Hello,

My name is Rajesh. I am native to India but have been living in Spain for 15 years. I have the chance to live in a place that is equivalent to USDA zone 9.
I would like to grow both birds of paradise and giant birds of paradise, to adda tropical look to my garden, which, for the moment, is more of a true Mediterranean style (which i also appreciate).

I would like to have information about giant birds of paradise. Are they true tropical plants, or could they withstand of small amount of frosts?

Thank you.

Rajesh,

I saw yesterday some interesting information about a white bird of paradise, Strelitzia alba, that would be hardy to USDA zone 9b. It looks like a stunning bird of paradise and you should fetch some info about it, in sheltered zone 9 I think it's a must-have

-- Kacey

Hello Rajesh,

I'll second Kacey, not only with Strelitzia alba but also with Strelitzia reginae, and Strelitzia nicolai. All of these can take a few degrees of frost, and I think zone 9 corresponds to a few degrees bellow 0°C. (Not sure, though) Etto.

Hello Kacey and Etto,

Many thanks for the suggestions.
I knew of the birds of paradise, (I thought they could not stand any frost, but on second thought they seem to be able to withstand a few degrees of frost)
But I had never heard of the "white" species. After reading a bit about nicolai and alba, they seem to be very interesting and showy species. I'll add these to my shopping list
Thank you for the information.
Do you think they can withstand occasional strong winds? One part of my garden is a bit exposed...
Rajesh

Rajesh,

I would suggest some additional hardy plants near your future Strelitzias. Choose some plants that can withstand wind and make a valuable hedge to protect your more fragile birds of paradise. For instance, Phormiums can be valuable (and showy) wind breakers.

Hello Etto,
Thank you for the suggestion. That's fun, as I've been suggested the same plant in another thread
Regards

Rajesh,

I have a huge Strelitzia nicolai in my yard. It took one winter 28°F without much damaged. I really recommand this Strelitzia for USDA z9b-10 gardeners.