FLOWER OF THE WEEK: Bird of Paradise

About my cover photo: Special thanks to my friend Linda, who let me photograph her beautiful Bird of Paradise specimen overlooking the golf course. Unfortunately, it was dark to capture in a photo a 3-deer family who showed up for dinner, smile.
 
No question about it, this spectacular and exotic flower is called Bird of Paradise for its resemblance to actual birds. According to Wikipedia, the flower that I am posting today is one of five species of perennial plants native to South Africa, where is featured on the reverse of their 50 cent coin.
 
My slide show also includes the plant, which has a thick evergreen foliage that could be easily confused with a banana tree if the plant has no flowers at the time. I took these photos in Florida, where you can spot them everywhere.
 
Plant Stats:
 
Perennial: Only in climates where the temperatures are above 50 year-round. You can grow it in a pot to bring indoors when the temperature falls below 50.
 
Hardiness: 65-70 degrees, it is not hardy in temperatures below 50 degrees.          
Deer Resistant: Not necessarily their first choice, however, they can adapt to eat any
 
vegetation if there is nothing else available to eat.
 
Full Sun:  Yes
Partial Sun:  Just lightly, play it safe and plant in full sun.
Shade: No
Bloom Time: Basically all year long if you feed it, water it and keep it under full sun.   
Color: Purple-yellow-orange and it also comes in white.
Size:  4-5 feet tall with a 2-3 foot spread.
Water Needs: Water to establish the root system when first planted. Allow to dry between watering in fall and winter. Do not over water.
Good Companion Plants: Shrubs that are taller and in colors and don’t compete, for a spectacular backdrop allowing Birds of Paradise to be the show stoppers.