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Exotic Flowers for London
acacia dealbata | mimosa
moderately hardy
acacia dealbata
Origin Australia Flowers Feb to April
agapanthus africana
Origin South Africa moderately hardy .
albizia julibrissin
Origin Iran | semi hardy .
albizia julibrissin
otherwise known as Persian Silk Tree
caesalpinia gilliesii
Origin Argentina - semi hardy
caesalpinia gilliesii
Origin Argentina - close up of flowers
campsis radicans
Origin Eastern USA - very hardy
campsis flower
vigorous climbers
canna
Origin Pan Tropical -semi hardy
canna pretoria
Origin South Africa - tender
clianthus puniceus
Origin New Zealand - semi hardy
clianthus puniceus
also known as Parrots Bill
crocosmia lucifer
Origin South Africa - very hardy
datura suaveolens
Origin South America - tender
daturas
with their highly scented flowers
hedichium garderianum
Origin India - moderately hardy
hedichium gardenrianum
Kahili Ginger, scented flowers
nerium oleander
Origin Mediterranean - semi hardy
nerium oleanders
beautiful flowering shrubs - TOXIC
oleanders flower
protection of a hot sunny wall - TOXIC
pittosporum tobira
Origin Japan - moderately hardy
zantedeschia Crowborough
Origin South Africa - Very Hardy
zantedeschia Crowborough
also known as Arum Lily
Exotic and Unusual Flowers
We made the above slide show to give a brief insight into a few of the amazing and beautiful exotic flowers and flowering trees and shrubs which can thrive within London's micro climate and some beyond. Basically the closer into Central London the project, the warmer the micro climate and the more adventurous we can be.
As a guide though, those plants which are classified as tender are worth risking all year round, only in the most sheltered gardens and courtyards often found around Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Kensington, where winter temperatures are usually several degrees warmer and killer frosts are rare. Some of the cheaper tender exotic flowers and smaller shrubs are worth using regardless throughout the UK as bedding plants to be enjoyed throughout the warmer months June to October before sucumbing to the first winter frosts.
Those classified as semi hardy can usually be successfully cultivated within the micro climate of most areas of Central London, whereas those which are classified as moderately hardy to very hardy can thrive anywhere in London, and in all but the coldest gardens in the Home Counties.
Remember exotic gardening is not an exact science, so no matter where you live in the UK and provided the backbone structure of the garden is hardy to the elements, it is always worth experimenting with a few truly exotic additions.. We are always happy to advise - Hope you enjoy the show......It took me a whole day to put it together!