Hardy exotics: 20 unusual perennial plants

table of contents

Hardy exotic species
Succulents
Cacti
Calla
Bananas
Palm trees
Carnivores

It sounds tempting to cultivate exotic species in the garden all year round. The plants spread a tropical atmosphere even with ice and snow, which brightens the mood on gray and cloudy days. There are some perennial plants that are considered hardy and can spend the winter outdoors. Depending on the needs, attention should still be paid to winter protection, because this increases the likelihood of survival. In winter, it's not just icy temperatures that cause stress.

Hardy exotic species

The winter hardiness of a plant describes its robustness against prolonged frost. Up to certain air temperatures, some exotic species are able to survive in frosty climates. If winter protection is nevertheless recommended, it should protect against other environmental influences during the cold season. Wind load, hoar frost or strong temperature fluctuations can endanger the above-ground parts of the plant, while waterlogging or drought affect the root system. Plants that are sensitive to the cold can also be planted in frostier regions if the microclimate is adjusted accordingly. The chance of survival of such plants is significantly increased if they are protected from the cold east and north winds. Hedges and house walls increase the temperature at the site considerably.

Suitable winter protection

Above-ground parts of plants are more endangered than the root system, because they are exposed to the icy winds unprotected. Evergreen plants also evaporate water in winter and therefore need protection so that the soil does not freeze over and the roots can steadily absorb water. A thick layer of brushwood, straw and leaves protects the soil from freezing. This measure is also recommended for young plants and shallow roots. In strong sunlight, you should shade the leaves. Water evergreen plants on frost-free days. However, this does not apply to succulents, because they are overwintered dry and need moisture protection in the form of a rain roof.

Succulents

With their water-storing plant parts, these plants stand out not only in rock gardens, but also in Mediterranean beds or in pots. Bizarre leaf shapes and unusual flowers make these exotic plants popular ornamental plants. Many succulents come from regions where heavy night frosts are normal. Depending on the species, appropriate winter protection is necessary. Otherwise, the plants are extremely easy to care for, but are sensitive to waterlogging. Ideal planting partners are the hardy Carthusian carnation or sand thyme.

tip: Since succulents convert residual water into sugar in winter, they must be protected from moisture.

Real houseleek

botanical: Sempervivum tectorum
Location: sunny
Place of growth: on gravel surfaces or in stone cracks
Winter hardiness: down to -20 ° C

Ice flower 'Fire Spinner'

botanical: Delosperma
Location: sunny
Place of growth: rock garden, beds and borders
Winter hardiness: down to -20 ° C

Delosperma Fire Spinner is one of the hardy exotic species — Delosperma Fire Spinner

King agave

botanical: Agave victoriae-reginae
Location: sunny
Place of growth: rock garden, bucket
Winter hardiness: up to -5 ° C

Hot stonecrop

botanical: Sedum acre
Location: full sun
Place of growth: dry stone walls, cracks in walls, gravel paths or gravel roofs
Winter hardiness: down to -20 ° C
hardy varieties: 'Yellow Queen', 'Hillbrandii', 'Leuchtfeuer'

Cobweb houseleek

botanical: Sempervivum arachnoideum
Location: sunny
Place of growth: on rubble slopes, rocks and rough meadows
Winter hardiness: down to -20 ° C

Cacti

These exotic plants are suitable for locations that are too dry for other plants. Cacti convince with their aesthetic flowers in beds under the roof overhang or on the open space in the garden or on the garage roof. Cacti fit perfectly in matching containers made of terracotta or frost-proof balcony boxes. The biggest enemy of these plants is waterlogging.

Beehive cactus

botanical: Escobaria vivipara
Location: full sun
Place of growth: mineral bed with clay content
Winter hardiness: down to -20 ° C

Hedgehog cactus

botanical: Echinocereus coccineus
Location: sunny
Place of growth: rock garden, bucket
Winter hardiness: down to -22 ° C

Black-brown-thorn prickly pear cactus

botanical: Opuntia phaeacantha
Location: sunny
Place of growth: stone slopes facing south
Winter hardiness: down to -22 ° C

Black-and-brown prickly pear cactus, Opuntia phaeacantha

Perennials- prickly pear

botanical: Cylindropuntia imbricata
Location: sunny
Place of growth: gravel bed, bucket
Winter hardiness: -20 ° C to -25 ° C

Calla

In contrast to the room calla, which is not winter hardy, there is a perennial and frost-resistant Zantedeschia. These hardy exotic species can withstand temperatures down to -20 ° C, but should be covered with dry leaves. The bulbs can be planted between spring and autumn and remain in the garden all year round.
Tip: If you want to be on the safe side, use the local Calla palustris. This thrives in the garden all year round and does not need winter protection.

Calla 'Crowsborough'

botnaic: Zantedeschia aethiopica
Location: sunny to partially shaded
Place of growth: protected bed

Dragon arum

botanical: Calla palustris
Location: sunny to partially shaded
Place of growth: swamp bed, pond edge
Winter hardiness: down to -34 ° C

Bananas

These perennials create an exotic atmosphere that is somewhat reminiscent of the tropics. Although most species come from frost-free regions, there are some hardy and unusual exotic species. You can cope with minus temperatures in the single digits. In the event of severe frosts, you should isolate the plants with winter protection.

Darjeeling banana

botanical: Musa sikkimensis
Location: sunny
Place of growth: sheltered from the wind on a southern house wall
Winter hardiness: up to -5 ° C

Japanese fiber banana

botanical Musa basjoo
Location: sunny
Place of growth: sheltered from the wind on a southern house wall
Winter hardiness: down to -15 ° C

Palm trees

These plants are typical of tropical climes, but some species defy Central European sub-zero temperatures and can be cultivated outdoors all year round. The following species are hardy down to -25 ° C with suitable winter protection. In the first few years, winter protection is recommended even when there is little frost.

Needle palm

botanical: Rhapidophyllum hystrix
Location: sunny
Place of growth: rock garden, terrace, tub
Winter hardiness: without winter protection down to -15 ° C

Palmetto palm

botanical: Sabal palmetto
Location: full sun
Place of growth: rock garden, terrace, small specimens in the tub
Winter hardiness: without winter protection down to -8 ° C

Wagner's Hemp palm

botanical: Trachycarpus wagnerianus
Location: sunny to partially shaded
Place of growth: rock garden, terrace, tub
Winter hardiness: without winter protection down to -12 ° C

Carnivores

There are some hardy exotic species among the carnivores. Because numerous carnivorous plants come from North America and withstand temperatures down to -30 ° C without any problems. Carnivores also grow outdoors in Central Europe. They retreat to the so-called hibernacles in autumn and then survive in the protective moss cover. Therefore, winter protection for the bog bed in the garden is recommended. Fir branches and leaves are ideal. Swamp primrose (Primula rosea) and bog orchid (Pogonia ophioglossoides), both of which are considered winter hardy, are suitable as plant partners.

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