Jungle planting is a bold and immersive style that transforms gardens into lush, exotic retreats. Though the UK may not have the tropical climate of rainforests, the milder temperatures in the south make it possible to create a jungle-like atmosphere using plants with dramatic foliage, striking textures, and vibrant blooms. In this post, we’ll explore how to achieve a jungle garden in beds in the south of the UK, where the climate provides more flexibility for these lush, verdant designs.
Choose the Right Plants
The key to successful jungle planting is selecting hardy plants that evoke a tropical feel but can withstand the UK’s seasonal fluctuations. Fortunately, many plants native to warmer climates have hardy counterparts or can thrive in the UK’s milder regions with a bit of protection.
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Tree Ferns (Dicksonia antarctica): One of the quintessential jungle plants, tree ferns bring height and texture to your garden. Their large, feathered fronds create the impression of a tropical canopy. In the south of the UK, they can be grown outdoors but benefit from winter protection (like wrapping the crown) in colder areas.
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Banana Plants (Musa basjoo): Known as the hardiest of banana plants, Musa basjoo can survive UK winters with proper mulching. Its huge leaves add a tropical feel and serve as a dramatic focal point in jungle planting beds.
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Fatsia japonica: A common and reliable choice, Fatsia japonica thrives in shady spots, producing large, glossy green leaves that resemble those found in the tropics. It’s hardy and low-maintenance, making it ideal for UK gardens.
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Bamboo (Fargesia): Clump-forming bamboos, like Fargesia, add height, texture, and a sense of movement to the garden. They’re non-invasive compared to running varieties and tolerate UK winters.
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Palms (Trachycarpus fortunei): This hardy palm, also known as the windmill palm, is perfect for jungle-style gardens. It adds height and structure and is resilient in the UK’s temperate climate.
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Cannas and Gingers: These flowering plants, with their exotic blooms and large, tropical-looking leaves, thrive in the warm, sunny summers of the south. Cannas in particular can overwinter in the ground in milder areas or be lifted and stored in colder climates.
Layering for a Lush Effect
To achieve the dense, jungle-like effect, layering plants at different heights is essential. Start with taller canopy plants like tree ferns, palms, or bananas. Beneath these, add mid-height plants such as Fatsia japonica, bamboos, or large-leafed perennials like Hosta or Rheum.
At the ground level, consider planting ferns (Dryopteris), Heuchera, and other shade-tolerant plants to fill gaps and create a multi-dimensional feel. You want your jungle garden to have an immersive quality, with plants spilling into one another, offering a sense of natural overgrowth.
Creating a Microclimate
While the south of the UK benefits from milder winters, it’s still essential to create a microclimate to help jungle plants thrive. Jungle-style beds should be positioned in a sheltered area of the garden, where they are protected from strong winds and cold winter blasts. A south-facing wall or fence can provide additional warmth and protection.
Mulching around the base of tender plants like banana plants or cannas helps retain moisture and protect roots from frost. A thick layer of bark or organic compost also improves soil quality, mimicking the nutrient-rich, moist conditions of a tropical rainforest.
Incorporating Water Features
Water is an essential part of many jungle landscapes, adding a sense of tranquility and reflecting light into shaded areas. Whether it’s a small pond, a stream, or a bubbling water feature, incorporating water into your jungle bed design enhances the tropical feel and helps create a cooling effect during the warmer months.
A pond surrounded by lush planting, or a small, cascading waterfall nestled within ferns and bamboo, can evoke the sense of being in a tropical forest clearing.
Year-Round Interest
While many jungle plants are known for their summer display, it’s important to incorporate plants that maintain interest throughout the year. Hardy evergreen plants like Fatsia japonica, tree ferns, and certain bamboo species provide year-round structure and form.
Add perennials like Hellebores for winter interest, or ferns that keep their foliage even in cooler months. Topiary plants like box or holly balls can be incorporated to add structure and contrast to the free-flowing, loose nature of jungle planting.
Bold Foliage and Colorful Accents
The key to jungle-style planting is focusing on foliage over flowers. Large-leaved plants like Tetrapanax, Colocasia, and Rodgersia are perfect for creating that jungle look. However, to brighten the lush greenery, include pops of colour from flowers like Hedychium (ginger lilies), Canna lilies, or Crocosmia, which thrive in the UK climate.
For dramatic visual impact, try using variegated plants like Hosta ‘Patriot’ or Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’, which add a layer of texture and brightness to the lush greens.
Final Thoughts
Jungle planting in the south of the UK offers the chance to create a garden that feels like a tropical escape without leaving home. By choosing the right plants, layering them for depth, and creating sheltered microclimates, you can achieve the lush, exotic look of a jungle even in a temperate climate. As your garden grows, it will become a thriving haven of texture, movement, and colour—a true oasis.
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