Subtropical Plants: A Practical Gardening Guide - Softcover

Aimed at the US market, this is nevertheless of great interest to UK gardeners too. With the growing popularity in tropical and subtropical plantings, it is a timely work for today's plantsmen. Lush, quick growth guarantees a good summer show and even if the flowers are tardy in coming, the form and shape of the leaves more than make up for it with their imposing presence. Arguably hardwork, tropical and subtropical plants do need to be protected or lifted and stored during our cold months. But the resultant effect the following season more than outweigh the effort. From the giant leaves of Artocarpus altilis, the paddles of cannas, the spikes of phormiums through to the more diminutive leaves of the feathery acacia, maple-like abutilon and furry tibouchina, trees, shrubs, climbers, perennials, bromeliads and orchids are attractively photographed and presented in this concise guide. Ideas on partnering and planting offer inspiration whilst the cultural notes, in places not as comprehensive as they could be, give guidance on the best garden situations in which to grow them. In today's experimental ornamental gardening, there should be more books on this subject, making this a welcome addition to gardening bookshelves. - Lucy Watson

Illustrated with 200 color photos, this book offers practical guidance to gardening with the increasingly popular subtropical and tropical plants. The authors describe and provide cultivation information for a wide selection of plants, including palms, orchids, cacti, and bromeliads.