Botanical Scout plant profile

Yellow / Desert Bird of Paradise

Erythrostemon gilliesii (syn. Caesalpinia gilliesii)

Yellow petals and long crimson stamens bring an unusual flower form to a dry, sunny garden.

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See what your seedlings can become

Mature plant shown for reference. Seedlings are what you receive.

Yellow Desert Bird of Paradise flower with yellow petals and long red stamens — Mature plant — growth reference

Four young Yellow or Desert Bird of Paradise seedlings growing together in a green nursery pot beside a measuring tape — Seedlings — plants you receive

Plant fit at a glance

Mature height & width: Usually 5–10 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide
Foliage: Deciduous to semi-evergreen, depending on climate
Winter cold: Generally Zone 8 and warmer; stems may freeze while established roots survive

Dimensions and cold guidance describe established plants, not a guarantee for seedlings. Protect young plants; soil, drainage, exposure, and freeze duration matter.

Growing reference

Open the growing guide

Before you choose

Is it a good match for your landscape?

Mature form: Open, finely textured flowering shrub
Growing conditions: Full sun · Dry, well-drained sites · Reflected heat · Low-water gardens

Use a dry, well-drained site. It is generally the most cold-tolerant bird-of-paradise plant offered here, and young plants benefit from winter protection while establishing.

Acclimation, establishment watering, and arrival care are explained once in the Botanical Scout growing guide →

The personal story

Why I keep growing Yellow / Desert Bird of Paradise

Its flowers look extravagant compared with the dry environments it tolerates—a good example of appearance disguising toughness.

Despite its desert-garden name, this plant comes from Argentina and Uruguay. Its pale-yellow petals and long crimson stamens create an extravagant display above fine, fern-like foliage.

My wife spotted these plants producing seed in a parking lot while I was searching for a reliable seed source. She did not know their name, but thought I would be interested. Sometimes scouting works best when more than one person is looking.

Yellow / Desert Bird of Paradise

See what your seedlings can become

Plant fit at a glance

Is it a good match for your landscape?

Why I keep growing Yellow / Desert Bird of Paradise

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