Exotics Add Eye-Catching Flair to the Garden

They don’t just look stunning—they also have the most delightful names. Exotic plants draw a lot of attention in the garden, and rightfully so. It’s definitely worth the effort to help them survive the winter.

• Where can you find true relaxation and peace? In the garden, of course!** Whether you’re getting your hands dirty or simply letting your soul unwind, exotic plants can play a key role in creating that special garden atmosphere. After all, what hobby gardener hasn’t dreamed of giving their outdoor space a more impressive flair?

Of course, a lush, tropical vibe does come at a small cost—especially in winter. Most exotic plants are sun-loving and need protection from the cold. They prefer to spend the chilly season in a greenhouse, conservatory, or at least well sheltered. But the care is worth it!

Just think of the Angel's Trumpet, with its giant trumpet-shaped flowers hanging between equally large leaves. Or the magnificent Catalpa tree, producing heart-shaped leaves of impressive size and boasting an extravagant floral display. It’s sometimes jokingly called the "civil servant tree" because it takes its sweet time to sprout in spring.

And who would’ve thought handkerchiefs could grow on trees? The Dove Tree proves it’s possible—its fluttering white bracts look just like tissues dancing in the wind. A born centerpiece!

The same can be said for the Empress Tree, a real showstopper. It’s hard to say what’s more stunning—its bell-shaped flowers or its enormous, eye-catching leaves. And if you’re looking for something a little hardier, the Tulip Tree is your friend. As long as it has a sunny spot, it thrives. Its flowers resemble oversized tulips with a tropical twist, and its leaves are almost square in shape.

Gourmets and fruit lovers have many opportunities to settle exotic plants in their gardens. Those who live in milder climates have good chances with pomegranates and olives – both very healthy! Without frost protection, the Trifoliate Orange manages just fine, and the mulberry is not far behind in this regard. A fig tree is also hardy, but mulching around the roots ensures safe wintering for this exotic in the garden. The wonderful citrus trees with their fragrant blossoms and bright fruits want to spend the winter indoors, where they can lift the mood. Those who want to harvest their fruits should pay attention to self-pollination. Even hardy plants are contributing their share to exotics in the garden. Planting chestnuts pays off, as they taste delicious. However, it takes a decade before you can stuff your Christmas goose with chestnuts. With pecans, it’s a few years less. No vacation, but want to chill under palms? Easily achievable with exotics in the garden. There are several frost-resistant species, such as hemp palms. A great idea for the terrace or a pavilion as well!

Neither palms nor lilies are related to the Palm Lily. It is a hardy agave plant with great potential to find a sunny spot among the exotics in the garden. Also known as Yucca, it impresses with its large, bell-shaped blooms and scores additional points as a foliage plant. Now, cactus enthusiasts should also be pleased when it comes to exotics in the garden. For space-saving plants, there’s always a little patch of earth, even if it’s in a raised bed. One of the most beautiful representatives is the prickly pear cactus, with its disc-shaped stems where many relatives have balls or columns. Its bloom in radiant yellow is phenomenal, and its fruits are edible! For a life as an exotic in the garden, Escobarias also make an appearance. Some varieties display striking flowers in yellow or red and weather the winter well. Now, for the giants. With its leaves reaching up to two meters in diameter, the Giant Leaf truly deserves its name. As an alternative (since two exotics in the garden of such size would steal each other’s spotlight), the Indian Banana serves as a great option. It’s a tropical foliage giant with delicious fruits. Bon appétit!