The Desert Bird of Paradise is an enchanting evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to the pea family. It usually reaches heights of 10-15 feet and hails from the subtropical areas of Argentina and Uruguay. With its stunning yellow flowers adorned with bright red stamens, which bloom in summer against a backdrop of fern-like green leaves, it’s sure to brighten any garden.
Having made its way to the southwestern U.S. several years ago, it has spread from California and Nevada all the way to Oklahoma, Texas, and Georgia. It’s important to note that the Caesalpinia gilliesii is different from the South African Strelitzia reginae, which also shares the bird-of-paradise name.
This plant is winter hardy in USDA Zones 8-11 and can withstand temperatures as low as 30 degrees F. It thrives in medium moisture, moderately fertile, well-drained soils under full sun but is also quite content in light shade. Once established, these resilient plants are drought-tolerant and just require occasional pruning to keep them looking their best. For those eager to grow their own, propagation is commonly done by seed.
Nectar Source: Hummingbirds
Height: 7’-10’ Spread: 7’-10’ Bloom: July-August Light: Full Sun Water: Low Zone: 8-11 Origin: Argentina, Uruguay
