GET THE look

Follow this guide to plant a tropical garden filled with textural interest and colour and create microclimates where they’ll do well.

For fill

With any type of colourful garden, the key is to fill the in-between areas with muted tones of green foliage. In tropical gardens, go for extra textural contrast with low-growing shrubs such as philodendron and schefflera.

For colour

If you’re after a vibrant splash, any of these plants will give you a pop. They will all flourish planted beneath the canopy formed by the bamboo. Try a selection of cordylines, crotons, ornamental gingers, heliconias, canna lilies and alcantareas – they add extra highlights as pockets throughout the understory of your garden.

For effect

These beauties are optional, but if you have the room for palms, don’t leave them out of the mix because they work a treat. Try silver Bismarck palm, or triangle and golden cane palms – these work well to protect and contrast with the understory plants.

For height

Bamboo and tiger grass are typically used as windbreaks or to provide shade and protection to the more delicate plants that are sheltered by the canopy of foliage. They also make a brilliant screen for privacy.