|
HomeTopics...Garden TypesTropical Garden
Flowers and Plants for Tropical GardensWhat springs to mind when you think of tropical gardens: exotic tropical plants with large leaves, tropical flowers in vibrant colors, unusual scents, the sounds and smells of the jungle, an intangible sense of mystery?
If you live in a warm, moist climate, you may have the ideal habitat for creating the tropical garden of your dreams. However, even in areas where conditions are not ideal for tropical gardening, determined gardeners can use flowers with bold colors, broad-leafed plants and clever design to simulate the real thing.
Tips for Successful Tropical GardeningEven if you're lucky enough to live in a region where creating a tropical garden is feasible, bear in mind that tropical gardens are hard work, as well as high-maintenance.
Here are a few basics for laying the groundwork for your tropical paradise:
Plants for Tropical GardensNo list of tropical plants and flowers will suit all types of tropical gardens. Location, climate, soil and local habitat are all important factors when choosing tropical plants. But you won't go wrong if you choose local species and companion plants with a track record of success in your area.
Bear in mind that colors and scents are important features of tropical gardens. Choose flowers and plants that provide a profusion of year-round colors and scents.
Examples of colorful and prolific plants that would enhance most sunny tropical garden locations include: alfalfa, amaranth, angel wing begonia, bird of paradise flower, black-eyed susan, bougainvillea, butterfly bush, canary reed grass, cardinal lobelia, gardenia, hibiscus, lobelia, midnight blue agapanthus, miscanthus ornamental grass, New Zealand flax, Peter Pan, periwinkle, ponytail fern, prayer plant, red-leafed banana, sago palm and tropicanna canna,
Companion Planting for Tropical GardensA tropical garden setting is great for attracting local wildlife. But the downside of tropical gardens is that they also attract harmful pests that can damage your precious plants and flowers.
Companion planting is the natural solution for pest control and for promoting healthy plant development in tropical gardens. Research has shown that certain plants contain natural substances that will either attract or repel insects to the benefit of the plants growing in close proximity.
Your choice of companion plants will depend on which types of plants are compatible with your tropical garden environment. As a general guideline, use native companion plants. Plant companion flowers, herbs and vegetables in among your tropical flowers and plants, in borders, flowers beds or even around the edge of the garden.
Alfalfa, for example, makes an excellent companion plant and is known for its ability to keep pests at bay, especially in a tropical garden habitat. Its long root system is also great for breaking up compacted clay soil to improve drainage. Or how about planting the tropical annual amaranth for partnering with sweet corn? You'll be surprised at how well the sweet corn will grow!
Creating a Tropical Garden in Non-Tropical ZonesThe reality for most of us who are passionate about our palms or impatient to create a jungle landscape on our doorstep is that we have to compromise.
If you live in a more northerly region where the climate and environment is not ideally suited to creating tropical gardens, all is not lost. A few strategically positioned and reasonably hardy plants will add a subtle hint of the exotic, while avoiding that out-of-context tropical garden look.
The following plants will work well in non-tropical zones:
Ideas for Creating Tropical Gardens IndoorsBring the tropics indoors by creating a mini tropical garden in your conservatory, sunroom, greenhouse or even on a partially enclosed patio.
To flourish indoors, tropical flowers and plants require:
|
|
Related Products and Services
