Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Exotic-y bulbs

TheGardenerFromMarsTheGardenerFromMars Posts: 65
in Plants
Hi all,

Any suggestions for bulbs for an exotic-style UK garden? A mix of easily-obtainable ones from garden centres and perhaps a few special ones that I need order online would be good. Grateful for any ideas. Thanks
«1

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    edited November 2022
    Caladiums are exotic.  Most exotics do have to be lifted and kept frost free over winter though.  Farmer Gracy have a good selection in season.



  • TheGardenerFromMarsTheGardenerFromMars Posts: 65
    Good point, Fidgetbones. Just hardy suggestions, please!
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Fritillarias look exotic, and they’re hardy, plus some online retailers have them available on sale!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @TheGardenerFromMars I think Hesperantha looks fairly exotic in a retentive soil with full sun. 
     The problem is with some can be shy to flower like Ixia. I love Acidanthera also be shy to flower if the growing season isn't long enough.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Tigridia.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Not a bulb as such, but Crocosmia work very well in that style of garden. 

    Acidantheras aren't hardy, but can work well. 
    Nerines might work - again, not hardy, so it depends on your location. I think N. bowdenii is hardier in milder areas though.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    Eucomis.  Sparkling Burgundy is my favourite.  
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Lovely choice, @KeenOnGreen
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Oh yes- my favourite of the Eucomis too. Great suggestion  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Martagon lilies look fairly exotic, there are some lovely hybrids. Lilium nepalense possibly even more so. Arisaemas and Dranunculus vulgaris are definitely exotic looking.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
Sign In or Register to comment.