paradise is an ideal shrub for Phoenix Valley landscapes, offering striking flowers, soft-textured foliage, and excellent drought tolerance. Its adaptability to dry conditions and low maintenance requirements make it a favored choice for homeowners and landscapers seeking to add vibrant, exotic beauty to Arizona gardens.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Desert Bird of Paradise

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 6-8 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Desert Bird of Paradise is a shrub that does not require staking, though it can grow tall and may benefit from some pruning to maintain shape

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-2 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Desert Bird of Paradise is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10-14 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 7-10 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1-2 emitters per plant for even watering
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering in the summer to every 7-10 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks