Did you know that the bird of paradise flower is the floral emblem of Los Angeles? It became official on the city’s 171st birthday in September 1952 and was declared by Mayor Fletcher Bowron. Shocked? Me neither, considering they are seen all over Southern California where they can only survive in a warm environment and bloom throughout a majority of the year (Sept - May).

Then again, how can you miss their stunningly bright and beautifully colored spikes? Each mature plant can reach up to 4-6 feet and produce up to 36 flowers spikes a year so they need an equal amount of room around them to grow. Ones grown in full sun will be smaller than ones grown in partial shade. If one is snipped, it can last up to 2 weeks if taken care of properly.

Not only are its striking features and longevity appealing but what this flower symbolizes is just as equally captivating. The bird of paradise got its name due to its shape of a tropical bird in flight. In South Africa, where it originated in 1773, it’s called the crane flower. Birds represent freedom and tropical represents paradise, ergo the ultimate symbols of this flower.

In addition, it managed to become the flower for a 9th wedding anniversary symbolizing faithfulness and thoughtfulness. Even in Hawaii, where it grows very wildly, it exemplifies magnificence and joy. Native Hawaiians call them Li’ipoe which means “little globe.”

Mahalo!