Tropical garden picture
The main plants visible in this tropical garden picture are, from right to left:
- Xanthosoma sagittifolium - the Cocoyam with the large, veined, green leaves.
- Red Ensete ventricosum - the largest plant in the picture
- Amaranthus make up the maroon foliage at the front of the border.
- Tetrapanax papyrifera 'Rex' is the plant with the light green palmate leaves.
- Canna indica 'Purpurea' takes up the rear with the orange flowers.
The picture below shows the same group of plants from a different angle.
Contrasting tropical foliage negates the need for excessive flowers
This picture of tropical plants shows a pleasing mixture of foliage. The foliage contrasts both in colour and shape.
The members of this group of tropical plants are, from left to right this time:- Canna indica 'Purpurea'
- Tetrapanax papyrifera 'Rex' with the palmate leaves
- Miscanthus sinensis 'Cosmopolitan' the flopping grass to the rear.
- Ensete ventricosum babies make up the light green foliage in front of the Tetrapanax.
- Canna Altensteinii is the tall green canna towards the right rear.
- Red Ensete ventricosum pillars the right hand side.
- Amaranthus 'Hopi red dye' is the maroon foliage front right.
- A bog standard Ivy makes up the rear curtain.
The Amaranthus were self sown and will be back with a vengeance the following year.
The Canna indica 'Purpurea' is in its second year in this spot. This has allowed it to compete better with the established trees that are close by. They have only managed about 2/3rds the height of other Canna indica 'Purpurea' grown in more luxurious locations within the garden.
The Canna altensteinii were divided and replanted around the garden the previous winter. They were brought into growth by means of clear plastic sheeting.