| Tropical Garden |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-709 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Q: I don't exactly live in the tropics, but I'd love to create a tropical garden. What plants would I need to use? A: (Walter Reeves, DIY gardening expert) By selecting the right plants, you can create a tropical landscape even in colder climes. Tropical foliage is typically characterized by large foliage and vibrant colors (figure A). Tropical growth is usually dense and lush, so don't be afraid to crowd plants together to create a tropical effect. Here are some suggestions to get you started on your next trip to the nursery.
Shade-Loving Tropicals
- Secrecia, known commonly as purple-heart (figure B) has beautiful purple leaves, and grows well even in shady areas. In this planting it is combined with another shade-loving plant, Algerian ivy.
- Croton (figure C) is a common house plant, but would do well in a tropical outdoor planting during the summer.
- Angel-wing begonia is another good choice, since it has large leaves and large flowers.
- Prayer plant (figure D) is another house plant that could thrive well outside in a shady garden during warmer months.
Sun-Loving Tropicals If you have a sunny area, here are some suggestions for plants and flowers you might add to a tropical garden.
- Hibiscus (figure E) come in a range of colors, and are considered a staple of tropical gardens.
- You may want to consider some tropical varieties of ornamental grasses. Miscanthus cabaret has a green and white variegated leaf (figure F).
- If you like the color purple, New Zealand flax (figure G)is another visually striking grass that's suited to a tropical setting.
- Cardinal lobelia is another species that adds rich, purple color to a garden.
- Canary reed-grass (figure H) has a tropical appearance, and makes a nice ground cover.
- Consider mixing in some annuals, like kalanchoe (figure I), to add color and variety.
- Other flowering varieties you might consider are canna, black-eyed susan and the butterfly bush.
- If you have a spot with well-drained, sandy soil, consider planting agave (figure J) -- a classic tropical variety that's very popular.
Planting Suggestions - Tropical plants grow rapidly, so they need some soil preparation. They thrive best in well-drained soil.
- Select plants with good root systems, and make certain that you loosen up the root ball when you remove the plant from the pot (figure K).
- Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball, and place the plant so that the base of the plant is about at ground level (figure L). Remember, don't be afraid to crowd plants together to create that lush, tropical look.
RESOURCES :
Easy Care Shade Flowers
Model: 0671755676
Author: Patricia A. Taylor
February 1993
Taylor's 50 Best Perennials for Sun: Easy Plants for More Beautiful Gardens
Model: 0395873304
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
