New exotic garden design in Streatham
I was delighted with the brief for this garden, as so many of my favourite plants were included! This particular planting scheme’s growth rate was rapid, reaching its full potential within a year of its planting.
The UK climate usually dictates a later start for exotic gardens, so we took the precaution to plant a wide selection of extravagant spring bulbs to maximise the length of interest.
Planting preview
Fragesia jiuzhaigou
Also known as the Red Panda Fountain Bamboo. Its red-purple colour of the canes were the deciding factor for the choice of this particular bamboo.
Planted as a double thickness hedge the bamboo also serves as an effective noise barrier from trains that run frequently beyond the foot of the garden.
This easy to manage genus requires full sun to semi-shade, it’s a clump-forming bamboo reaching up to 3m in height.
A very hardy cultivar, but will not respond well to waterlogged conditions.
Eryngium pandanifolium
A magnificent clump-forming evergreen specimin plant requiring its own space.
It displays sword-like leaves, blue-green in appearance with substantial flowering stems (up to 2.5m) with small purplish flowers in summer that provide continued winter interest.
The Eryngium pandanifolium originates from South America and requires full sun.
Gunnera manicate
One of my personal favourites, this robust herbaceous perennial is also known as the Chilean or Brazilian Giant Rhubarb. The thick, spiny stems are similar in appearance to rhubarb. Red flowers are born in erect panicles, reaching heights of 1m. Given the right setting, it will grow leaves of 1-2m in width.
The plant thrives in moist soil and is often found situated by lakes or ponds. For this design, I planted the Gunnera in a bog bed.
The Gunnera requires protection from frost. I suggest the crown be covered with straw or horticultural fleece during winter months and cold spells.
Romneya coulteri
Commonly known as Californian tree poppy, this herbaceous perennial requires full sun and shelter. Given the right situation, it’ll spread vigorously. The leaves are blue-green and the flowers pure white with bright yellow centres, offering an ongoing attraction to bees and butterflies.
Ensure adequate space is provided for this tree poppy to achieve an impressive 2m height.
