Bird of paradise is a rapidly growing plant that needs to reach a certain size before it blooms. A bird of paradise that is 3 to 4 feet tall grows well in a 10-inch pot.

The most popular type of bird of paradise plant available, Strelitzia reginae has large, paddle-like foliage and orange flowers. Its blue-green leaves can reach about 5 to 6 feet tall and wide.

The plant she is most enthusiastic about is a yellow bird of paradise bush (Caesalpinia gillesii). Despite its highly exotic-looking blooms, it is among the easiest plants to grow.

The Plant Doctor Tom MacCubbin shares advice about caring for bird of paradise, warns of toxic balsam pear plants and suggests treatment for a droopy camellia bush.

The Yellow Bird of Paradise featured in this photograph has grown to its maximum height of 10 feet and width of 6 feet, or more in the garden of Red Bluff Garden Club member John Garaventa.

Mexican bird of paradise (Caesalpinia mexicana): This plant is my favorite of all the bird of paradise plants. It can grow as a shrub or a small tree, and has beautiful bright yellow flowers. The ...