Lotus plants and waterlilies should go deep in the water while others do best with the rim of the pot just above water level. The plants need to be positioned at the correct height in the water. And if you include a fountain, you’ll also benefit from the soothing sound of running water.īut if space is limited, plant a water bowl. Water is an important part of the tropical look, so add a pond. TOP PICKS Bromeliad, bird’s nest fern, Philodendron ‘Xanadu’, cycad, clivia, lily turf, acalypha, aglaonema, caladium, coleus, croton, maranta, calathea and impatiens.Ĭroton is an eye-catching choice for the low layerĮnhance the look by attaching bromeliads, Spanish moss, epiphytic orchids and staghorn or elkhorn ferns to trees
When it comes to the lower layer, dense planting adds to the rich feeling of a tropical-style garden. TOP PICKS Clustered parlour palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii), lady palm (Rhapis excelsa), canna lily, zebra plant (Calathea zebrina), elephant’sĮar (Alocasia and Colocasia), flag ginger (Costus), shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet), blue ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora), heliconia, strelitzia, gardenia, cane begonia, cordyline, yucca, Fijian fire plant (Acalypha) and Brazilian plume (Justicia carnea).Ĭolourful canna lilies and cordylines make great accent plants in the middle layer TOP PICKS Golden cane palm (Dypsis lutescens), kentia palm (Howea forsteriana), majestic palm (Ravenea rivularis), Alexandra palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae), giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai), Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum), frangipani, lilly pilly, ivory curl tree (Buckinghamia celsissima) and brugmansia.īrugmansia boasts masses of spectacular flowers in summerĬhoose plants 1-2m high with luxuriant foliage in different shades and shapes, and featuring stunning flowers. You can use any trees in the upper canopy and intersperse them with palms, tall tree ferns and tall shrubs. There is a huge variation in foliage shape, colour and texture, and while mainly green, it can also be colourful. While the foliage colour is important, the structure, texture, shape and composition are also key considerations. The middle layer is made up of shrubs and tall perennials, then at soil level, low growers give a mix of leaf textures and colours. They’re designed on three levels, starting with an upper canopy of taller trees and palms that create a warm microclimate and provide shade and protection for lower plants. Tropical gardens are densely planted, which gives them their lush look. Group plants with different leaf shapes together to bring out the best in both and use variegated foliage to break up green compositions
Backyard tropical garden design install#
WATER regularly using a hose or install a drip-watering system. MULCH around the plants with composted leaves, lucerne hay or pea straw to keep roots cool and retain moisture, topping up as needed. Organic matter will hold moisture in the soil to keep your large-leafed plants healthy.įEED generously with compost or cow manure in the spring and summer. Give your tropical plants a little TLC to keep them looking their best.ĭIG copious amounts of well-rotted manure or compost into the soil. Group plants with different leaf shapes together to bring out the best in both and use variegated foliage to break up green compositions. This garden style isn’t exclusive to the tropics, as it’s also ideal for gardens that are frost-free and can provide shelter for plants from the hot afternoon sun. Think large vibrant foliage, flamboyant flowers and eye-catching architectural statement plants. You need a rich mix of foliage textures and colours for a peaceful exotic garden mood. Holidays and gardens have a lot in common, as they’re both about relaxation and pleasure.Īnd if you associate the tropics with wonderful vacations, you may want to keep the holiday spirit alive by creating your own permanent tropical retreat at home. Get planting for blooms you can enjoy in the ground, in pots and out, or as cut flowers.
With just a little planning you can enjoy the sight and smell of flowers during every month of the year. => Keep the garden in leaf and bloom all year with our seasonal guides on what to grow and when to sow. Keep the garden in leaf and bloom all year with our seasonal guides on what to grow and when to sow.
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