If you’re looking to add a touch of the tropics to your British garden, then you’re in luck! Surprisingly, many tropical plants can thrive in our climate – but many people don’t associate the traditional British garden with exotic plants.
Not only do tropical plants look incredible in gardens, but they also provide a welcome escape from the demands of the office and other stressors. Are you unsure about whether your garden is suitable for a tropical theme?
Well, you’re in luck!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best plants for a British garden and reveal everything you should consider when choosing your plants.
Here are some of the best plants for a British tropical garden.
Chusan Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)
The Chusan Palm is a hardy plant that originates from China. This palm grows to a height of around 12 metres, making it one of the taller options on this list. It is perfect for British gardens as it can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
The Bird of Paradise is a stunning plant native to South Africa. It gets its name from its vibrant flowers, which resemble the plumage of a tropical bird. The plant prefers full sun and can grow to a height of around two metres.
While it’s not suitable for shaded gardens, if you live in an area that gets a lot of sunlight, you’ll have more success growing it.
Canna Lily (Canna indica)
The Canna Lily is another attractive option for tropical plants in a British garden. This plant is native to the tropics and grows best in full sun or partial shade.
It can reach a height of up to two metres and has striking flowers that come in various colours.
If you’re looking for a show-stopping plant for your garden, then the Canna Lily is definitely worth considering.
Yucca (Yucca elephantipes)
The Yucca is a hardy desert plant that can thrive in British gardens. This plant has dramatic foliage, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden.
It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade – but the Yucca doesn’t enjoy wet soil. However, if you make sure to give it plenty of drainage, you should be fine.
Dwarf Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)
The Dwarf Fan Palm is a small palm that originates from the Mediterranean. It’s perfect for British gardens as it is both hardy and low-maintenance.
Dwarf Fan Palms prefer full sun and can reach a height of around two metres.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for palm for your garden, then the Dwarf Fan Palm is a great option.
Perhaps the best thing about this plant is you can grow it inside as a houseplant – as long as there’s enough direct light – making it ideal for apartments.
Lady Fern (Athyrium)
The Lady Fern is a beautiful fern that originates from Asia. This plant can reach a height of around one metre and has delicate fronds that add a touch of elegance to any garden. It’s perfect for shady British gardens, as it prefers partial or complete shade.
Ferns are generally low-maintenance plants, so the Lady Fern is an excellent option if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require much work.
Phormium Tenax (New Zealand Flax)
The Phormium Tenax, also known as the New Zealand Flax, is a hardy perennial that can thrive in British gardens. With a height of up to 2 metres, the Phormium Tenax has a lot of potential – as long as it’s in full sun or partial shade.
It has striking foliage, making it a great choice for adding colour to your garden. The New Zealand Flax is also drought-tolerant, so it’s perfect for gardens that don’t get a lot of water.
With its lush foliage, the Phormium Tenax is one of the best tropical plants for a British garden.
Things to Consider When Choosing Tropical Plants
While tropical plants look incredible in a British garden, there are some things to consider before making a final choice.
What type of climate do you have in your garden?
Some plants prefer full sun, while others thrive in shady conditions, so you should always think about your location. For example, gardens in the south of England receive much more sunlight than those in the north.
How much water does your garden get?
Some plants need a lot of water, while others can tolerate drought conditions. If your garden doesn’t get a lot of rainfall, you’ll need to choose plants that don’t require a lot of water.
What type of soil do you have in your garden?
Different plants prefer different types of soil. For example, some plants like sandy soil, while others prefer clay. It’s essential to consider this when choosing tropical plants for your garden.
Are there any pests or diseases in your area that could affect the plant?
Some tropical plants are more susceptible to pests and diseases than others. If there are specific pests or diseases in your area, you’ll need to choose plants that are resistant to them.
Final Thoughts
When choosing tropical plants for your garden, a little forward-thinking goes a long way.
If you’re unsure about any of the factors above, our tropical gardens UK team of landscapers can help you choose plants that will flourish or make changes to the soil if needed.
Remember, some tropical plants will require more maintenance than others, but if you value originality and prefer to make a statement with your outdoor space, nothing says exotic like your very own tropical garden.
Now that you know some of the best tropical plants for a British garden, it’s time to get out there and start planting! With a bit of effort, you can transform your garden into a tropical oasis.
If you enjoyed reading this post, please feel free to check out our blog. We regularly update it with helpful tips and news related to landscape design – including this guide on choosing a traditional or contemporary garden.