Exotic but hardy: surprising plant combinations for temperate climates

Exotic without the risk

The idea of palms and banana plants in a British or Northern European garden sounds like a dream. But it works. Dozens of exotic-looking plants survive frost down to -15°C or colder. With the right combinations you create a subtropical paradise that stands strong even in January.

Upload your photo at gardenworld.app and see how an exotic style would look in your garden.

Combination 1: Jungle look

Musa basjoo (Japanese banana, 300 cm, fan-shaped leaves — wrap the stem in winter) as the centrepiece. Around it Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia, 200 cm, large glossy leaves) and Dicksonia antarctica (tree fern, 200 cm, needs a sheltered spot).

Beneath them Hakonechloa macra (Japanese forest grass, 40 cm) as a green wave. The large leaf shapes create an immediate tropical feel. In a sheltered urban garden this works surprisingly well.

Combination 2: Mediterranean-exotic

Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese windmill palm, 500 cm, hardy to -15°C) with Phormium tenax 'Purpureum' (New Zealand flax, 150 cm, broad purple blades) and Agapanthus africanus (African lily, 80 cm, blue globe flowers).

The palm provides height, the phormium structure and the agapanthus summer colour. A combination you would expect in Corsica, yet it works in London or Amsterdam too.

Combination 3: Bamboo and ferns

Fargesia murielae 'Simba' (clumping bamboo, 200 cm, non-invasive species), Polystichum setiferum (soft shield fern, 60 cm, evergreen) and Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' (barrenwort, 30 cm, yellow).

Bamboo gives sound and movement — it rustles in the wind like no other plant. The ferns add a primeval forest atmosphere. Ideal for a shaded corner you want to transform.

Combination 4: Succulents outdoors

Yucca gloriosa (Spanish dagger, 150 cm, hardy, white flower plumes in summer), Beschorneria yuccoides (Mexican lily, 100 cm, spectacular red flower stalk) and Sempervivum (houseleek, various colours, ground cover).

In a sheltered spot with good drainage these plants overwinter without trouble. The architectural forms of yucca and beschorneria are a statement all year round.

Winter protection

Most hardy exotics survive frost but hate wetness. Good drainage is crucial. Wrap the stem of Musa basjoo in November with straw and hessian. Cover Dicksonia with dry leaves. Move potted agapanthus to a frost-free spot.

Always choose the most sheltered position in your garden: against a south-facing wall, out of the wind. Microclimate makes the difference between success and failure with exotics.

Your exotic garden

You do not need to travel to the tropics. With hardy exotics you create a holiday feeling at home. Discover at gardenworld.app how exotic planting would look in your garden.