Plants from Foreign Holidays
1st July 2004


There is really no need to go abroad to obtain unusual plants. Most of them are available in your local garden centre. It is not the same though. The seeds or small plants brought back carry with them memories that will, in many cases, last longer than the plants.


It is usually the exotic and unusual that are most in demand and 'Bird of Paradise' plants leave Madiera and the Canary Isles by the thousand.

On Gardeners' Corner we are frequently asked to identitfy seedlings from all over the world. Recently a gardener was in trouble with his 'Kangaroo paw' plants grown from seed brought back from Australia. I think the young plants shivered to death as he was attempting to grow them outside in winter. Quite often the easiest part is germination. After that the plants may require high temperatures and strong natural daylight.

Plants from the cooler regions of South Africa, Australia and South America can be successful and include some of the eucalyptus, grevillia, agapanthus, desfontiana and acacia. Shrubs and trees that require frost free conditions are going to struggle in Northern Ireland. They many succeed for a few years but finally suffer from a harsh winter. Others, once they have managed for a few seasons, appear to become hardy and continue to enjoy life as exiles.


My principle is to try anything that is in with a chance. Providing you don't go into decline when some gem dies it is great fun and an education. On top of that if a risky plant does succeed you have one up on the Jones's.

A cold greenhouse lined with clear polythene in winter to form a "double glazed" effect will house many less than hardy plants from warmer climes. A cold frame is useful for starting off and overwintering seedlings and young plants.

Undoubtedly most tropical plants will require a heated conservatory only venturing outside for a few hours on hot, sunny days. Always bring them back into the warmth before sunset.

While rooted cuttings are easily transported never, never take them without the owner's permission. Some are impossible to root but those that do grow make the holiday worthwhile.

Happy Holiday.




Back to John's index page