Aloe Mutabilis is a stunning succulent native to South Africa. It produces a flower spike in winter which changes colour as the buds open. It is hardy in warmer areas of the UK if kept dry.

Aloe Polyphylla or the Spiral Aloe is a succulent native to Southern Africa with distinctive spiral rosettes of fleshy leaves. It is one of the more hardy varieties of Aloe in the UK if kept dry over winter.

Brugmansia is known as the Angel's Trumpet and is native to South America. It has beautiful large trumpet flowers which give it it's nickname, but care should be taken when handling this toxic plant.

Trachycarpus Fortunei is also known as the Chusan Palm or Chinese Windmill Palm. It is native to parts of China, Japan, Myanmar and India., and is one of the hardiest palm trees that can be grown in the UK.

Chamaerops Humils is also known as the European Fan Palm or Dwarf Fan Palm and is native to Mediterranean Europe. This is a bushy clump forming palm which is hardy in most of the UK.

Cyathea (Sphaeropteris) Medullaris is commonly known as the Black Tree Fern and is a spectacular tree fern reaching up to 20m tall. Although not hardy in all but the warmest microclimates, it grows happily in containers.

Araucaria Araucana is commonly known as the Monkey Puzzle Tree and is native to Chile and Argentina. It is the hardiest species of conifer and will need plenty of space if you are considering growing it!

Mahonia Soft Caress is the first spineless variety of Mahonia so can be planted alongside paths and by doors! It is a hardy, evergreen plant which flowers in late winter, so is ideal for winter interest!

Paulownia Tomentosa is also known as the Princess Tree or Empress Tree and is a deciduous tree native to China and Korea. Grown either for its large dinner plate leaves or beautiful lilac flowers, it makes a great addition to a UK tropical garden.

Colocasia Esculenta is commonly known as the Taro, and is a plant prized for its large elephant ear leaves. Although not normally hardy, Pink China is considered the hardiest variety and can be grown outdoors all year in most of the UK.

Strelitzia Reginae is commonly known as the Bird of Paradise and is a flowering plant native to South Africa. The vibrant orange or yellow bird-like flowers are a stunning addition to a tropical garden.

There are many different types of orchids and some are even hardy in the UK. This video features some of the beautiful flowering orchids in RHS Wisley.

Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plant native to temperate, subtropical and tropical regions around the world. Most have stunning showy flowers and a few are even hardy in the UK.

Kniphofia is a genus of flowering plants native to Africa. Commonly called Red Hot Pokers due to the tall brightly coloured flower spikes  and is hardy enough to bring a tropical look throughout most of the UK.

Puya Chilensis is a bromeliad with spiky leaves designed to trap animals such as sheep, which as they decompose, feed the plant. It is hardy in the milder areas of the UK.

Fascicularia Bicolor is commonly known as the Crimson Bromeliad due to its vibrant bright red centre leaves. It is native to Chile but is hardy in the milder areas of the UK.

Agave Americana is commonly known as the Century Plant and is native to Mexico and the United States. It is a succulent with spiny edged leaves which can be grown outdoors in the milder areas of the UK.

Jubaea Chilensis is commonly known as the Chilean Wine Palm and is a slow growing but hardy palm that can be grown in the UK. It has feather-like leaves that can grow 5m long while the tree itself can reach up to 25m tall.

Bougainvillea are stunning plants with bright colourful bracts which are ideal for growing in a bright conservatory or greenhouse. Although not hardy they can be grown outdoors in the summer months.