Plants for Tropical & Caribbean Garden Themes
My personal tropical & Caribbean plant recommendations for uk garden planting plans, themes & styles.
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.
Canna Phasion
Canna Lily
Canna ‘Phasion’ as known as Canna ‘Volcano’ is another RHS award winning perennial flower. Wonderful deep bright orange flower lasting from early summer to late spring. Best positioned in full sun and sheltered from strong wind. Canna are not fans of the frost so for year-after-year success it’s best to wrap-up over winter.
Coleus scutellarioides (cultivar)
Coleus / Painted Nettle
Coleus hates our winter period so be prepared to bring inside over winter or replace each year, but in my opinion the effort is well worth it. Coleus is incredibly soft and delicate with wonderfully bright and vibrant colours. Perfect as interesting and inviting ground cover.