Yellow Bird of Paradise
Erythrostemon gilliesii
A showy shrub with striking yellow flowers and prominent red stamens that attract butterflies and hummingbirds from spring through fall.
Hardy in USDA zones 8-11; hardier than red bird of paradise, it tolerates mid-desert frost into the low 20s and thrives in low-desert heat.
AMWUA Notes
A low-water heat lover with a long bloom season; more cold-hardy than its red relative and equally undemanding.
Care Guide
Low water; deep-soak every 10-14 days in summer for steady bloom and it tolerates considerable drought once established.
Prune to shape in late winter, thinning weak wood; unlike its red cousin it is more cold-hardy and often keeps a woody frame, so light shaping suits it better than a full cutback.
Minimal feeding needed.
Largely pest-free, but note the seeds and green pods are toxic if eaten, so place carefully.
Semi-deciduous, more evergreen in mild winters; showy yellow flowers with long red stamens appear from spring through fall on an airy, open frame.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Adaptable to most well-drained soils; tolerates caliche and alkaline pH 7.5-8.5.
Needs well-drained soil.
Low feeder.
Easily from scarified seed; self-sows.
4-5 ft
Non-aggressive roots; safe near pools, walls, and foundations.
Placement Tips
- •Reaches about 6 ft with an open, airy habit; space 4-5 ft apart or use as a see-through color accent.
- •Its light, ferny canopy works well layered in front of solid screening shrubs.
- •Low litter makes it pool-friendly; set toxic pods behind barrier planting near children.
- •Full sun and reflected heat drive the heaviest, longest bloom.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Yellow Bird of Paradise. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Yellow Bird of Paradise — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Yellow Bird of Paradise need in Phoenix?
Yellow Bird of Paradise is a low-water shrub once established. Low water; deep-soak every 10-14 days in summer for steady bloom and it tolerates considerable drought once established. A low-water heat lover with a long bloom season; more cold-hardy than its red relative and equally undemanding.
How big does Yellow Bird of Paradise get?
Expect roughly 6 ft tall and 5 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 4-5 ft of spacing when planting. Non-aggressive roots; safe near pools, walls, and foundations.
Can you plant Yellow Bird of Paradise near a pool?
Yes. Yellow Bird of Paradise is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Yellow Bird of Paradise handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Yellow Bird of Paradise is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 8-11; hardier than red bird of paradise, it tolerates mid-desert frost into the low 20s and thrives in low-desert heat. Semi-deciduous, more evergreen in mild winters; showy yellow flowers with long red stamens appear from spring through fall on an airy, open frame.
Does Yellow Bird of Paradise have thorns?
No. Yellow Bird of Paradise is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Yellow Bird of Paradise safe around pets?
Yellow Bird of Paradise is not listed as pet-friendly, so keep it out of areas where pets graze or chew, and check with your vet if you are unsure.
When does Yellow Bird of Paradise bloom in Arizona?
Yellow Bird of Paradise blooms in spring-fall, with yellow/red flowers. The bloom draws butterflies, hummingbirds.
How much maintenance does Yellow Bird of Paradise need?
Yellow Bird of Paradise is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Prune to shape in late winter, thinning weak wood; unlike its red cousin it is more cold-hardy and often keeps a woody frame, so light shaping suits it better than a full cutback.
What kind of soil does Yellow Bird of Paradise need?
Adaptable to most well-drained soils; tolerates caliche and alkaline pH 7.5-8.5. Nutrient needs are low. Minimal feeding needed.
Is Yellow Bird of Paradise native to Arizona?
No. Yellow Bird of Paradise is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Argentina, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.