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 lush paradise in your backyard or adding tropical flair to a border, flowers play a pivotal role in bringing that rich, colourful, and dynamic look. Let’s take a journey through a rainbow of tropical blooms!”
The Stars of the Show—Big, Bold, and Beautiful
“The first step in creating a tropical garden is selecting flowers that bring bold colours, dramatic shapes, and plenty of presence. Let’s start with some heavy hitters:
Lilies: Whether it’s Asiatic or Oriental hybrids, lilies are showstoppers. Their large, fragrant blooms in shades of white, orange, pink, and even red create a luxurious tropical atmosphere. Oriental lilies like ‘Stargazer’ add intoxicating fragrance, making them ideal near seating areas.
Calla Lilies: Sleek and elegant, their sculptural flowers in shades of white, yellow, and deep purple add sophistication. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and dappled shade.
Cannas: Nothing says ‘tropical’ like the bold foliage and vibrant flowers of cannas. Their leaves alone can steal the show, and their blooms in reds, oranges, and yellows complement the jungle vibe.
Dahlias: These versatile beauties come in a spectrum of shapes and sizes, from ball-shaped pompoms to spiky cactus types. Plant them in full sun for a dazzling summer display.”
Bright and Cheerful Supporting Players
“Not every flower in your garden has to shout for attention. Sometimes, a cheerful, carefree bloom can bring a sense of movement and spontaneity.
Nasturtiums: With their bold orange and red flowers, these low-maintenance annuals add vibrant colour while attracting pollinators. Plus, their edible blooms are a bonus for salads!
Zinnias and Cosmos: These are summer staples in tropical-style gardens. Zinnias offer hot pinks, oranges, and reds, while cosmos bring a breezy, soft texture with their feathery foliage and pastel blooms.
Rudbeckias and Tithonias (Mexican Sunflowers): These sun-loving flowers are bold, reliable, and perfect for a warm, fiery palette. The tithonia’s large orange blooms add an exotic touch to borders.”
Tropical Showstoppers for Drama and Height
“Tropical gardens love vertical interest and dramatic flair. These tall, bold plants are perfect for adding height and theatre:
Lilies (Lilium regale): Their tall, elegant stems crowned with trumpet-shaped flowers are ideal for adding height. Pair them with bold-leaved tropical plants for maximum impact.
Hollyhocks: Traditional in cottage gardens, their towering spires can surprisingly work in a tropical garden when combined with bright flowers like cannas.
Salvia ‘Amistad’: With its deep purple blooms, this salvia adds a moody sophistication. It’s also a magnet for bees and butterflies.
Spanish Flag (Ipomoea lobata): A striking climber with cascading flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow, perfect for adding vertical colour to trellises or walls.”
Exotic Favourites for a True Jungle Look
“For a garden to truly evoke the tropics, it needs exotic blooms that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
Hedichium (Ginger Lily): With their fragrant, intricate flowers, ginger lilies are a must-have for a tropical garden.
Tigridias (Mexican Shell Flower): These unique, spotted blooms only last a day, but their exotic beauty makes them well worth growing.
Fuchsias: Their pendant blooms look like tiny ballerinas, perfect for hanging baskets or shady spots.”
Groundcovers and Fillers for Colour All Season
“Tropical gardens aren’t just about towering plants—they also need lush groundcovers and fillers to complete the look.
Busy Lizzies (Impatiens): For shaded areas, these cheerful flowers provide continuous colour in pinks, reds, and whites.
Begonias: Whether you go for tuberous begonias or the waxy-leaved bedding types, begonias thrive in dappled light and add a burst of long-lasting colour.”
Long-Blooming Perennials for Tropical Flair
“Finally, let’s talk about reliable perennials that come back year after year. These flowers give your garden structure and continuity.
Crocosmias: Their fiery orange-red flowers and arching stems scream tropical. They’re also loved by pollinators.
Alstroemeria: These long-lasting blooms in a variety of colours are perfect for borders and cut flowers.
Echinaceas: The spiky centres and bright petals of echinaceas add a prairie-like texture that works beautifully with bold tropicals.
Ligularias: Ideal for damp areas, these plants bring dramatic foliage and bold yellow flowers that light up the shade.”
The Finishing Touch—Climbers and Scented Beauties
“Every tropical garden needs climbers and a hint of fragrance to elevate the sensory experience.
Lonicera ‘Dropmore Scarlet’ (Honeysuckle): This vibrant, coral-red honeysuckle is perfect for adding vertical interest and attracting pollinators.
Heleniums: Late bloomers like heleniums ensure your garden stays colourful into autumn, with their warm tones blending seamlessly with tropical flowers.”
“And there you have it—a guide to using flowers in your tropical garden. Whether you’re just starting out or adding the finishing touches, these plants will help you create a paradise bursting with colour, texture, and life. Join me next time on Local Gardener for more tips and inspiration. Until then, happy gardening!”
