Steamy Jungle

All the plants chosen for this border are hardy in all but the most inhospitable environments. The tropical look can be easily obtained when you choose plants with bold leaf shapes. The majority of the planting, therefore, includes a wide variety of leaf shapes and colours with a smattering of colourful flowering plants thrown in. Really dense planting helps give the feel of a genuine jungle, where seeds drop to the ground and plants struggle to become established, clambering over their neighbours competing for light and space. It is important to get a variety of heights so that the taller ones form a canopy overhead, while the lower growing plants shelter below, carpeting the ground. For a truly authentic feel, finish the planting off with a mulch of chipped bark.

Planting tips:

Dig in lots of composted manure before you plant and make sure the plants are kept well fed and watered during the warmer weather.

This plan is for a 8x4m border in semi-shade.

Steamy Jungle
Enlarge image

get the plants you need

Get all plants for this border home delivered

Phyllostachys nigra
Phyllostachys nigra black bamboo
Fatsia japonica 
Fatsia japonica Japanese aralia
Dicksonia antarctica
Dicksonia antarctica  tree fern
Sasa palmata
Sasa palmata broad-leaved bamboo
Rodgersia pinnata 'Elegans'
Rodgersia pinnata rodgersia
Crocosmia 'Lucifer'
Crocosmiamontbretia
Dryopteris erythrosora
Dryopteris
erythrosora 
Asplenium scolopendrium
Asplenium
scolopendrium 
Bergenia cordifolia
Bergenia cordifoliaelephant's ears
Trachycarpus fortunei
Trachycarpus
fortunei
Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans
Hosta sieboldiana plantain lily
Dryopteris filix-mas
Dryopteris
filix-mas 
Heuchera villosa 'Palace Purple'
Heuchera villosacoral bells
Cordyline australis
Cordyline australis cabbage tree
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae
Euphorbia
amygdaloides
Got your own design ideas, or looking for other people's? Then get onto the forums and chat to other budding designers.

Hot topic:


Can you help out on this topic? Then get onto the forums and join in the conversation.
Fat Ball Torch

Was: £24.99

Now: £19.99



See all of this month's deals
How to make a wildlife friendly garden

Offer subject to availability
for a limited time only
Fat Ball Torch
Fat Balls - 50 Tub

Was: £12.99

Now: £9.99



See all of this month's deals
How to make a wildlife friendly garden

Offer subject to availability
for a limited time only
Fat Balls