Tropical garden in the UK

Question

What are the best plants/trees for making a garden look almost tropical in the UK?

Neil · Answer

Chusan Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei), Magnolia Grandiflora, Magnolia delavayii, Fatsia Japonica, Eriobotrya Japonica, Chamaerops humilis, Tetrapanax papyrifera, Dicksonia antartica, Bamboo, Cordyline australis, Gunnera, Hedychium, Musa basjoo.

Max · Answer

Tropical gardens often revolve around fruiting plants. The UK especially in the South offers climate which is now becoming more amenable to more tropical fruiting species.

Instead of trying to replicate a particular region, where many of the species won't tolerate our climate instead try a myriad of different species from differing hotter climate regions. Mixed in some palms and you will really start to feel this vibe.

Grapes, olive tree's, thyme and even tomatoes can start to bring the feel of tropical areas to our back gardens. Make sure you look at your particular gardens conditions, including sun exposure, for what will work appropriately.

Loredana · Answer

Trachycarpus fortunei (Windmill Palm): Hardy and gives an authentic tropical vibe with its fan-shaped fronds. Musa basjoo (Hardy Banana): Adds a lush, exotic look with its large, dramatic leaves and can survive UK winters if protected. Dicksonia antarctica (Soft Tree Fern): With its feathery fronds, this fern provides that classic tropical feel and thrives in a sheltered spot.

James · Answer

Always a palm tree it is amazing planted in the garden and pleasing to the eye.

Simon · Answer

🌴 Top Plants & Trees for a Tropical Look in the UK
🌿 1. Hardy Palms
Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan Palm)
One of the hardiest palms — survives down to -15°C. Tall, fan-shaped fronds and a true tropical feel.

Chamaerops humilis (Dwarf Fan Palm)
Compact and great for containers; very hardy and architectural.

🎋 2. Bamboo
Fargesia murielae or Fargesia robusta
Clumping (non-invasive) bamboo varieties, perfect for structure and height without spreading aggressively.

✅ Tip: Avoid running bamboo unless you use root barriers!

🌿 3. Tree Ferns
Dicksonia antarctica (Tasmanian Tree Fern)
Iconic tropical vibe with huge, lacy fronds. Needs winter protection (especially the crown).

🍌 4. Banana Plants
Musa basjoo (Hardy Japanese Banana)
Can survive UK winters with protection. Grows massive leaves quickly in summer for a bold, tropical look.

🌺 5. Exotic-Looking Perennials
Canna lilies
Bold, tropical foliage and colourful flowers. Lift tubers in winter or mulch heavily.

Hedychium (Ginger Lily)
Scented flowers and lush leaves. Needs sun and moist soil.

Colocasia (Elephant Ears)
Dramatic, huge leaves — grow in pots or damp soil. Not hardy, so lift or protect in winter.

Micheal · Answer

it will be the best plant the tree of tomato and oranges next to it. I woudlre comend cucumber and some dried mango from tesco.

Jeffrey · Answer

Canna is a genus of around ten species of rhizomatous, tropical and subtropical, herbaceous perennials that produce flower spikes from summer into early fall ...

Andrei Alexandru · Answer

Cordyline australis

Fatsia japonica

Musa basjoo

Trachycarpus fortunei

Canna

Phormium tenax

Tree fern

Begonia

Chamaerops humilis

Dicksonia antarctica

Gunnera

Musa

Passionflower

Strelitzia

Zantedeschia aethiopica

Aeonium

Bamboo

Colocasia esculenta

Crocosmia

Evergreen Magnolia grandiflora

Fatsia
Palms
Chusan
Coleus

Travis · Answer

To create a tropical look in your garden in the UK, consider incorporating the following plants and trees that can thrive in the climate:

1. Banana Plants (Musa): These can add a dramatic tropical feel with their large leaves. Look for hardier varieties like Musa basjoo that can survive winter in milder areas.

2. Canna Lilies: With their large, colorful flowers and lush foliage, canna lilies provide a vibrant tropical vibe. They thrive in full sun and can be planted in borders or containers.

3. Palms: Consider hardy palms like the Trachycarpus fortunei (Windmill Palm) or Chamaerops humilis (European Fan Palm). They can give your garden an authentic tropical touch.

4. Fatsia japonica: This evergreen shrub has large, glossy leaves that resemble those found in tropical regions. It does well in shade or partial shade.

5. Bamboo: Clumping bamboo varieties can add height and a tropical feel. They are fast-growing and can create a lush backdrop.

6. Ginger (Zingiber): While not fully hardy, you can grow ginger in pots and bring it indoors during winter. The large leaves and unique flowers contribute to a tropical aesthetic.

7. Hedychium (Ginger Lily): These can add height and exotic flowers in late summer. Some varieties are hardy enough for UK gardens.

8. Agapanthus: Known for their stunning blue or white flowers, agapanthus can thrive in sunny spots and add a tropical flair.

When planning your garden, consider using a mix of these plants to create layers and textures, mimicking a tropical environment.

Shea · Answer

Hi Pete

I would go with Mediterranean plants like Olive Trees, and Rosemary and Thyme Shrubs, and cold hardy palm trees and bushes from South America ( cold hardy are typically produced in Italy, and not Romania where many palms come from),  mixed with a few clumps of architectural grass for visual interest and wind movement. 

Kind Regards, 



Shea 


Sustainable Landscape Gardener
www.tranquilgardens.uk

Tropical garden in the UK

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