Creating an Exotic Garden
Exotic gardening is becoming increasingly popular as the climate warms up. More and more plants are able to survive European winters and a greater range of exotic plants are available in the garden.
Exotic gardens can describe a range of plants from the tropical and sub-tropical through to cacti and succulents. For the purposes of this guide I have separated out tropical gardens and will concentrate here on the plants which thrive in more arid conditions.
If you are searching for inspiration the Exotic Garden of Monaco is a fabulous exotic garden
Plants for an Exotic Garden
Tall Plants for an Exotic Garden
Trachycarpus fortunei - large hardy palm - essential for an exotic garden
Cordyline australis - this cordyline is a tree which can reach a height of 20 metres. A perfect plant to provide height in an exotic garden. This plant grows well in frost free areas of the country but is tender otherwise.
Medium Plants for a Tropical Garden
Phormium sp - long strappy leaves
Yucca sp - long spiky leaves
Agaves - excellent spiky succulents. May need sheltering over winter.
Small Plants for a Tropical Garden
Any cacti or succulents though most of these will need to be brought inside for the winter
Euphorbia rigida - a euphorbia which looks like a succulent
Flowering Plants for a Tropical Garden
Crocosmia sp - tall arching stems with flowers of bright orange, red or yellow
Kniphofia sp (red-hot poker) - strappy leaves and brightly coloured flower spikes
Examples of Exotic Gardens
The Exotic Garden of Monaco (le Jardin Exotique de Monaco) is a fabulous exotic garden.