The 15 most exotic-looking lush tropical garden plants

tropical plants

When I first started gardening, I lived in London. I was desperate to get a tropical look in my garden, even though (in those days) the temperature often fell to -5°C and it would have been easier to create a typical English garden.

So, to achieve the look, I had to use hardy exotics, as you can see in the pictures of this garden.

When I moved to Sydney, nearly all the gardens were tropical in style. So, in my perverse way, all I really wanted to create there, was a European or American-style perennial garden.

Now that I am back in the UK, I am hankering after the tropical again. So in this post, I’m bringing you some of the most gorgeous tropical plants you can find.

Beware, nearly all of these are fully tender, so they won’t survive cold or frost, which means I won’t be growing them in my Scottish garden. Nevertheless, they are beautiful to behold and, hopefully, an inspiration for those of you with the climate to match the plants.

So, below, I explore 15 of the most exotic-looking lush tropical garden plants that you can grow (If you are lucky), including care tips and ideas on how to display them effectively.

1. Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Strelitzia reginae - lush tropical garden plants
Strelitzia reginae by John Rusk is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The bird of paradise is famed for its large, exotic flowers that resemble a brightly coloured bird in flight. The long, leathery leaves add a tropical feel even when the plant isn’t in bloom, and the flowers, with their vibrant orange and blue petals, make a striking focal point in any garden.

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Strelitzia reginae
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: Named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III
  • Common names: Bird of paradise, crane flower
  • Plant family: Strelitziaceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: South Africa
  • Type of plant: Evergreen perennial
  • Size: Up to 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 metres)
  • Foliage: Large, banana-like leaves
  • Flower: Orange and blue bird-like flowers, blooming in spring to summer
  • Fruit: Rarely fruits; produces seed pods with black seeds
  • Light requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade
  • Water and humidity requirements: Moderate watering, prefers high humidity
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 0°C (32°F); RHS hardiness rating: H2 (tender – can be grown outdoors in summer)
  • Soil requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil
  • Feeding requirements: Monthly feeding during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser
  • Propagation: By division of rhizomes or seed
  • Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves and faded flowers to maintain appearance

Display and companion plants

This plant is ideal for a tropical bed or a large container. It works well with ferns, heliconias, and palms, where its striking flowers are complemented by lush greenery.

Strelitzia reginae - Bird of Paradise (UK Buyers)
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  • Supplied as a young, established plant in a 9cm pot, ready for immediate planting


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Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Reginae (US Buyers)
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The Orange Birds of Paradise mature to 4-6 feet, thrive in full to partial sun, and suit USDA Zone 9. They prefer moist, loamy soil but are adaptable. Frequent fertilization and pest control are essential for optimal growth.

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2. Elephant ear (Alocasia spp.)

Alocasia cuprea - lush tropical garden plants
Alocasia cuprea by Frank Schulenburg is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Elephant ear plants have massive, heart-shaped leaves that provide a bold, tropical look. Their leaves can reach up to 3 feet in length, and they are available in a range of colours from green to deep purple or variegated varieties.

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Alocasia spp.
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: From the Greek, meaning “without trouble,” referring to ease of care
  • Common names: Elephant ear, African mask plant
  • Plant family: Araceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: Tropical Asia
  • Type of plant: Herbaceous perennial
  • Size: Grows up to 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 metres)
  • Foliage: Large, heart-shaped leaves, often with striking veins
  • Flower: Rare, small flowers on a spadix
  • Fruit: Rarely produces fruit
  • Light requirements: Thrives in partial shade; avoid direct midday sun
  • Water and humidity requirements: Prefers consistently moist soil and high humidity
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 10°C (50°F); RHS hardiness rating: H2 (tender – can be grown outdoors in summer)
  • Soil requirements: Rich, well-drained soil
  • Feeding requirements: Monthly feeding with a balanced fertiliser
  • Propagation: By division of tubers
  • Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves
lush tropical garden plants - tropical plants - Alocasia

Display and companion plants

Elephant ears add structure and height to borders. Pair with cannas or gingers for a jungle effect, or plant alongside ferns and hostas for a lush green display.

3. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

Monstera deliciosa fruiting - lush tropical garden plants
Monstera deliciosa fruiting by Starr Environmental is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is famous for its large, glossy, split leaves that develop unique holes as the plant matures. Monstera is grown frequently as a houseplant, but it is easy to grow in frost-free conditions and brings a bold tropical feel to outdoor spaces.

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Monstera deliciosa
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: “Monstera” refers to the plant’s unusual, “monstrous” leaves
  • Common names: Swiss cheese plant
  • Plant family: Araceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: Central America
  • Type of plant: Evergreen climbing vine
  • Size: Grows up to 10-15 feet (3-4.5 metres)
  • Foliage: Large, leathery leaves with natural holes and splits
  • Flower: White, enclosed in a spathe
  • Fruit: Rarely produces edible fruit in cooler climates
  • Light requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light; can tolerate shade
  • Water and humidity requirements: Prefers moist soil and high humidity
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 10°C (50°F); RHS hardiness rating: H2
  • Soil requirements: Well-drained, peaty soil
  • Feeding requirements: Monthly feeding during the growing season
  • Propagation: By stem cuttings or air layering
  • Pruning: Prune to control size and shape

Display and companion plants

Monstera thrives in a sheltered garden spot, climbing up walls or trellises. Pair with ferns or calatheas for a lush, green backdrop, or mix with flowering plants like hibiscus for a tropical contrast.

4. Canna (Canna indica)

tropical plants - cann flower

Cannas bring a burst of colour and genuine tropical flair to any garden with their large, banana-like leaves and vibrant flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. They bloom from summer to autumn, providing months of visual interest.

They are also hardier than most of the plants listed here. They can be cut back in winter and, if they are well mulched and the soil is not waterlogged, they will survive where temperatures are below freezing infrequently. Alternatively, the rhizomes can be lifted and stored over winter (much like dahlia tubers are stored) and replanted in when risk of frost is over.

tropical plants canna flowers

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Canna indica
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: “Indica” refers to its origin in the East Indies (though it is native to the Americas)
  • Common names: Indian shot, canna lily
  • Plant family: Cannaceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: Central and South America
  • Type of plant: Herbaceous perennial
  • Size: Grows up to 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 metres)
  • Foliage: Large, banana-like leaves, sometimes variegated
  • Flower: Brightly coloured flowers on tall spikes, blooming from summer to autumn
  • Fruit: Hard seed pods
  • Light requirements: Best grown in full sun to partial shade
  • Water and humidity requirements: Moist soil, moderate humidity
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 5°C (41°F); RHS hardiness rating: H3 (tender – may need protection in winter)
  • Soil requirements: Fertile, well-drained soil
  • Feeding requirements: Monthly feeding with a high-potassium fertiliser
  • Propagation: By division of rhizomes or seeds
  • Pruning: Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves

Display and companion plants

Cannas add height to the back of borders. Pair them with other large-leaved plants like bananas or colocasias for a jungle feel. They also combine well with dahlias or zinnias for a colourful display.

5. Heliconia (Heliconia rostrata)

Heliconia rostrata
“Heliconia rostrata” by Dinesh Valke is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Known for its dramatic, pendulous flowers that resemble lobster claws, heliconia rostrata is native to the tropics of central and SoCuth America. Its large, banana-like leaves and bright red and yellow flowering bracts create a striking display.

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Heliconia rostrata
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: Named after Mount Helicon, home of the muses in Greek mythology
  • Common names: Lobster claw, hanging heliconia
  • Plant family: Heliconiaceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: Central and South America
  • Type of plant: Perennial herbaceous plant
  • Size: Grows up to 6-15 feet (1.8-4.5 metres)
  • Foliage: Large, banana-like leaves
  • Flower: Red and yellow hanging bracts, blooming from spring to summer
  • Fruit: Small, blue-black berries
  • Light requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade
  • Water and humidity requirements: High humidity, prefers moist soil
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 10°C (50°F); RHS hardiness rating: H2
  • Soil requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil
  • Feeding requirements: Monthly feeding during the growing season with a high-potassium fertiliser
  • Propagation: By division of rhizomes
  • Pruning: Remove old leaves and spent flower stalks

Display and companion plants

Heliconias work well as a focal plant in a tropical border. They look stunning paired with banana plants, colocasias, or gingers for a bold, vibrant garden.

6. Frangipani (Plumeria spp.)

tropical plants - plumeria

Frangipani is known for its highly fragrant, waxy flowers that bloom in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red. Its sculptural branches and lush green foliage add a tropical charm to any garden, particularly in warmer climates.

It is easy to root frangipani branches for cuttings. You just have to allow the cut end to harden off for a few days after it has been cut. Then plunge the branch in a pot of well-drained compost and leave in a sheltered place while the roots develop.

Plumeria rubra 'Mermaid Gem'
Plumeria rubra ‘Mermaid Gem’ by Dinesh Valke is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Plumeria spp.
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: Named after Charles Plumier, a French botanist
  • Common names: Frangipani, temple tree
  • Plant family: Apocynaceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: Central America, the Caribbean
  • Type of plant: Deciduous shrub or small tree
  • Size: Grows up to 20 feet (6 metres)
  • Foliage: Glossy, elongated green leaves
  • Flower: Fragrant, waxy flowers in white, pink, yellow, red; blooms in summer
  • Fruit: Long, slender pods
  • Light requirements: Prefers full sun for best flowering
  • Water and humidity requirements: Moderate watering, drought-tolerant once established
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 10°C (50°F); RHS hardiness rating: H2
  • Soil requirements: Well-drained, sandy soil
  • Feeding requirements: Monthly feeding during the growing season with a high-phosphorus fertiliser
  • Propagation: By cuttings or seeds
  • Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to shape

Display and companion plants

Frangipani works well as a standalone specimen or in a tropical border. Pair with jasmine or gardenias for fragrance, or with architectural plants like agaves for contrast.

7. Ensete (Ensete ventricosum)

Ensete ventricosum
Ensete ventricosum by Forest & Kim Starr is licensed under CC BY 3.0

Ensete, often called the Abyssinian banana, is a bold plant with massive, paddle-shaped leaves that can reach several feet long. The cultivar ‘Maurellii’ has dramatic wine-red leaves.

This tropical giant adds a dramatic, lush feel to gardens and is often grown for its ornamental foliage. Best grown in a sheltered spot, away from strong winds which can shred the leaves.

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Ensete ventricosum
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: Derived from the Amharic name “enset,” meaning banana
  • Common names: Abyssinian banana
  • Plant family: Musaceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: East Africa
  • Type of plant: Herbaceous perennial
  • Size: Grows up to 10-20 feet (3-6 metres)
  • Foliage: Large, paddle-shaped, green leaves with a red midrib
  • Flower: Infrequent, small flowers in mature plants
  • Fruit: Not usually produced in cultivation
  • Light requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade
  • Water and humidity requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil and high humidity
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 5°C (41°F); RHS hardiness rating: H3
  • Soil requirements: Rich, well-drained soil
  • Feeding requirements: Feed with a high-potassium fertiliser during the growing season
  • Propagation: By seed or division
  • Pruning: Remove dead leaves regularly

Display and companion plants

Ensete looks stunning as a focal point in a tropical border. Pair it with cannas, colocasias, or smaller palms to enhance the boldness of its large foliage.

8. Brugmansia (Brugmansia spp.)

Brugmansia -lush tropical plants
Brugmansia suaveolens by Jim Evans is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Brugmansia, commonly known as angel’s trumpet, is famous for its large, pendulous trumpet-shaped flowers, which can be white, pink, yellow, or orange. The blooms are highly fragrant, particularly at night, and add an ethereal touch to tropical gardens.

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Brugmansia spp.
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: Named after Dutch botanist Sebald Justinus Brugmans
  • Common names: Angel’s trumpet
  • Plant family: Solanaceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: South America
  • Type of plant: Evergreen shrub or small tree
  • Size: Grows up to 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 metres)
  • Foliage: Large, oval green leaves
  • Flower: Large, fragrant, pendulous trumpet-shaped flowers, blooming from summer to autumn
  • Fruit: Inconspicuous green capsules
  • Light requirements: Prefers partial shade to full sun; performs best with some afternoon shade in hotter climates
  • Water and humidity requirements: Prefers moist soil and high humidity
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 5°C (41°F); RHS hardiness rating: H3
  • Soil requirements: Rich, well-drained soil
  • Feeding requirements: Feed with a balanced fertiliser every two weeks during the growing season
  • Propagation: By cuttings or seeds
  • Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape

Display and companion plants

Brugmansia works well as a feature plant in borders or large containers. Pair with jasmine or plumbago for a fragrant garden corner, or place near ferns and hostas for a lush, shaded garden area.

9. Angel’s wings (Caladium bicolor)

Caladium bicolor
Caladium bicolor by Carl E Lewis is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Caladiums are grown for their heart-shaped leaves, which are often brightly coloured in shades of pink, red, white, and green. These tropical plants add colour to shaded garden areas and are perfect for creating a lush, exotic feel.

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Caladium bicolor
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: Refers to the bicoloured nature of the leaves
  • Common names: Angel’s wings, elephant ear
  • Plant family: Araceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: South America
  • Type of plant: Herbaceous perennial
  • Size: Grows up to 1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
  • Foliage: Heart-shaped, brightly coloured leaves
  • Flower: Rare, inconspicuous
  • Fruit: Not usually produced
  • Light requirements: Grows best in partial shade or dappled light
  • Water and humidity requirements: Prefers consistently moist soil and high humidity
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 10°C (50°F); RHS hardiness rating: H2
  • Soil requirements: Rich, well-drained soil
  • Feeding requirements: Feed with a balanced fertiliser every few weeks during the growing season
  • Propagation: By division of tubers
  • Pruning: Remove dead leaves to maintain appearance

Display and companion plants

Caladiums are perfect for brightening shaded borders or containers. They pair well with ferns, begonias, or impatiens for a soft, tropical display.

10. Shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet)

Alpinia zerumbet
Alpinia zerumbet by uphillblok is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Shell ginger is known for its long, arching stems of pink and white, shell-like flowers. Its bamboo-like, glossy green foliage adds an architectural element to tropical gardens. Some varieties also feature variegated leaves with bold yellow and green stripes.

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Alpinia zerumbet
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: Named after Prospero Alpini, an Italian botanist
  • Common names: Shell ginger, pink porcelain lily
  • Plant family: Zingiberaceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: East Asia
  • Type of plant: Perennial herbaceous plant
  • Size: Grows up to 6-10 feet (1.8-3 metres)
  • Foliage: Long, lance-shaped green leaves, sometimes variegated
  • Flower: Pink and white, shell-like flowers, blooming in spring and summer
  • Fruit: Small, inconspicuous capsules
  • Light requirements: Thrives in partial shade; tolerates full sun in cooler climates
  • Water and humidity requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil and high humidity
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 10°C (50°F); RHS hardiness rating: H2
  • Soil requirements: Rich, well-drained soil
  • Feeding requirements: Monthly feeding during the growing season
  • Propagation: By division of rhizomes
  • Pruning: Remove old flower stems and any damaged leaves
Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata'
Alpinia zerumbet ‘Variegata’ by Dinesh Valke is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Display and companion plants

Shell ginger is a perfect choice for tropical borders. Pair it with palms, gingers, or cannas to create layers of foliage and blooms, or use variegated varieties to brighten shaded corners.

11. Cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa)

Cordyline fruticosa by Forest and Kim Starr is licensed under CC BY 3.0

Cordyline fruticosa is a stunning tropical plant with long, lance-shaped leaves that come in various colours, from deep purple to pink, red, and green. Its bold, architectural form makes it a standout feature in gardens or containers.

Interestingly. Cordyline fruticosa has significant cultural value in many cultures of the Pacific and south-East Asia. It is often planted on grave sites and used in rituals and healing ceremonies. The plant also serves practical purposes as decorative element, ornamentation, and boundary markers. The red and green cultivars carry different symbolic meanings: red varieties are associated with blood, war, and the connections between the living and the dead, while green varieties represent peace and healing.

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Cordyline fruticosa
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: From Greek, meaning “club,” referring to its club-like roots
  • Common names: Ti plant, Hawaiian ti, cabbage palm
  • Plant family: Asparagaceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands
  • Type of plant: Evergreen shrub
  • Size: Grows up to 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 metres)
  • Foliage: Long, lance-shaped leaves in various colours
  • Flower: Small, fragrant white flowers, blooming in summer
  • Fruit: Small, inconspicuous berries
  • Light requirements: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler regions
  • Water and humidity requirements: Prefers consistent moisture and high humidity
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 5°C (41°F); RHS hardiness rating: H3
  • Soil requirements: Rich, well-drained soil
  • Feeding requirements: Monthly feeding during the growing season
  • Propagation: By cuttings or division of suckers
  • Pruning: Remove old or damaged leaves regularly

Display and companion plants

Cordyline fruticosa works well as a focal plant in tropical borders or containers. Its colourful foliage pairs beautifully with ferns, palms, and other broad-leaved tropical plants like bananas or cannas.

12. Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)

Ipomoea alba by SAplants is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Moonflower is a tropical vine known for its large, white, fragrant flowers that open at dusk and stay open through the night. Its heart-shaped leaves and night-blooming habit add an ethereal quality to gardens, making it a must-have for night gardens or moonlit spaces.

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Ipomoea alba
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: From Greek, meaning “worm-like,” referring to its twining habit
  • Common names: Moonflower, tropical white morning glory
  • Plant family: Convolvulaceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide
  • Type of plant: Perennial vine
  • Size: Grows up to 10-15 feet (3-4.5 metres)
  • Foliage: Large, heart-shaped leaves
  • Flower: Large, white, fragrant flowers, blooming in summer and autumn
  • Fruit: Small capsules containing seeds
  • Light requirements: Prefers full sun
  • Water and humidity requirements: Moderate watering, prefers high humidity
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 10°C (50°F); RHS hardiness rating: H2
  • Soil requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil
  • Feeding requirements: Monthly feeding during the growing season
  • Propagation: By seed or cuttings
  • Pruning: Prune to control size and shape

Display and companion plants

Moonflower looks stunning when trained to climb a trellis, fence, or pergola. Pair it with other night-blooming plants like jasmine, or with colourful vines like bougainvillaea for contrast.

13. Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior)

Torch ginger

Torch ginger is known for its striking, torch-like flower heads, which bloom in shades of red, pink, or white. Its large, tropical foliage and dramatic blooms make it a showstopper in tropical gardens.

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Etlingera elatior
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: Named after German botanist Andreas Ernst Etlinger
  • Common names: Torch ginger, porcelain rose
  • Plant family: Zingiberaceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: Southeast Asia
  • Type of plant: Perennial herbaceous plant
  • Size: Grows up to 10-20 feet (3-6 metres)
  • Foliage: Large, lance-shaped leaves
  • Flower: Large, torch-shaped flower heads, blooming in summer
  • Fruit: Small, red berries
  • Light requirements: Prefers partial shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun
  • Water and humidity requirements: Prefers moist soil and high humidity
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 10°C (50°F); RHS hardiness rating: H2
  • Soil requirements: Rich, well-drained soil
  • Feeding requirements: Feed monthly with a high-potassium fertiliser during the growing season
  • Propagation: By division of rhizomes or seeds
  • Pruning: Remove old leaves and spent flower stalks
Torch ginger {etlingera elatior}
Torch ginger Etlingera elatior) by Drew Avery is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Display and companion plants

Torch ginger works well as a dramatic focal point in tropical borders. Pair it with large-leaved plants like colocasias or bananas to enhance its striking flowers, or plant alongside cannas for a bold, colourful display.

14. Heliconia (Heliconia psittacorum)

Heliconia psittacorum x spathocircinata 'Golden Torch Sunshine'
Heliconia psittacorum x spathocircinata ‘Golden Torch Sunshine’ by Jnzl’s Photos is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Heliconia psittacorum, or parrot’s beak, is known for its slender, upright flowers in brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Its smaller stature compared to other heliconias makes it perfect for tropical borders or containers.

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Heliconia psittacorum
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: “Psittacorum” refers to its resemblance to a parrot’s beak
  • Common names: Parrot’s beak heliconia
  • Plant family: Heliconiaceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: Central and South America
  • Type of plant: Herbaceous perennial
  • Size: Grows up to 3-5 feet (1-1.5 metres)
  • Foliage: Long, lance-shaped green leaves
  • Flower: Slender, upright red and yellow flowers, blooming from spring to summer
  • Fruit: Small, blue-black berries
  • Light requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade
  • Water and humidity requirements: High humidity, prefers moist soil
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 10°C (50°F); RHS hardiness rating: H2
  • Soil requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil
  • Feeding requirements: Monthly feeding during the growing season with a high-potassium fertiliser
  • Propagation: By division of rhizomes
  • Pruning: Remove spent flowers and old leaves

Display and companion plants

Heliconia psittacorum adds vibrant colour and texture to tropical borders. Pair it with ferns or smaller palms for a layered effect, or combine with bromeliads for a striking, colourful display.

15. Kahili ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum)

Hedychium gardnerianum
Hedychium gardnerianum (Zingiberaceae)” by jccsvq is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Kahili ginger is a stunning tropical plant known for its towering flower spikes, which are adorned with fragrant yellow flowers and prominent red stamens. The blooms appear in late summer and autumn, filling the garden with a sweet, exotic fragrance. The large, lush, green leaves add to the plant’s tropical feel, and its upright, clumping habit makes it an impressive focal point in the garden.

This plant is highly desirable for its striking flowers, intoxicating fragrance, and the lush, tropical vibe it brings to temperate gardens. It’s relatively easy to care for, provided it’s grown in a sheltered spot with rich, moist soil.

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Hedychium gardnerianum
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: Named after Edward Gardner, a British botanist and plant collector
  • Common names: Kahili ginger, ginger lily
  • Plant family: Zingiberaceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: Himalayas (India, Nepal)
  • Type of plant: Herbaceous perennial
  • Size: Grows up to 6-10 feet (1.8-3 metres)
  • Foliage: Large, lance-shaped green leaves, similar to other gingers
  • Flower: Tall flower spikes with yellow, fragrant blooms and red stamens, blooming from late summer to autumn
  • Fruit: Small, orange-red capsules
  • Light requirements: Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun in cooler climates
  • Water and humidity requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil and enjoys high humidity
  • Temperature requirements: Minimum temperature 5°C (41°F); RHS hardiness rating: H3 (tender – may need protection in winter)
  • Soil requirements: Fertile, well-drained soil, rich in organic matter
  • Feeding requirements: Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser
  • Propagation: By division of rhizomes in spring or by seed
  • Pruning: Remove spent flower spikes and yellowing leaves to maintain appearance

Display and companion plants

Kahili ginger makes a bold statement in tropical or jungle-themed gardens. Its tall flower spikes and large leaves work well as a backdrop in borders or as a feature plant in a sheltered corner. Pair it with other gingers, cannas, or colocasias for a rich, tropical display. For added fragrance, plant it near jasmine or gardenias to enhance its sensory appeal.

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