‘Tis the season, ‘tis the year. The FIFA World Cup is back in full swing and if you’re the one left in the family dreading the thought of beautiful sunny days spent holed up inside in front of the box – don’t despair! Leave loved ones to their passion, and get on with creating one of your own. You may already be a keen gardener planting crocus bulbs all year round, or a complete novice, but this guide to plants from around the world will surely get you inspired to create a international feel in your own outdoor space!
England scores high with the Tudor rose
According to historians, the Tudor rose first came to be connected with our nation at the end of the 15th century. This beloved and fragrant flower is a must-have in any traditional garden and brings a wonderful array of bees and insects into your lawn.
Our top tips:
- Struggling with a shady space? Try Rosa alba semi-plena.
- Short on room to grow? Try the Small Maiden’s Blush variety.
Japan is a knock out with cherry blossom
The cherry blossom is called “sakura” in Japan and is a flower of significant importance to the Japanese people and their culture. During “hanami”, the March/April period where the flowers truly bloom, thousands of people flock to parks to eat, drink and listen to music as a way of celebrating the flowering trees. It is hard to find a more distinctive and elegant flower than the cherry blossom, and having this oriental beauty in your garden might be easier than you think…
Our top tips:
- Place in a sheltered area that gets full sunlight for guaranteed blooms and juicy fruit
- Try planting Japan’s favourite variety “Somei Yoshino”
France maintains a winning streak with the iris
Most people don’t know that the iris is the national flower of France! But think to the classic Fleur-de-lis emblem (which is the symbol of the monarchy in France) and you’ll soon see why. It is a popular plant to find in French gardens and could be a wonderful addition in your garden too!
Our top tips:
- Keep in a sunny spot if possible
- Give them room to breathe away from other crowding plants
Mexico shows impressive skills with Calochortus cernuus
Mexico is one of the most diverse countries on the planet when it comes to flora and fauna. This rare species of lily is both subtle and beautiful. They are notoriously hard to grow because of their sensitive nature so take a look at our top tips:
- Play around with sunlight, soil type, and potting style in order to get conditions just right – this really is a labour of love!
- Research the species carefully and check gardening forums for how others have succeeded
Peru turns up the heat with Machu Picchu bamboo
Peru is home to around 10% of the world’s plant species and 20% of the world’s butterfly species thanks to its climate. Some of the rare greenery found is that of Machu Picchu bamboo (Chusquea delicatula), which grows in the Peruvian Andes close to the ancient Machu Picchu site.
Our top tips:
- Although stunning, this species is incredibly rare and endangered, so it is unlikely you will be able to grow this at home!
- Find a similar bamboo alternative to add a touch of Inca charm to your garden
It’s a GOAL for Spain with red carnations
The red carnation is the national flower of Spain. This gorgeous plant has been used for centuries in Spanish culture as home decoration or in the hair of traditional flamenco dancers!
Our top tips:
- Water your carnations at least once a week
- You can use carnations in drinks, including beer and wine, as well as cakes and desserts!
Australia is shooting on target with the eucalyptus tree
Australia is reportedly home to 92,000,000 hectares of the eucalyptus tree, also called gum tree! Its leaves are full of potent essential oil that gives its distinctive brightening fragrance.
Our top tips:
- You can grow this tree indoors or out! Perfect if we end up with a typical rainy British summer.
- Go natural and use the aromatic oil for its naturally antiseptic properties!
We hope you get a chance to experience all these wonderful worldly plants for yourself and create a football-free sanctuary in your own garden!
