Statement tropical shrubs

Hi there.

I am planning a new rear garden and have one particular area where some shrubs, probably of the tropical variety, would work really well. Can anybody recommend some which would be about 3-4ft tall, attractive foliage, etc.

They would need to be shade tolerant as there is some tree overhang. Other than that, the soil has good drainage and is actually a sandy soil.

Many thanks.

 

About the only shade tolerant "tropical looking" plant I can think of at the moment is Fatsia japonica.

 

Where in the UK are you (you haven't filled it in on your profile)?

 

I'm in the SE, longk.

 

Sorry, more questions.
How much shade does the overhang create and for how long? And is the tree evergreen?

 

to GC @oldwease
Gosh you are lucky to have a sandy soil in the SE, do you have to spend a bit on composts and fertilizer to keep it healthy?
I agree with Fatsia and shade, but I think it depends on just how much shade we're talking about. Does the area get *any* sun during the year?

 

That's OK, longk. The garden is south facing but, just over the back wall there is a row of tall conifers. So, they create almost permanent shade. I don't think this area would ever be in direct sunlight but is better than would be the case if there were dense overhang.

With regard to the soil; yes it is lucky - one of the very few areas with a sandy soil! I have a couple of compost making areas so each year I spread that. The biggest factor, however, was installing an irrigation system. That was a great investment.

 

Shame. It was almost an opportunity to try a few hardy succulents such as Agave parryi or Aloe striatula.
A.striatula doesn't do too bad in fairly heavy shade................


It takes a while but it does look exotic and will certainly be hardy with that protection overhead and around the roots.................

 

Large leaf hosta ? Gunnera ?

 

So what you are after is tropical looking plants that will perform in dry shade. Those conifer roots will suck all the moisture out of the soil and the overhang will provide a good "umbrella" when it rains.

 

Yes, I think that's right longk, although the irrigation will cover that area so watering is not a problem.

I was thinking also of extending the planting further away from the trees to have more of a flower bed. That would create area right out in the sun, so I may also be on the lookout for something spectacular, although probably not too tall!

 

You will be surprised at just how much water conifers can soak up - I was!

So some Fatsia at the back as an exotic looking backdrop. Further forward maybe the Aloe striatula? Agave montana and A.americana are maybe a little bit more shade tolerant and with the overhead protection might be worth a go. @kindredspirit may have some thoughts on this.

Some of the Beschorneria are forest plants in their natural habitat so may be worth looking at. This is Beschorneria septentrionalis which was in 50/50 shade...........

 

Fatsia Japonica will eventually grow into a tall tree (but then you always have a secateurs, lopper, etc.) And it's dead easy to trim. Makes good cover. It is ideal for shade. The more shade, the glossier the leaves. Sunlight turns the leaves yellowish.

An ideal tropical looking plant for shade is Echium Pinnata. It is seen growing under trees in the Canaries. Self-seeds when it's happy so you'll never be without it. Likes sandy stuff. Tall plant for rear.

Beschornerias would be good and Agave Americanas would be feature plants. Agaves not near children, though, because of the spines on the leaf tips (although you can always snip the spines off) Haven't seen these growing in shade anywhere but I'm sure they will. Agaves HATE water from above. Too much water, the leaves rot and when they rot, they STINK! Beschornerias are the ultimate slug magnet. Both plants are monocarpic but produce more than enough pups to overcompensate.

Lampranthus as low level cover would be good. Seems to survive on NO water. Stunning flower display every year.