Bold, jungle-effect plants for exotic borders in UK gardens. Big-leaved bananas, hardy palms, dramatic tree ferns and architectural grasses chosen for tropical impact that lasts through a British winter.
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An exotic border is gardening at its most generous: big leaves, bold shapes and a green, immersive feel that transports you somewhere far warmer. This collection brings together the building blocks of a tropical border, from palms and bananas to tree ferns and bold foliage, all hardy enough to do it outdoors in the UK.
You do not need a big garden for the jungle effect. A cluster of bold plants in pots turns a patio, balcony or courtyard into a leafy retreat, and a few large leaves go a long way in a small space. Container growing also lets you move tender plants under cover for winter.
The secret to a convincing exotic border is layers. Use tall bananas and palms for height, tree ferns and big foliage for the middle, and grasses and bold ground cover to fill in below. Pack plants closer than you would in a traditional border, mix leaf shapes and sizes, and the result feels lush rather than spotty.
Most exotic-border plants want a warm, sheltered spot with rich, moisture-retentive soil, and they grow fast when fed and watered well through summer. Check the hardiness of each plant, give the more tender ones a sheltered position or winter protection, and your border will reward you from spring to autumn.
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