Tropical Gardening Questions and FAQs
What is Underplanting? (You need to do this now!)
Underplanting is when you plant complimentary plants around the base, or underneath the main plant. For instance planting groundcover around the base of a low tree to fill in the area. As an example, Roses [...]
Which Bamboo For Screening 2m+ High? (Quickest options)
Bamboo screening can be a tough decision if you know nothing about bamboo, but fear not, we can help! If you are looking for a fast growing bamboo for evergreen screening, when you first start [...]
Clumping vs Running Bamboos (Don’t make this mistake)
What is the difference between clumping and running bamboos? Bamboo species are broadly grouped into two main types: Clumping Bamboo (sympodial or pachymorph) and Running Bamboo (monopodial or leptomorph). Clumping bamboos are generally classified [...]
How to grow Tetrapanax (Tame this HUGE beast for instant impact)
Tetrapanax rex - Learn, Buy, Grow this fabulous plant Tetrapanax rex also called tetrapanax papyrifer ‘rex’ or rice-paper tree is the only species in the tetrapanax genus. This is a large evergreen perennial shrub native [...]
20 Tropical Hardy Plants (Cheat sheet for an amazing low effort UK garden)
A common question we get is asking for easy recommendations for more hardy tropical plants for a UK garden. No fuss, no bother, just something to help create the tropical look you desire. Having [...]
Overwintering Cannas in the UK – How to protect the canna rhizomes (You can do this!)
Today's video is of Will Giles explaining how to overwinter Cannas, helping you make sure you get your much loved rhizomes through the winter without them turning to brown mush (Will's words!) . Cannas [...]
OVERWINTERING BANANAS – How to care for banana plants through the winter.
There are really a few main types of banana plants that most people grow in the UK and they require slightly different approaches to over wintering them, but hopefully we have covered enough here [...]
What Should I Plant with Musa Basjoo? (Can it get any better?!)
Commonly referred to as hardy or Japanese banana, Musa basjoo is said to have originated from the Sichuan province of China. But that’s not all! It often shocks gardeners that, even though Musa basjoo grows [...]
Can you keep banana plants indoors? (Do you have to?)
Yes you can keep pretty much any banana plant growing indoors if you have enough light. If you’re a lucky one and have a heated conservatory, or similar then you’re in luck and in the [...]
Can you grow banana fruit in the UK? (It’s a bad idea for a business!)
Short answer, no you can’t grow a fruiting banana that you can actually eat. You can have it one of two ways, grow an ornamental fruiting banana that is inedible but full of seeds, or [...]
OVERWINTERING BANANAS – How to care for banana plants through the winter.
There are really a few main types of banana plants that most people grow in the UK and they require slightly different approaches to over wintering them, but hopefully we have covered enough here [...]
GROW GUIDE: How To Care For Banana Plants
Like most other tropical plants, banana plants need extended exposure to direct sunlight for as long as possible. They also require a lot of water to keep their large leaves hydrated. Whether you are [...]
Which Bamboo For Screening 2m+ High? (Quickest options)
Bamboo screening can be a tough decision if you know nothing about bamboo, but fear not, we can help! If you are looking for a fast growing bamboo for evergreen screening, when you first start [...]
How Tall Does Bamboo Grow and how fast? (Ridiculous speed obviously!)
How Tall Does Bamboo Grow? Bamboo is one of the tallest and fastest-growing plants in the world with a growth rate of up to 1 metre a day, eventually reaching heights of over 30 feet. [...]
Is Bamboo Evergreen? (The insiders cheat sheet for garden structure)
Is Bamboo Evergreen? Bamboo is described as an evergreen member of the grass family that is either running or clumping variety. Being evergreen is one of the reasons that bamboo is a popular choice in [...]
Clumping vs Running Bamboos (Don’t make this mistake)
What is the difference between clumping and running bamboos? Bamboo species are broadly grouped into two main types: Clumping Bamboo (sympodial or pachymorph) and Running Bamboo (monopodial or leptomorph). Clumping bamboos are generally classified [...]
Unusual British Native Evergreen Ferns – Perfect for the climate
Some of the best and most unusual ferns are not only very frost hardy evergreens ferns but also very distinctive and unusual looking. If you are going to grow them in your garden then [...]
What Should I Plant with Tree Ferns?
Tree ferns are sturdy and impressive plants that have become a staple part of tropical planting schemes and exotic gardens in the UK, generally shipped all the way over from Tasmania. However, they tend to [...]
How do you propagate tree ferns?
If you’re in the UK it’s not that easy to propagate tree ferns unless you really can provide ideal conditions and humidity. How do you propagate tree ferns? Tree ferns such as [...]
Can tree ferns grow in pots? (Don’t miss this if it’s your only option)
Technically yes tree ferns can grow in pots, but you are really doing them a disservice by keeping them all constrained like this. Unless you are absolutely on it the whole time, you’re just [...]
How can I make my ferns grow bigger? (Follow this for bigger fronds!)
It’s actually not that hard to make your tree ferns grow bigger, if you follow these steps below. How can I make my ferns grow bigger? When we say ‘bigger’ tree ferns, [...]
How fast does a tree fern grow? (How much time do you have….)
Depending on the local conditions will depend on how fast your tree fern will grow. A tree fern such as Dicksonia Antarctica will grow 1inch in height per year in the UK. If you [...]
How long does it take for tree fern fronds to grow?
Tree ferns such as Dicksonia Antarctica have a new flush of fronds each spring, and if you’re lucky will push a couple more up through the year. My own 6ft tree ferns start pushing [...]
Are tree ferns invasive?
Are tree ferns invasive in the UK? Are tree ferns invasive? NO. If you’re growing tree ferns such as Dicksonia Antarctica in the UK, then no, it’s certainly not invasive due to [...]
Are tree ferns expensive? Updated 2022 (Try shipping a log half way round the world yourself)
Yes tree ferns are expensive! Tree ferns are grown from literally as far away as is possible from the UK (Tasmania or East Australia), they are then chainsawn off in the forest (or sustainable [...]
Does a tree fern have roots?
Tree ferns do have roots, which is odd when you first get one as they come ‘cut’ from the ground with no roots at all. In fact the whole ‘trunk’ is made from roots, [...]
Can you grow tree ferns indoors?
Yes, you can grow tree ferns indoors, but I would seriously not bother unless you can guarantee ideal conditions which will be quite a struggle. Tree ferns are shade loving, sheltered plants that on [...]
Are tree ferns deciduous?
Tree ferns such as Dicksonia Antarctica are generally not deciduous in their natural location, but can become deciduous in colder climates. Are tree ferns deciduous? Deciduous means that a plant will annually [...]
How long does a tree fern live?
In the wild, and naturally growing in the east of Australia and in Tasmania, tree ferns can live for well over 100 years. They are fairly slow growing, so take quite some time to [...]
Do Tree Ferns Prefer Sun Or Shade?
Tree ferns prefer shaded and sheltered spots. They will grow in full sun if they are also well watered (ideally using auto irrigation) but ideally if you can place them in a sheltered and [...]
Do You Cut Back Tree Ferns?
No! The fronds should be left on the plant until they die, where you can just leave them to just drop off naturally, or you can just prune them off, at least a few [...]
Are Tree Ferns Hardy?
While certain ferns do require particular growing circumstances, tree ferns are resilient, easy to cultivate and add a unique appeal to a variety of garden settings. In general, tree ferns are long-living hardy plants. [...]
How Do You Take Care Of A Tree Fern?
The tree fern begins with a bare, soft, bristly trunk. The fronds begin to unfurl in late spring. The plant is transformed within a few weeks, with bright green fronds of ferns reaching up [...]
How Do You Look After Trachycarpus Wagnerianus?
The Trachycarpus wagnerianus Palm Tree, sometimes known as the 'Waggie, or’ wag wag’ is a low-maintenance palm that is easy to grow and maintain. It has small, beautiful fan-shaped leaves that are resistant to [...]
Can You Eat Jelly Palm Fruit?
Yes, it’s very much edible. Jelly palm fruits are described as sweet, tart, and juicy, with a flavour that some compared to pineapple. Palm tree Pindo fruit can be eaten fresh from the tree, most [...]
How Do You Care For Butia Capitata?
The pindo palm (Butia capitata) gets its name from the delectable jams and jellies created from the tree's fruit. A handsome evergreen palm, easy to grow, jelly palm is salt, heat and drought tolerant and [...]
How Fast Do Jelly Palms Grow?
Pindo palms (Butia) are one of the fastest-growing palm trees. They grow a height of 12–24 inches (30–61 cm) per year. They can take anywhere between 5 and 10 years to achieve maturity. Of [...]
How Quickly Does Trachycarpus Grow?
How Fast Does Trachycarpus wagnerianus Grow? Trachycarpus wagnerianus have a moderate growth tendency and will reach a maximum height and spread of 16 to 19 feet roughly 6.5 feet respectively over 50 years. They [...]
What Should I Plant with Acer? (Instant added impact)
Ever seen the fingers of a hand model? Just as they are elegant, so are the leaves of Acer palmatum – they are its most attractive features. This gorgeous tree, also known as Japanese maple, [...]
How to Re-pot an Acer Tree
Acer trees or Japanese maples are beautiful trees ideal for pots, not only because they are slow growing but also because they can very much be enjoyed by those with small yards or gardens despite [...]
Do Acers Like Acid Soil, and what does PH mean?
First, what does soil pH mean? Acers are beautiful trees that create a refreshing atmosphere in your garden or courtyard. Although Acers are not picky when it comes to soil, they prefer acidic soil, one [...]
Do Acers Like Ericaceous Compost?
The short answer to this question is yes. To fully understand the question and answer of this article, we need to consider the meaning and components of ericaceous compost. What Is Ericaceous Compost? This term [...]
When To Prune Acer Palmatum Trees In The UK
Acer palmatum trees, often called Japanese maples are naturally elegant large shrubs or small trees that grow in a weeping form or round form depending on the cultivar that you are cultivating. Hence, they require [...]
How To Take A Cutting From An Acer Tree
Acer palmatum maple trees are beautiful trees that are seen in many gardens around the UK. They are often grown through propagation by seeds, grafting, or softwood cuttings. The more popular and successful methods [...]
Do Acers Lose Their Leaves?
The simple answer is yes, they do! The natural loss of acers losing their leaves Acer palmatum Orange Dream - Special Japanese Maple Although Acer Palmatum are known as some of the most [...]
Acer Tree Problems: Why Are My Acer Tree Leaves Turning Brown?
Acer palmatum is a low maintenance plant that is relatively easy to grow. Most of the cultivars in this genus can survive weather and soil conditions that other less hardy plants will not. So, when [...]
