Gardening is a rewarding hobby for many people, but with so many plants and flowers to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which ones to grow in your garden. As a gardening expert and brand ambassador for Dobbies Garden Centres, Michael Griffiths, also known as The Mediterranean Gardener, recently shared his expertise on social media to help people create a tropical heaven in their gardens. According to Griffiths, there are five plants that can help achieve this goal.
1. Musa Basjoo
Musa basjoo, also known as the hardy banana or Japanese banana, is the first plant on Griffiths’ list. This plant is known for its hardiness and can be grown in a pot or the ground in full or partial sun.
Characteristics and Care
Musa basjoo grows to the size of a small tree, and its foliage dies back when the first frosts arrive. However, this is not a cause for concern, as the plant is essentially an enormous herbaceous perennial that dies back to the roots in winter and quickly produces new growth in spring. To care for Musa basjoo, gardeners should provide regular watering and feeding to sustain its growth.
2. Phoenix Palm
The second plant on Griffiths’ list is the phoenix palm, a large palm tree with deep green leaves and a stout trunk.
Characteristics and Care
The phoenix palm produces drooping bunches of creamy yellow flowers in the summer. To care for this plant, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises to grow it under glass or as a houseplant in a peat-free loam-based compost in bright, indirect light. Gardeners should water the plant moderately and feed it with a balanced fertiliser once a month.
3. Dicksonia Antarctica
The third plant on Griffiths’ list is the Dicksonia antarctica, an incredible evergreen tree fern that is comfortable in the shade.
Characteristics and Care
The Dicksonia antarctica has a thick mass of roots that form a trunk from which long fronds appear. To care for this plant, gardeners should grow it outdoors in a moist but well-drained humus-rich soil.
4. Canna Lily
The fourth plant on Griffiths’ list is the canna lily, an impressive tender perennial that offers height and fantastic foliage.
Characteristics and Care
Canna lilies produce bold leaves and showy flowers in shades of red, orange, yellows, and pinks. To care for canna lilies, gardeners should provide them with cool conservatories in summer and use them as a summer bedding plant for both containers and borders.
5. Red Hot Pokers
The final plant on Griffiths’ list is the red hot poker, a plant that may not be technically tropical but gives that tropical vibe.
Characteristics and Care
The red hot poker has amazing blooms that come in a range of fiery colours and has a long flowering season. To care for this plant, gardeners should plant it in mass to create a dramatic effect.
| Plant | Characteristics | Care Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Musa Basjoo | Grows to the size of a small tree, hardy and produces large, exotic leaves | Regular watering and feeding to sustain growth |
| Phoenix Palm | Large palm tree with deep green leaves and a stout trunk | Grow under glass or as a houseplant in bright, indirect light |
| Dicksonia Antarctica | Evergreen tree fern with a thick mass of roots and long fronds | Grow outdoors in a moist but well-drained humus-rich soil |
| Canna Lily | Tender perennial with bold leaves and showy flowers in shades of red, orange, yellows, and pinks | Provide cool conservatories in summer and use as a summer bedding plant |
| Red Hot Poker | Plant with amazing blooms in a range of fiery colours and a long flowering season | Plant in mass to create a dramatic effect |
By following these five plants, gardeners can create a tropical heaven in their gardens, providing a haven for plants and flowers that thrive in warm and humid environments. In conclusion, Michael Griffiths’ list of five plants is a great starting point for anyone looking to create a tropical garden in their backyard. With proper care and attention, these plants can provide a stunning display of color and beauty, making any garden a tropical paradise.
