Birds of Paradise a showy addition to yard or landscape

Birds of Paradise are a group of shrubs that really "strut their stuff" in the summer landscapes. They include some of the showiest and unique flowering shrubs in the desert Southwest.

The brilliant orange and red clusters are sure to catch your eye as you drive around Yuma. They are everywhere. Their fiery clusters decorate medians, the front of businesses and even your neighbor's yard. The crimson flowers framed against green feathery leaves create a fiery look everywhere you turn during the summer months.

Regardless of where you see the red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), it is sure to peak your interest. Once established, these hearty shrubs survive on very little water.

Too many people hack this lovely shrub to the ground during the winter months. They really do not require this severe pruning, and the large amount of re-growth required can cause the plant to use more water. Severe pruning will keep the plant more round and compact, but it is always better to place a plant where it has enough room to grow without constantly having to be restrained. The plant reaches a mature height of 4 to 10 feet by 4 to 6 feet. It is OK to cut plants within 2 feet of the ground toward the end of January if you feel it is necessary. Remove winter damage or dead wood to reinvigorate the plant. Remove spent flowering stalks anytime.

When, where, and how to plant: Plant in full sun in spring after all danger of frost is past. Red Bird of Paradise grows in any well-drained soil, including rocky native soil, and can even be found growing in lawns. Dig a hole three to four times wider than the container and just as deep. Add a generous layer of compost or mulch to the backfill. Set the plant in the hole slightly higher than the soil line. Fill the hole, pressing the soil gently to remove air pockets. Mulch the roots but do not allow the mulch to touch the bark. Water thoroughly, and then water every three to four days for two to three weeks, then water every four or five days for the first summer.

Once your red Bird of Paradise is established, water every four to seven days in the summer, more frequently if the weather is very hot and dry. Water once a month in winter or rely on natural rainfall. Apply slow-release or organic fertilizer annually in spring.

Plant red Bird of Paradise in groups, as an informal hedge, or boundary planting for a spectacular summer show. Use it against southern or western walls, in hot barren spots, and around pools where reflected heat is intense. Red Bird of Paradise is excellent in large containers. Plant it with summer flowering perennials and shrubs such as lantana, salvia and oleander.

For a slightly different look, try the under-used yellow Bird of Paradise, (Caesalpinia gilliesii). With its similar growth habit, it can be a suitable alternative, or a surprise addition in your line of red birds. While you see red birds on every corner, you will be the envy of the neighborhood with your yellow bird boasting its firecracker red stamens all summer long.

Yellow Bird of Paradise is a loosely branched, multi-trunk shrub. The flowers are remarkable with large, rich yellow petals out of which 4-inch red stamens unfurl. The mature height of the yellow Bird of Paradise is five to ten feet by four to six feet.

When I originally went shopping for yellow Bird of Paradise, I found a plant labeled yellow Mexican Bird of Paradise. Although, it had rounded leaflets on it instead of the usual feathery leaves similar to the red Bird of Paradise, I was sure it was the unique yellow Bird of Paradise with the lovely red stamens that I was seeking to brighten my landscape. However, the blooms were instead spikes of solid lemony, yellow clusters on branch terminals. This is actually the Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia mexicana) that can grow into a multi-stemmed tree in our warm weather. In fact, it can grow to 20 feet tall or more and makes an extremely handsome small tree. It is the slowest growing of the three, and is considered the most evergreen of the bunch.

The Mexican Bird of Paradise is the only one that is native to the southern United States or northeast Mexico. Plant the Mexican Bird of Paradise in full sun, (part shade is OK). It is tolerant of most soils and you can follow the planting and watering instructions provided for the red and yellow Bird of Paradise. This plant does produce 2- to 3-inch pods that contain poisonous seeds, so be careful if you have children, that they do not put the seedpod in their mouth or play with them. The upside is this plant is the only one of the three that is evergreen. Spruce up your landscape with the attractive dark green, compound leaves, and bright yellow fragrant flowers.

Birds of paradise have many feathers. All the Caesalpinias make great choices for providing summer color in hot, sunny locations. If you have a problem deciding which one, my best solution is to find a place in your landscape for all three!

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Debi Papp is a member of the Yuma Garden Club and various other gardeningorganizations. She may be reached at 928-783-3189 or greenthumbs1@roadrunner.com.