Chumasande MatiwaneTropical garden designs are becoming popular if you want to bring a sense of heat and warmth to your outside space. Even with small garden spaces, you can create a tropical jungle-like feel with the right plants.
What is a tropical garden?
When you hear ‘tropical garden,’ one immediately thinks of a garden located in a tropical climate. But a tropical garden does not necessarily have to be located in a tropical climate. Even in temperate climes, you can create a tropical garden by creating a dense, lush and jungle-like feel. Your very own garden can have a tropical theme even while incorporating more hardy plants, and features suited to cooler climate zones. However, if you want a truly tropical and exotic garden, you might need to select tropical-leaning plants. Having a tropical garden offers an escape into the world of exotic beauty and diversity.
Tropical plants to choose from
When selecting the best tropical plants for your garden, choose bold plants with dramatic foliage to give your yard the feel of being somewhere warmer, cooler and tropical. If the climate allows, these are the best plants to select for your garden:
Banana palm
Exotic and dramatic, it’s easy to see why this plant is one of the best tropical plants. They have huge, paddle-shaped leaves on a sturdy stem and grow tall if their needs are met. Although they look as if they are tender, they can happily survive in tropical temperatures. But the leaves will die back after frosts, so just cut your plant down to ground level and watch it sprout again in late spring.
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Bird of Paradise
When it comes to tropical plants, there can surely be few more stunning than the bird of paradise. Native to South Africa, they have striking, bright blue and vibrant orange flowers that resemble a certain exotic bird. Grow your bird of paradise plant in well-draining soil and provide it with plenty of sun and warm temperatures to guarantee the best blooms. When grown in garden pots, it is much easier to bring them indoors over autumn and winter to protect them from the colder temperatures.
Image Credit: Pexels
Palms
Palms are a great addition to any garden if you’re after that instant tropical holiday feel, with leaves swaying in the breeze. Palm plants come in different varieties, from dwarf fan palm to sturdy tree palms. They instantly give that tropical feel to your garden and are also evergreen, and will look great in the garden all year round.
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