How to Use Birds of Paradise in Your Landscaping Ideas?

If you’re looking for some truly stunning landscaping ideas, then you’ll want to consider using birds of paradise in your design.

These tropical plants can add a real sense of drama and exoticism to any garden, and they’re surprisingly easy to care for once established. In this article, we’ll take a look at some tips for incorporating birds of paradise into your landscape design, as well as provide some helpful information on caring for these beautiful plants.

Landscaping Ideas with Birds of Paradise

The bird of paradise is an excellent point from which to create a beautiful and interesting landscape, and using it as the focal point, you can go in a variety of ways to complete your garden area.

Here are some landscaping ideas with birds of paradise that will give you inspiration for your own yard:

Colors

Chose different plants to highlight your bird of paradise flowers to create a dramatic landscape that demands attention. This is best accomplished by selecting plants and flowers with color schemes that are closely related to the bold orange bird of paradise flowers for an interesting but also somewhat comfortable look, or plants that are opposite orange on the color wheel for a bold and dramatic statement.

Shades of yellow, red, and pink are closely related, whereas blues, including blue-green and blue-violet, are the opposite of orange.

Layers

Giving your yard a layered appearance and showcasing each plant to its full potential can be achieved by stepping down from tall backdrop plantings to the bird of paradise and then to short flowers or groundcover. To create an interesting natural backdrop for a bird of paradise, train bougainvillea to cover a large area against a fence or wall.

Smaller plants placed around the bottom of the larger plants help to fill in otherwise bare areas, keeping things interesting while keeping the focus on the bird of paradise. African daisies and Gooding verbena are both attractive in their own right and complement the bird of paradise.

Little Water Garden

You can avoid the cactus and gravel and prefer the lush, green bird of paradise to create a yard that doesn’t require frequent watering. While they require a lot of water during their first year, once established, the bird of paradise can be watered once every three to four weeks.

Agave, queen palm, California poppies, and Jupiter’s beard are other plants that thrive in this environment and complement the bird of paradise.

Attract Birds & Insects

Plants that offer food or shelter to some or all of these species will help draw butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial birds and insects to your garden.

Hummingbirds love the bird of paradise, and it looks great when combined with hibiscus, Madagascar jasmine, and lily, all of which thrive in similar growing conditions. Meyer lemon and lantana also attract beneficial insects and can be grown in containers on your patio or directly in your yard.

Planting

If you want something classic, try planting them in mass as part of a border. This looks amazing along property lines or around gardens. You could even plant them in pots and place them around your patio or deck for added tropical flair. For something more unique, use them as accent plants throughout your landscape design.

They look especially striking when planted near water features like ponds or fountains. Or, highlight their bold colors by placing them against dark green foliage plants like elephant ear Hostas. Try growing one indoors! With proper care, they can thrive inside homes and offices.

Caring for Your Birds of Paradise

Birds of paradise are one of the most beautiful and unique flowers in existence. They are native to tropical regions like Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and parts of Australia, but they can also be found in many homes around the world.

If you’re lucky enough to have a bird of paradise plant (or two), then you know that they require some special care to thrive.

Here are a few tips on how to take care of your birds of paradise so that they can continue to bring beauty into your life for years to come!

• Watering

Birds of paradise need plenty of water – about 1 inch per week – during their growing season, which is typically from spring through summer. During this time, it’s best to water them deeply once or twice a week rather than every day.

Letting the soil dry out completely between watering will help prevent root rot. Be sure not to reduce watering in fall and winter; although growth slows down during these months, the plants still need moisture to stay healthy.

• Fertilizing

A good general-purpose fertilizer will work well for birds of paradise. Apply it monthly during the growing season, following the manufacturer’s directions on how much to use.

• Repotting

You’ll probably need to re-pot your bird of paradise every two or three years as it grows. Be sure to choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one; if the roots have too much room, they may become waterlogged and rot. Be careful when handling the plant, as its leaves are fragile and can easily be damaged.

With these simple tips, you can keep your birds of paradise healthy and happy for many years!

Landscape Ideas Using Birds of Paradise

Birds of paradise are a beautiful and unique addition to any landscape.

They can add color and interest to your yard, and attract butterflies and birds. But before you add them to your landscape, there are a few things you should know.

• Birds of Paradise need full sun to partial shade. They will not flower well if they do not get enough light.
• They like well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. You can improve the drainage of your soil by adding sand or grit.
• Birds of Paradise are drought tolerant once established but prefer regular watering during the first growing season until they are fully rooted in their new home.

If you give them what they need, Birds of Paradise will reward you with years of beauty!

Common Pests and Diseases Affecting Birds of Paradise

Birds of paradise are one of the most popular landscaping plants in Louisiana. They are known for their vibrant flowers and lush foliage. However, like all plants, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases.

• Root Rot

One of the most common problems that affect birds of paradise is root rot. This happens when the roots of the plant start to decay due to too much moisture. Root rot can kill a bird of paradise if it is not treated quickly. To prevent root rot, make sure that you do not overwater your plant and provide good drainage for excess water.

If you think your plant has root rot, carefully remove it from its potting mix and inspect the roots. If they are brown or mushy, then your plant has root rot. You can try treating it with fungicide, but often times infected plants need to be replaced.

• Blight

Another problem that affects birds of paradise is blight. Blight is caused by a fungus called Phomopsisjinternae which attacks the leaves and stems of the plant causing them to turn yellow and die back. The best way to control blight is by preventing it from happening in the first place.

Use a clean pot with fresh soil and sterilize any tools or containers you use before working with another plant. Avoid overwatering and keep your plants free of debris where the fungus can grow. Also, avoid working with infested plants as this can spread the blight to your healthy ones.

If you find that your bird of paradise has blight, then gently remove the affected leaves and dispose of them in a securely covered garbage bag. Blight can also be treated with fungicide, but be sure to read and follow all instructions carefully before using any pesticide on your plants.

• Caterpillars

Caterpillars are another pest that likes to bite into birds of paradise. These tiny creatures love to eat the rich foliage and can quickly strip a plant bare. If you find caterpillars, then use a secateurs or pair of tweezers to pick them off by hand. You can also try using caterpillar-repellent sprays from your local garden center.

• Beetles

Beetles are yet another type of pest that can damage birds of paradise. These pesky insects feast on the leaves, causing them to become ragged and damaged. To control beetles, pick them off by hand or use a beetle trap.

If you find that your bird of paradise is affected by any of these pests or diseases, then do not hesitate to contact a local gardener or the locally owned and operated landscaping company for help. With years of experience, they will be able to quickly identify the problem and solve it as soon as possible.

Let Us Help Your Start Your Landscaping Using Birds of Paradise Now!

Looking to add some flair to your yard? Big Easy Landscaping can help you achieve the perfect look with our landscaping services that incorporate birds of paradise. These beautiful plants are native to New Orleans and will definitely make your yard stand out from the rest. Contact us today to get started on transforming your outdoor space into an oasis!