Best Summer Tropical Plants

Here comes the sun!!

Finally summer seems to have arrived in Somerset, our plants have awoken and are popping heads up everywhere. We have loads of mail order plants going out for customers this month, including Musa basjoo (Japanese / Hardy Banana), Canna Happy Cleo (our fave little patio canna), Adiantum pedatum (also known as maidenhair fern or five-fingered fern), and many more.

Musa basjoo (also known as the Japanese Banana tree or Hardy Banana tree) is a great tropical plant to grow in the UK. Over 10 years they can grow up to 5 metres high, with huge green, paddle-like leaves that themselves can grow up to 3 metres long. Looked after well, the Musa basjoo will produce yellow flowers in summer, that are often followed by yellowish-green fruit, although generally these are not tasty enough to eat, despite the name! However, the plants look brilliant when incorporated into a jungle-style planting scheme, and can either be potted up into large pots or planted direct into a border. Though the root is fairly hardy for a tropical plant, it's better to a thick layer of mulch in autumn to protect the crown, and protect the foliage with a blanket of fleece or straw. In colder areas, or where the soil remains heavy in winter, they are best grown in pots, so they can be over-wintered under glass. We may worry but they are incredibly tolerant of the cold after only a few years of protection. If you are still worried they may be grown in pots so you can bring them indoors during winter, but be aware these are incredibly heavy plants and quite bulky to move around. A fantastic addition to any garden!

Musa Basjoo, or the Japanese hardy banana tree

This month seed sowing has begun with lots of echium varieties (amongst others) some already up and moving. We have also added some Colocasia to the range but these probably wont be ready until the end of the month, if not July. Colocasias originate from tropical Asia and are adapted to thrive in a warm, humid environment. It's entirely possible to grow them successfully outdoors in the UK – think jungle conditions, so full sun or partial shade, plenty of water, rich soil and a warm, sheltered part of the garden.

Coming soon from the Sow & Grow potting shed will be our range of hardy begonias, they are great for a shady spot, with colourful summer blooms and wonderful foliage. In the proper growing conditions, hardy begonia will thrive with minimal gardening effort!

This time of year I start my many hours watering. Watering is a time to think, a bit of a breather and an opportunity to gather thoughts. Sometimes I long for the hosepipe just for a moments peace but my happiest home is in the potting shed, but more on that next month.