Bird of paradise Meaning — Symbolism, Colours & Gifting
What do birds of paradise symbolise? Their meaning in the language of flowers, colour by colour, plus when to give them — a florist's gifting guide.
The bird of paradise is instantly recognisable — an orange-and-blue bird-shaped inflorescence that has become the visual shorthand for tropical floristry. One stem carries multiple 'birds' that emerge in sequence over 2-3 weeks, giving unusually long display value. The signature flower of Hawaiian and California modernist arrangements.
TL;DR. Birds of paradise stand for magnificence, freedom and paradise in the language of flowers. Colour shifts the message: orange birds of paradise — energy and enthusiasm; white birds of paradise — purity, sympathy and fresh starts; blue birds of paradise — calm, trust and the rare and hard-to-find.
What Birds of paradise symbolise
In the language of flowers birds of paradise carry meanings of magnificence, freedom and paradise. A bouquet is never only decorative — the flower you choose, and the colour you choose it in, is a message. That is what makes birds of paradise such a considered gift: they say something the card alone cannot.
For the botany, varieties and full profile, see the Bird of paradise encyclopedia entry.
Birds of paradise by colour — what each shade says
Birds of paradise come in several colours, and each one tilts the meaning:
- Orange birds of paradise — energy and enthusiasm.
- White birds of paradise — purity, sympathy and fresh starts.
- Blue birds of paradise — calm, trust and the rare and hard-to-find.
Browse arrangements and pairings by shade in the flowers by colour guide.
Birds of paradise in a meaningful bouquet
Meaning works best when it is intentional. Choose the colour for the message, keep the number of stems in mind (in many traditions odd numbers are for joy), and let the recipient know what the flowers say. Then give them the care they deserve — see how to keep birds of paradise fresh — so the message lasts as long as possible.
From the Lacy Bird studio. This guide is written by our florists. We deliver seasonal flowers across the UAE — see flower delivery in Dubai — and we teach floristry, from a first bouquet to running your own shop, at the Lacy Bird Academy.
Related reading:
Frequently asked questions
What do birds of paradise symbolise?
In the language of flowers birds of paradise are associated with magnificence, freedom and paradise. The exact message shifts with colour and with the number of stems in the bouquet.
What colour birds of paradise should you give?
Orange birds of paradise — energy and enthusiasm; white birds of paradise — purity, sympathy and fresh starts; blue birds of paradise — calm, trust and the rare and hard-to-find. Match the colour to the message you want to send.
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