tree ferns grow very slowly. They typically grow about one inch per year (2.5cm). This is why it’s best to buy the biggest you can afford. If you are very young then maybe buy a small fern, but if you ...Read more
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How to grow Pseudopanax ‘Cyril Watson’
Pseudopanax ‘Cyril Watson’, also known as Mountain Toatoa, is a striking evergreen shrub native to New Zealand. Here’s a general guide on how to grow Pseudopanax ‘Cyril Watson’ By following these guidelines, you can grow ...
How to maintain Crocosmias
Crocosmias, also known as montbretias, are beautiful flowering perennials that produce clusters of vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow. Here are some tips on how to maintain Crocosmias:
How to Grow Acanthus ‘Morning’s Candle’
Acanthus ‘Morning’s Candle’, commonly known as Bear’s Breeches, is a striking perennial plant that adds architectural elegance to any garden. With its tall flower spikes, deep green foliage, and white flowers tinged with pink or ...
How to grow Echeveria
If you are looking to add a display of succulents to your garden then you are surely going to be looking at growing echeverias. Their fleshy leaves, arranged in a stunning rosette, are just as ...
Green Alkanet
Introduction Green alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens) is a perennial herb that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. With its striking blue flowers and broad, hairy leaves, it is both admired for its beauty and scorned for its ...
How to Grow Bromeliad Guzmania Lingulata ‘Francesca’
Bromeliad Guzmania Lingulata, commonly known as the scarlet star, is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant bracts and rosette of glossy green leaves. The ‘Francesca’ variety is particularly striking, with its bright red or ...
A Gardener’s Guide to Growing Sparrmannia Africana in the UK
Introduction Sparrmannia africana, also known as African hemp or African linden, is a stunning tropical plant native to South Africa. Its large, soft green leaves and delicate clusters of white flowers make it a striking ...
“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 the exotic charm of a tropical garden. Whether you’re designing a ...
Growing Meconopsis in a UK Tropical Style Garden
Creating a tropical-style garden in the UK can be a delightful challenge, blending lush, exotic plants with the sometimes harsh British climate. One stunning addition to this garden style is the Meconopsis, often known as ...
How to Grow Strelitzia: A Guide to the Bird of Paradise Plant
Strelitzia, commonly known as Bird of Paradise, is a strikingly beautiful plant native to South Africa. Named for its bird-like flowers that resemble a bird in flight, it is a popular choice among gardeners and ...
How to grow Foxgloves
Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea), with their striking tubular flowers and tall spires, are a beloved sight in gardens and wild landscapes alike. These biennial plants, native to Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia, have captivated the ...
How to Grow Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’: A Comprehensive Guide
Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ is a vibrant and long-blooming perennial that adds a splash of orange to any garden. With its striking tangerine-colored flowers and attractive foliage, this plant is a favorite among gardeners for its ...
How to grow Cyathea cooperi
Cyathea cooperi, commonly known as the Australian Tree Fern, is a stunning fern that can add a touch of tropical elegance to your garden or indoor space. Growing this fern successfully requires careful attention to ...
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 ...
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 ...
How to Grow Alocasia Micholitziana ‘Frydek’
Alocasia Micholitziana “Frydek,” often referred to simply as Alocasia Frydek, is a striking houseplant known for its velvety, dark green leaves with pronounced white veins. This tropical beauty adds a touch of elegance to any ...
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 ...
Top Five Purple Foliage Plants for a Tropical Garden: Adding Drama and Depth
In a tropical garden, vibrant greens often steal the spotlight, but incorporating purple foliage can create stunning contrasts and elevate the entire landscape. Purple-leaved plants bring depth, richness, and drama, making them essential for any ...
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 South Korea. It’s a monotypic genus, meaning it’s the only species ...
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. ...
How to Grow Catalpa erubescens Purpurea
Introduction to Catalpa erubescens Purpurea Catalpa erubescens Purpurea, commonly known as the purple catalpa, is a stunning hybrid tree noted for its large, heart-shaped leaves that emerge as a deep purple and gradually turn dark ...
Five Plants to Add Height to a UK Tropical-Style Garden: Majestic Choices with Unique Appeal
Creating a tropical-style garden in the UK can be a delightful challenge, especially when you’re aiming to add height and structure to your garden. The following five plants are excellent choices that can thrive in ...
How to grow Dicentra spectabilis ‘white gold’
Dicentra spectabilis ‘white gold’, commonly known as bleeding heart, has been renamed to Lamprocapnos spectabilis. All very confusing! Although it has a delicate appearance it is actually quite a tough plant being reliably perennial. Although ...
How to grow Ensete ventricosum maurelii
No exotic garden would be complete nowadays if it didn’t contain an Ensete Maurelii. The massive paddle leaves of glossy luminous green and purple make an unforgettable first impression in any UK garden. Growing up ...
