Tropical Gardening in the UK

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Asked: January 31, 2025

How and When to wake up Colocasias

To wake up Colocasias from dormancy in the UK, you need to provide warmth, moisture, and light at the right time. Best Time to Start in the UK Indoors: March to April (earlier if using a heat mat). Outdoors: Late May ...Read more

Asked: November 19, 2024

How to Protect Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ in a UK Winter?

Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, commonly known as the red Abyssinian banana, is a stunning focal point in tropical-style gardens, thanks to its bold, red-tinged leaves and towering size. Unlike Musa basjoo, this banana is not hardy and cannot survive UK winters ...Read more

Asked: November 19, 2024

What are the hardiest Cannas?

While all cannas benefit from winter protection in the UK, some varieties are notably hardier than others. These differences in hardiness depend on their parent species, with some cannas tolerating light frost and damp soils better than others. Here’s a ...Read more

Asked: November 19, 2024

What’s the best way to protect tree ferns over winter?

Tree ferns, such as the popular Dicksonia antarctica, are prized for their exotic beauty and structural presence, making them a focal point in many UK gardens. However, as native plants of the cool, moist forests of Australia and New Zealand, ...Read more

Asked: October 29, 2024

How hardy are tigridias in a uk garden?

Tigridias, also known as tiger flowers or Mexican shellflowers, are eye-catching bulbs that add exotic flair to a garden with their brightly colored, intricate blooms. However, they aren’t fully hardy in the UK, as they’re native to warm, frost-free regions ...Read more

Asked: September 13, 2024

Can Papyrus be grown in the UK?

Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) can be grown in the UK, but since it’s a plant native to warmer, tropical regions like Egypt and parts of Africa, it requires specific care to thrive. In the UK’s cooler climate, papyrus is usually grown ...Read more

Asked: September 3, 2024

Is the Shoo Fly Plant Invasive in the UK?

Introduction The shoo fly plant (Nicandra physalodes), also known as the Apple of Peru, is an intriguing annual from the Solanaceae family, which includes familiar species such as tomatoes, potatoes, and nightshades. Native to Peru, it was introduced to the ...Read more

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On: June 13, 2024

How to grow Shoo Fly Plant

Introduction The Shoo Fly Plant, common name Apple of Peru, known scientifically as Nicandra physalodes, is a striking addition to many tropical gardens in the UK. With its distinctive blue flowers and balloon-like seed pods, ...

On: March 20, 2024

How to grow Erythronium Pagoda

Erythronium Pagoda, commonly known as the Pagoda Dogtooth Violet or simply Dogtooth Violet, is a charming perennial plant native to North America and Asia. With its delicate, nodding yellow flowers and mottled leaves, it adds ...

On: August 18, 2023

How to grow and care for Cleome

Cleome, also known as spider flower or bee plant, is a unique and attractive flowering plant that can add beauty to your garden. Here’s a guide on how to grow and care for Cleome: 1. ...

On: September 4, 2024

Cleome: A victorian favourite for a modern garden

The Cleome flower, commonly known as the spider flower, is a striking addition to any garden with its tall, airy blooms and unique, spidery appearance. This annual plant, native to South America, has found a ...

On: May 19, 2024

How to Grow Ligularia przewalskii

Ligularia przewalskii, commonly known as Przewalski’s golden ray, is a striking perennial plant renowned for its dramatic foliage and tall, yellow flower spikes. Native to moist areas in China and Siberia, this plant is an ...

On: September 2, 2024

Tower Lilies: The Majestic Giants of the Garden

Tower lilies, also known as giant lilies, are a stunning addition to any garden, renowned for their impressive height and breathtaking blooms. These horticultural marvels, belonging to the genus Lilium, have captivated gardeners and flower ...

On: May 22, 2024

How to Grow Hosta ‘Patriot’

Hosta ‘Patriot’ is a popular variety of the Hosta genus, known for its striking variegated leaves featuring bold white edges and dark green centers. This hardy perennial is an excellent choice for shady garden spots, ...

On: September 4, 2024

Amaranthus: Sow in Love with Your UK Tropical Garden

Amaranthus, commonly known as amaranth, is a vibrant and versatile plant that can add a dramatic flair to your UK tropical garden. Known for its striking foliage and eye-catching flower spikes, amaranth is as functional ...

On: May 13, 2024

How to grow Mukdenia rossii ‘Karasuba’

In the realm of gardening, few experiences rival the joy of nurturing a plant that thrives with vigor and grace. Among the plethora of botanical wonders that grace our landscapes, Mukdenia rossii ‘Karasuba’ stands out ...

On: April 24, 2023

How to grow Colocasia Esculenta Blue Hawaii

Growing Colocasia ‘Blue Hawaii’: Adding Exotic Elegance to UK Gardens Introduction to Colocasia ‘Blue Hawaii’ Colocasia ‘Blue Hawaii’ is a striking cultivar of the taro plant, renowned for its stunning blue-green leaves with dark veins ...

On: September 2, 2024

Tropical Heat: Three Fiery Orange Flowers to Ignite Your UK Garden

The Best Orange Flowers for a UK Tropical-Style Garden Creating a tropical-style garden in the UK can be a rewarding challenge, where vibrant colors and lush foliage evoke the warmth and vibrancy of far-off climates. ...

On: January 9, 2024

How to grow Pseudopanax crassifolius Trifoliolatum

Introduction Pseudopanax crassifolius trifoliolatum, commonly known as the Three Fingered Pseudopanax, is an elegant and unique evergreen shrub native to New Zealand. With its distinctive three-fingered glossy leaves and compact growth habit, this plant makes ...

On: May 29, 2024

RHS Hardiness Ratings	USDA Plant Hardiness Zones	Approximate Temperature Range (°C)
H1a H1b H1c	13 12 11	>15°C 10 to 15°C 5 to 10°C
H2	10b	1 to 5°C
H3	9b to 10a	-5 to 1°C
H4	8b to 9a	-10 to -5°C
H5	7b to 8a	-15 to -10°C
H6	6b and 7a	-20 to -15°C
H7	6a	Below -20°C

TROPICAL GARDENING

Search grow guides

Watch our tropical gardening channel

Subscribe

Plants best in full sun conditions

Sun loving plants

Plants for deep shade conditions

Plants for shade

Plants for partial shade conditions

Dappled shade

Get rid of your invasive weed problems

Invasive weeds?

Find tropical style climbing plants

Add height

How and When to wake up Colocasias

How to Protect Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ in a UK Winter?

What are the hardiest Cannas?

What’s the best way to protect tree ferns over winter?

How hardy are tigridias in a uk garden?

Can Papyrus be grown in the UK?

Is the Shoo Fly Plant Invasive in the UK?

"The Power of Flowers in a Tropical Garden"

The Clever Mechanics of the Venus Flytrap: A Plant That ...

Trochodendron aralioides: A Comprehensive Grow Guide

Growing Boehmeria sieboldiana in a UK Tropical-Style Garden

Five Yellow Flowers for a Tropical-Style Garden: Exotic Blooms with ...

TROPICAL GARDENING

Search grow guides

Watch our tropical gardening channel

Subscribe

Plants best in full sun conditions

Sun loving plants

Plants for deep shade conditions

Plants for shade

Plants for partial shade conditions

Dappled shade

Get rid of your invasive weed problems

Invasive weeds?

Find tropical style climbing plants

Add height

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