Exotic trees

There are many species of exotic trees that can be grown in warm and temperate gardens. Some are well known, since they have been in the market for a long time, but there are others that are not so well known.

Would you like to know the names of the 10 most beautiful and / or curious? If you want to expand your collection of trees and / or want to have a garden with a greater variety of plants, it is time to discover them.

Acer palmatum

While japanese maple It is a plant that is widely cultivated in temperate regions, it is an exotic tree that makes us imagine Japanese gardens, with their elegance, color and harmony. The Japanese maple is the name given to trees, but also deciduous shrubs, whose autumnal colors stand out against the green protagonist of the garden. But for it to be okay needs to grow in acidic soils, be watered regularly also with acidic or rain water. It supports very well frosts down to -18ºC, but the high temperatures typical of the Mediterranean do it a lot of damage.

Aesculus pavia

Maybe you know the Aesculus hippocastanum, known as horse chestnut, but this is a tree that can exceed 30 meters in height. So if you love those oversized, webbed leaves, but don't have much space, we recommend the Aesculus pavia. This 'only' grows up to 8 meters, and its flowers are red and large, up to 17 centimeters. It is popularly called the false red-flowered chestnut, and It is a plant that must be in the sun, but in soils rich in organic matter. Supports up to -18ºC.

Albizia julibrissin 'Summer chocolate'

You've probably seen the Albizia julibrissin which has green leaves, but the 'summerchocolate'They are of a dark lilac color that attracts powerfully attention. It reaches between 8 and 10 meters in height, and a leafy crown throughout the year, except in winter when its foliage dries up and falls. Its cultivation is highly recommended in temperate climates, as it resists up to -10ºC.

Brachychiton acerifolius

It is known as fire tree or flame tree, since when it blooms, which it does in spring, it produces numerous fiery-red flowers that almost completely cover its foliage. It reaches 15 meters in height, and is capable of withstanding frosts down to -4ºC. What's more, does not need frequent watering, so it is interesting to grow it in the Mediterranean for example.

dracaena draco

El Canary Islands dragon tree It cannot be considered exotic to Spain, as it is indigenous to, as its name suggests, the Canary Islands. But if we take into account its curious appearance, we could not exclude it from this list. It can live for more than 500 years, and although it takes time to grow, from a young age it can be grown on a terrace or in a garden and make the place look very beautiful. Yes indeed, It has to be put in full sun and water little. Withstands frosts down to -4ºC.

Delonix direction

El flamboyan It is a deciduous or evergreen tree (it will depend on the climatic conditions of the place where it grows) that reaches a maximum height of 15 meters. It has a parasol crown formed by green leaves, and in spring it produces red or yellow flowers. It's very pretty, but unfortunately it can't stand frost. For the rest, it must be in a sunny exhibition, and in a spacious place so that you can develop your magnificent glass.

Erythrina crista-galli

The tree known as cockscomb, referring to the red color of its flowers, it is a deciduous plant that reaches a height of 5 to 10 meters. Its trunk is tortuous, as well as short, so it often has the bearing of a bush rather than a tree. It blooms in spring, and it does so producing flowers of about 5 centimeters. In cultivation it is not too demanding, but if it is young it will need protection against frost. And yet you have to know that as an adult it only supports weak and specific frosts of up to -2ºC.

Lagerstroemia indica

Known as jupiter tree, this is a deciduous tree ideal for small gardens. It grows between 6 and 8 meters in height, and in spring it produces white, pink or red flowers at the end of its branches depending on the variety. It is a species that can even be grown in pots. But it is important that the earth is acidic (pH between 4 and 6), and that it is placed in a place where it receives light. Supports up to -12ºC.

Picea glauca

It is an evergreen conifer that reaches a maximum height of 30 meters. It is known as white spruce or blue spruce, it has acicular leaves of glaucous green color, which is why it receives the surname (glauca). It has a slow growth, but is able to withstand moderate frosts very well. In fact, it holds up to -18ºC; on the other hand, in hot climates it could not grow normally.

Pseudobombox ellipticum

It is a deciduous tree known as coquito, which reaches a height of between 15 and 30 meters. The trunk can thicken up to 1,5 meters in diameter, and develops a wide and little branched crown when compared to other tree species, such as the one we have seen before for example. The flowers are white or pink and bloom in spring-summer. It is a plant that welcomes regular watering, and can even withstand occasional frosts down to -2ºC.

Which of these exotic trees did you like the most?