Red Bird of Paradise

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 6-10 feet
Spread: 3-5 feet
Flower Color: orange-red
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Red Bird of Paradise - The Perfect Tropical Shrub for Phoenix Valley Landscapes

The Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) is a captivating perennial shrub, perfect for Arizona’s hot and dry landscape. Known for its vibrant, tropical flowers and lush, fern-like foliage, this plant is an excellent choice for adding color and an exotic feel to Phoenix Valley gardens.

Key Features of the Red Bird of Paradise

• Showy, Tropical Blooms: This shrub produces fiery red and orange flowers with long stamens that give the appearance of a bird in flight. The blossoms create a stunning display from late spring through early fall, bringing warmth and color to the landscape.
• Lush, Tropical Foliage: The plant’s bright green, fern-like foliage adds a lush, tropical aesthetic, providing a beautiful contrast to its bold flowers.
• Ideal Size: Reaching up to 6-12 feet tall and wide, the Red Bird of Paradise can stand out as a focal point or blend beautifully into a mixed border.

Benefits of the Red Bird of Paradise in Phoenix Valley Gardens

• Drought Tolerance: Once established, this shrub requires minimal water, making it ideal for water-wise landscapes in Arizona’s arid climate.
• Heat and Sun Adaptation: Thrives in full sun, ensuring maximum flower production and resilience in high temperatures.
• Low Maintenance: Requires only occasional pruning in late winter or early spring to encourage bushier growth and promote abundant blooming.

Landscaping Uses

The Red Bird of Paradise is a versatile plant suited for various landscape designs. It can be used as a standalone specimen, incorporated into tropical-themed gardens, or as part of a vibrant, water-efficient border. Its bold flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding ecological value to any space.

Summary

With its vibrant flowers, tropical foliage, and drought tolerance, the Red Bird of Paradise is an ideal addition to Phoenix Valley landscapes. This low-maintenance shrub adds a bold splash of color and tropical charm to gardens, making it a favorite choice for homeowners and landscapers in warm, arid regions.

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

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and vibrant blooms)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 4-5 feet apart to allow for their bushy, spreading growth
• 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: Red Bird of Paradise is a shrub that requires no staking and grows upright with colorful red and orange flowers

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Red 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 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 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 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant for deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks