Bringing a Little Island Flair to the North
I’ll admit it – I have a serious love affair with tropical plants. There’s just something about their bold, vibrant foliage and eye-catching flowers that makes my heart flutter. And you know what? I don’t think I’m alone in this. After all, who can resist the allure of a towering banana plant or the graceful, pendulous blooms of an angel’s trumpet?
Sure, we may live in a region better known for its rugged, moody landscapes than balmy, palm-fringed shores. But that doesn’t mean we can’t inject a little island flavor into our gardens, patios, and indoor spaces. With the right selection of hardy tropical plants, we can transform even the most traditional British garden into a thrilling oasis of exotic beauty.
Embracing the Tropical Vibe
My love affair with tropical plants began years ago, when I stumbled upon the stunning gardens of Great Dixter in East Sussex. There, amid the rolling hills and hedgerows of the English countryside, renowned gardener Christopher Lloyd had created a veritable wonderland of bold, lush foliage and spectacular blooms. It was a revelation – proof that even in a temperate climate, we could cultivate a little piece of the tropics.
Ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to bring that same sense of tropical enchantment to my own garden. And let me tell you, it’s been a thrilling journey! From towering elephant ears to vibrant cannas and delicate, fragrant daturas, I’ve discovered a whole host of tropical-inspired plants that not only survive but positively thrive in our Aberdeen climate.
Choosing the Right Tropical Treasures
Of course, not all tropical plants are created equal when it comes to hardiness. Some, like the majestic banana (Musa basjoo), can withstand our chilly winters with just a little extra protection. Others, like the breathtaking brugmansia (also known as angel’s trumpet), may require a bit more coddling to make it through the colder months.
That’s why it’s so important to do your research and choose varieties that are well-suited to our regional growing conditions. As the folks at Here She Grows blog so aptly put it, “Cold climate be damned! My love affair with tropical plants began several years ago with Christopher Lloyd and Great Dixter, his garden in East Sussex, England.”
And you know what? I couldn’t agree more. With a little creativity and the right plant selections, we can absolutely create our own little tropical oases, right here in the north. So let’s dive in and explore some of the most thrilling and hardy tropical treasures that can grace our gardens and patios.
Bringing the Tropics to Your Doorstep
Bananas and Beyond
One of the most iconic tropical plants has to be the humble banana (Musa basjoo). Sure, we may not be able to grow juicy, edible bananas in our region, but the towering, architectural foliage of this hardy variety can still make a serious statement. Just imagine a pair of these majestic plants flanking your front door or lining a garden path – it’s an instant ticket to the tropics!
And the best part? As Heather Blackmore of Here She Grows blog shares, the Musa basjoo can actually survive our chilly winters with just a little extra care. Simply dig up the rhizomes in the fall, store them in a cool, dry place, and replant them in the spring for a stunning display year after year.
Elephants, Brugmansias, and More
Of course, bananas aren’t the only tropical stunners that can thrive in our region. Take a look at the magnificent elephant ears (Colocasia), for instance. With their massive, glossy leaves and dramatic, fountain-like silhouettes, these plants can instantly transform any garden or patio into a lush, exotic oasis.
And let’s not forget about the breathtaking brugmansia, also known as angel’s trumpet. While this tropical beauty may need a bit more coddling to make it through the winter, Heather Blackmore’s tips on overwintering can help ensure its triumphant return each spring. Just imagine those pendulous, trumpet-shaped blooms cascading from a tall, elegant plant – it’s enough to make any gardener swoon!
Vibrant, Versatile Cannas
If you’re looking for a tropical plant that’s a bit more low-maintenance, why not give cannas a try? These bold, rhizomatous beauties come in a dazzling array of colors, from fiery oranges and reds to soft, pastel shades. And the best part? As Heather Blackmore notes, they’re easily overwintered by simply digging up the rhizomes and storing them in a cool, dry place until spring.
Cannas make fantastic focal points in garden beds and borders, but they’re also wonderfully versatile. Tuck them into mixed containers on your patio, or line them up along a garden path for a truly tropical effect. And don’t forget to plant them alongside complementary companions, like the lacy, pollinator-friendly calamintha – the contrast is simply stunning!
Embracing the Unexpected
Of course, tropical plants aren’t just limited to the usual suspects. In fact, some of the most thrilling additions to my garden have been the more unexpected choices – like the vibrant, coleus-like datura, or the boldly patterned elephant ears known as Coffee Cups.
As Heather Blackmore so eloquently puts it, “There’s just something so thrilling about a big tropical leaf amidst all the coneflowers, roses, catmint and daisies common in Midwestern gardens. Mine included.” And you know what? I couldn’t agree more. It’s those unexpected bursts of tropical flair that really make a garden come alive and capture the imagination.
So don’t be afraid to step outside the box and experiment with some lesser-known tropical treasures. After all, that’s half the fun of gardening, isn’t it? You never know what delightful surprises might be waiting to transform your little corner of the world into a thrilling tropical oasis.
Cultivating Your Own Tropical Retreat
At the end of the day, bringing a touch of the tropics to our northern gardens is all about embracing the unexpected, the bold, and the downright thrilling. It’s about stepping outside our comfort zones and allowing our imaginations to run wild, creating lush, vibrant spaces that transport us to faraway, sun-drenched shores.
And you know what? I think we’re up for the challenge. After all, ABC Home & Building was founded on the idea of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. So why not apply that same spirit of innovation and creativity to our gardens?
So go ahead, my fellow gardening enthusiasts – dare to be different! Surround yourself with towering elephant ears, dripping brugmansias, and vibrant cannas. Let your inner tropical explorer shine, and transform your little corner of the world into a thrilling, one-of-a-kind oasis. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
