Not only is it beautiful, but pollinators love it too, and it’s a near-native, coming from Mexico. The Mexican bird-of-paradise grows as a large shrub or a small tree, depending how you prune it.

Question: My Mexican Bird of Paradise was gorgeous this year, the best ever. The flowers are now going to seed pods. Should I cut it back? What is the proper way to care for this plant as it ...

Mexican bird of paradise grows best in warm, humid conditions and doesn’t require more than an occasional watering once established. The shrub flowers best when planted in full sunlight and well ...

Mexican bird of paradise (Caesaepinia mexicana) plants will also only need to be pruned during those seasons, again trimming away dead flowers and branches sparingly. Enjoyed this article?

Is there something I can do to get it to flower? Dear Reader: I don’t know if you’re talking about Mexican bird of paradise (Caesalpinia) or the tropical type (Strelitzia). I suspect the former.