Exotic Gardens

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.