It is easy, or at least relatively so, to create a cold-hardy, tropical effect garden, but is it still possible to produce a tropical effect garden if you experience extremely cold winters? By that I mean parts of the world where winter temperatures can drop to around – 15 degrees celsius or 5 degrees Fahrenheit in old money!
Well the answer is of course yes, however there will be some more cultural work involved with some of the plants in my following selection to give them a helping hand over the finish line of survival. To promote the effect add canna and dahlias which can be lifted and brought in under protection each year. Also consider growing salvias and tobacco plants as cheap annuals for their vibrant colours and architectural effect.
Palms
Trachycarpus fortunei ‘Chinese Windmill Palm’ -15 Celsius
Bismarck Palm ‘Bismarckia nobilis’ -9 Celsius (my absolute favourite)
Mediterranean Fan Palm ‘Chamaerops humilis’ -12 celsius
Bamboo
Phyllostachys aurea -15 to possibly -20 Celsius
Phyllostachys bissetii -25 Celsius!
Phyllostachys nigra – Black bamboo -20 Celsius
Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabilis -25 Celsius
Banana
Musa basjoo, root hardy to -12 celsius with a thick mulch
Musella lasiocarpa -7 with protection such as thick mulch and a wrapping of horticultural fleece
Hostas
Giant leaved hostas -15 easily but if you are worried apply a dry mulch to the crown
Crocosmia
Most species and cultivars will go down to -15 Celsius
Fatsia
Established species and cultivars can tolerate down to -10 Celsius but they will look shocking until the re-grow through the damage.
Phormium
Phormium species and cultivars will generally go to -10 Celsius, but can go colder is protection is in place
Cordyline
Cordyline species and cultivars will generally go to -10 Celsius, but can go colder is protection is in place
Kniphofia
Kniphofia species and cultivars will go down to -15 but it is worth putting a dry mlch on the crow to be on the safe side
Yucca
Yucca baccata -20 Celsius
Yucca filamentosa – 20 Celsius
This list is by no means exhaustive but it will set you in the right direction for building yourself an extremely cold-hardy, tropical effect garden.
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