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Mexican Bird of Paradise

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Posted by terreeves 9 (My Page) on
Wed, Nov 28, 12 at 16:18

Hello - I have several mexican bird of paradise shrubs with beautiful yellow flowers that I planted a year ago. I can't find any information on when I should start pruning them to tree form. They are all between 3 and 5 feet high now and each have several trunks. Should there be all these separate trunks for a tree? I don't know how to make them into nice bushy trees and looking on google has not helped me. Right now they are not very bushy. For example, the tallest plant has a single 5 foot long stem. I am using them as a screen. Thank you.

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RE: Mexican Bird of Paradise

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I've never seen one of these with a true tree form. This plant will not form thick, 'bushy' growth, as it has more of a 'light', 'feathery', or 'lacy' form. Maybe this is why you've had trouble finding info on shaping it.

But to answer your question, you can prune it during the winter, which will cause it to branch out more the next summer, although it will never form a thick screen like so many other trees/shrubs.

Sorry this particular forum is so dead, you might try the Arizona forum for some more help...

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