Plant Encyclopedia
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6 plants
Bulbs & tubersCanna indica
Indian Shot
Indian shot is a spectacular tuberous plant with large, banana-like leaves and striking flowers in fiery red, orange or yellow from July until the first frost. The plant brings an exotic, tropical look to borders and patios and combines beautifully with ornamental grasses and other late bloomers.
PerennialsHedychium gardnerianum
Ginger Lily
The ginger lily is an imposing tropical perennial with broad, lance-shaped leaves along tall stems, crowned by large spikes of bright yellow, wonderfully fragrant flowers from August to October. The sweet, exotic scent carries far through the garden atmosphere. With protection the rhizome overwinters in temperate climates.
ShrubsHibiscus rosa-sinensis
Chinese Hibiscus
Chinese hibiscus is a tropical shrub with glossy dark green foliage and large, funnel-shaped flowers in fiery red, pink or orange that can appear year-round. Each flower lasts only one day, but the plant continuously produces new buds. As a container plant it brings tropical flair to terraces and conservatories.
PerennialsMusa basjoo
Japanese Banana
The Japanese banana is the hardiest banana species in the world and brings a truly tropical feel to the garden with its enormous, fan-shaped leaves. The plant can reach up to four metres tall and grows at astonishing speed. The above-ground parts die back in winter, but the roots survive temperatures down to -15°C and reshoot vigorously in spring.
TreesPlumeria rubra
Frangipani
Frangipani is a tropical tree famed for its intoxicatingly fragrant flowers in soft shades of pink, white and yellow. The waxy blooms appear in clusters at the tips of thick, fleshy branches from May to October. In winter the tree sheds its leaves, revealing an elegantly branched silhouette.
PerennialsStrelitzia reginae
Bird of Paradise
The bird of paradise is a striking tropical plant with sturdy, blue-green, banana-like leaves and spectacular flowers resembling the head of an exotic bird. The blooms combine vivid orange sepals with sky-blue petals and appear almost year-round. An architectural showpiece as a container plant.