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Everything you ever wanted to know about exotic plants and trees

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Everything you ever wanted to know about exotic plants and trees
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All Green
All Green
October 6, 2021
5
minute read

Understanding the wonders of exotic flora

Our team at All Green Nursery & Garden are gardening experts. When it comes to beautiful exotic plants and trees, we've got you covered. We know exactly what exotic plants can thrive in Melbourne's soil and how to get the best out of them, thanks to years of experience and our dedicated growing facility for exotic species.

Many people are besotted with exotic flora, but have concerns about whether these non native species can survive cold Melbourne winters. Sure, they're beautiful and unusual, but can they deal with four seasons in one day? Thankfully, we have a range of tips and tricks that will help you to nurture and nourish them no matter the weather.

Read on to find out everything you ever wanted to know about exotic plants and trees.

Exotic plants and trees make a gorgeous addition to any garden or landscape. Get in touch for expert advice on your garden or visit us in store.

What are exotic plants?

Exotic plants are plants that are not native to an area but which can survive and reproduce there. Also known as non-native and non-indigenous species, they can be introduced on purpose, or by accident.

What are examples of exotic plants?

There are a number of exotic shrubs, plants, and trees common in Melbourne and Victoria. Some of these are:

Trees

Magnolia
  • Ash
  • Bamboo
  • Blue Jacaranda
  • Californian Redwood
  • Cherry Blossom
  • Conifers
  • Elm
  • Hoop Pine
  • Magnolia
  • Maple
  • Oak
  • Poplar
  • Weeping Willow

Plants & Shrubs

Azalea
  • Acalypha
  • Allamanda
  • Azalea
  • Bougainvillea
  • Brunfelsia
  • Cycad
  • Crepe Myrtle
  • Frangipani
  • Gardenia
  • Geranium
  • Hibiscus
  • Ixora
  • Oleander

What is the most exotic plant?

It's difficult to say what the most exotic plant is since it's not so simple. It's a little like asking, "What is the greatest music album of all time?" or "What is the best kind of weather in which to eat soft cheeses?" It's highly subjective and really depends on what look you're trying to achieve with your exotic plants and trees. A sublime bangalow palm for a jungle garden is just as exotic as an English box shrub that's part of a traditional European clipped hedge.

What are the rarest exotic plants and trees?

There are several species of exotic plants and trees that are super rare in Melbourne and Victoria.

  • Castanopsis cuspidata / Chinquapin: This is a gorgeous Japanese tree laden with broad branches. There are believed to be just two chinquapins in Australia.
  • Sequoia sempervirens / Coast Redwood: Native to the Californian coast, the Redwood is a gargantuan tree capable of living over 2000 years and growing to more than 100 metres. There are a number of them in Australia, but not in vast numbers.
  • Araucaria laubenfelsii: This is an incredibly rare Araucaria. There is believed to be only a single example in the whole of Victoria.

Why are exotic plants bad?

Exotic plants are sometimes considered bad because they can displace native species and alter the natural environment in which they grow. Not all exotic plants cause this damage, and many that can are able to be managed in a way that does not cause damage to the preexisting ecosystem. Invasive species can cause great damage by outcompeting native species and potentially causing them to become endangered or even extinct.

Not all exotic plants are bad and not all native plants are good. Many exotic plants and trees can fit right in with their local ecosystem, while some natives can easily dominate an area, driving out competitor species. Exotic species can even have a beneficial impact on an ecosystem, or no discernible effect at all.

Where to buy exotic plants and trees?

Exotic plants and trees are affordable and simple to plant, not to mention beautiful and visually arresting. Here at All Green, we ensure that purchasing them is straightforward and convenient. We have a huge range of options and a team of horticulturalists to help guide you in your selection.

Want a helping hand with getting the exotic plants you order back home? Whether you've got a huge order or a tiny car, don't stress. Let us deliver your new exotic plants and trees to you within a couple of business days. We deliver all over the Melbourne metro area so just get in touch and we'll handle the rest. Read about our delivery service and get them delivered directly to you.

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