Red Bird of Paradise grows best in full sun locations and in soil that drains well. It does not do well in heavy clay soils. Regular irrigations will help this plant maintain its vigor. Water established Red Bird of Paradise every week in the summer, every other week in the spring and fall, and at least once a month in winter. Apply a slow-release organic fertilizer annually in the spring. Toward the end of July, the first flush of bloom begins to fade. August is a good month to cut back dead flower stalks to the first set of new shoots that can be seen. This “heading back” will encourage another round of flowering that may last into October. Prune this shrub in late winter or early spring to within a foot of the ground to reinvigorate the plant and remove old growth.
This picture shows what can happen when old growth isn’t removed at the end of winter. The new fresh growth will grow up through last years growth and the plant won’t look nice and fresh!
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