Questions Archive - Local Gardener

Asked: March 17, 2025

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 the Arecaceae family and commonly referred to as jelly palms due to their edible fruit.Historical ...Read more

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 UKIndoors: 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?

IntroductionThe 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

Asked: September 3, 2024

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, you’re not alone. Whether you’re trying to grow Asiatic, Oriental, or the towering giants known as ...Read more

Asked: August 30, 2024

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 by a trunk-like stem and a crown of fronds, makes them a popular choice among plant ...Read more

Are Butia capitata and Butia odorata different plants?

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?

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

Are tree ferns sustainable?

Grow Guide for Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

Grow Guide: Euphorbia ‘Miner’s Merlot’

Grow Guide: Corydalis ‘Blue Heron’

Grow Guide: Ensete ventricosum ‘Hiniba’

Growing Butia odorata in the UK

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