Plants for Tropical & Caribbean Garden Themes

There are a huge variety of tropical plants that look great and are ideally suited to our UK climate. The key considerations for successful planting of tropical varieties can sound complex but in reality are pretty simple: 1. The like exposure to full sun. 2. Smaller, delicate flowers and shrubs should be position in as sheltered (non-windy) a position as possible. 3. Some varieties are not fans of the frost and should be wrapped up for overwintering. The wrapping process is inexpensive and really not that difficult once you've got the hang of it. The RHS have a good step-by-step guide on overwintering. 4. Tropical plants like rich, fertile, water retentive but well drained soil conditions. Sounds complicated! Not overly. Loosen the soil by turning heavily with a spade and fork or rotavate (better). Add high quality compost, I go with John Innes Number 2 or Number 3. Then once planted and watered in, add a healthy dose of Canna Terra Professional Soil Mix on top of the soil surrounding the plant.