Let's grow a tropical garden

Start up guide

Questions

What’s the difference between warm and cold Brugmansias?

Brugmansias — often called Angel’s Trumpets — are divided into warm group and cold group species. This classification is based on their natural habitats...

What Does It Mean When Bamboo Flowers and Dies?

Bamboo Is Monocarpic This means that each individual plant only flowers once in its lifetime — then it dies. Unlike annuals that flower and seed every...

Are Butia capitata and Butia odorata different plants?

The distinction between Butia capitata and Butia odorata is a result of taxonomic revision and improved botanical understanding over time. Both are members of...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Confused About Best Soil PH for Lilies? Dig into the Dirt on What They Need!

Lilies are the crown jewels of any garden, but if you've been scratching your head over what type of soil to plant them in,...

Are tree ferns sustainable?

Tree ferns are majestic, prehistoric plants that can add an exotic and lush feel to any garden or indoor space. Their unique appearance, characterized...

GROW GUIDES

The Power of Flowers in a Tropical Garden

Podcast Episode: "Welcome to Local Gardener, where we explore the art, science, and beauty of gardening. Today, we’re looking at using flowers to enhance...

Trochodendron aralioides: A Comprehensive Grow Guide

Trochodendron aralioides, also known as the Wheel Tree or Aralia-leaved Trochodendron, is a unique evergreen tree native to East Asia, specifically Taiwan, Japan, and...

Growing Boehmeria sieboldiana in a UK Tropical-Style Garden

Boehmeria sieboldiana, also known as Japanese false nettle or Siebold's False Nettle , is a hardy perennial from the Urticaceae family that brings lush,...

Growing Tree Tomato in a UK Tropical Garden

The tree tomato, also known as tamarillo (Solanum betaceum), is a small tree or shrub that produces vibrant, egg-shaped fruits. Native to the Andean...

Growing Dendroseris litoralis in a UK Tropical Garden

Dendroseris litoralis, commonly known as the cabbage tree, is an extraordinary plant that brings a touch of exotic flair to any garden with its...

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Dawson’s White’: A Garden Gem

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Dawson’s White’, commonly known as variegated Siberian bugloss, is a perennial plant that offers exceptional beauty and versatility for gardeners. Known for...

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...

Spanish Flag: A Fiesta of Color for Your UK Garden

The allure of a tropical garden lies in its vibrant colors, exotic plants, and the sense of paradise it evokes. For gardeners in the...

Red Hot and Climbing: Lonicera ‘Dropmore Scarlet’

Lonicera ‘Dropmore Scarlet’, commonly known as the Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle, is a beautiful and versatile climber that brings a splash of vibrant color to...

Plants for full sun

Grow Guide: Euphorbia ‘Miner’s Merlot’

Bold foliage and subtle blooms for year-round interest 🌿 Plant Overview Botanical Name: Euphorbia ‘Miner’s Merlot’ Common Name: Miner’s Merlot spurge Family: Euphorbiaceae Type: Evergreen perennial or subshrub Hardiness: RHS...

Grow Guide: Ensete ventricosum ‘Hiniba’

Overview Ensete ventricosum ‘Hiniba’ is a rare and striking cultivar of the Abyssinian banana. It is distinguished by its deep blue-green, waxy leaves and rapid...

YouTube @leslietuttle

Subscribe to our tropical gardening channel

Plants for partial shade

Grow Guide: Euphorbia ‘Miner’s Merlot’

Bold foliage and subtle blooms for year-round interest 🌿 Plant Overview Botanical Name: Euphorbia ‘Miner’s Merlot’ Common Name: Miner’s Merlot spurge Family: Euphorbiaceae Type: Evergreen perennial or subshrub Hardiness: RHS...

Grow Guide: Corydalis ‘Blue Heron’

Elegant blue blooms for shady borders and woodland gardens 🌿 Plant Overview Botanical Name: Corydalis elata ‘Blue Heron’ Common Name: Blue Heron Corydalis Family: Papaveraceae Type: Herbaceous perennial Hardiness: RHS...

Plants for full shade

Grow Guide: Corydalis ‘Blue Heron’

Elegant blue blooms for shady borders and woodland gardens 🌿 Plant Overview Botanical Name: Corydalis elata ‘Blue Heron’ Common Name: Blue Heron Corydalis Family: Papaveraceae Type: Herbaceous perennial Hardiness: RHS...

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Dawson’s White’: A Garden Gem

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Dawson’s White’, commonly known as variegated Siberian bugloss, is a perennial plant that offers exceptional beauty and versatility for gardeners. Known for...