Bird Of Paradise

Question

I have a white bird of paradise. It is 20’ high with only a handful of leaves at the top which is hitting the top of the building. Can I cut this back to 5’ and will it come back by sprouting leaves at the top like a palm does? It has babies come up from the bottom! Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

It would be better to either take it to the ground or do renewal pruning, which removes the stems over a three year period. Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/shgen/rejuvenation-pruning-tips.htm

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST604

https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/OF-27.pdf

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bop/bird-of-paradise-pruning.htm