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tropical plants in the u.k

Last post 16-09-2012 5:30 PM by Ian. 2 replies.

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  • 20/08/2012 11:47 AM
    • jared21
    • 20 Aug 2012
    • 1
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    Hi, what sort of tropical plants are growable in the u.k without too much work involved? (newbie question)

  • 31/08/2012 12:03 PM
    • Graham2405
    • Essex
    • 26 Aug 2012
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    Short answer is probably none, as most genuine tropical plants will die in our winter, but......................

    There are plenty of tropical 'looking' plants that can grow in the UK.

    A few that come to mind are:

    Trachycarpus fortunei

    Most Bamboos...

    Clematis armandii

    Fatshedera lizei

    Trachelospermum jasminoides

    Cordyline australis (can get hit in very cold years, but worth a try)

    Ficus carica

    Acanthus mollis

    Fatsia japonica

    Phormium tenax

    All of the above will give you a very 'tropical looking' garden....without having to protect them in the winter.

    A couple of books worth browsing for ideas:

    Architectural Plants - Christine Shaw

    Exotic Plants - Will Giles

    Big Leaves for Exotic Effect - Stephen Griffith

    Hope this helps  ;-)

  • 16/09/2012 05:30 PM
    • Ian
    • Rochdale
    • 14 Sep 2012
    • 12
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    Some more hardy tropical looking plants are: Macleaya Cordata (Plume Poppy), Yucca Filiamentosa, Paulownia Tomentosa (Foxglove tree), Chamaerops Humilis. I would stay away from Phoenix Canariensis and Phoenix Theophrastii (date palms that are are not very hardy). Koelreuteria Paniculata (Golden Rain Tree), Ailanthus Altissima (Tree of Heaven).