Here's how to maintain exotic flowers

Written by Andrea Pintoon June 14, 2021

There’s something magical about having exotic flowers in your garden that practically makes you feel as if you have travelled halfway across the world without ever leaving home. Exotic flowers provide a wonderful pop of colour that can brighten any yard.

If you’re interested in keeping some exotic flowers in your garden, it’s important to know just how to care for them. Not all exotic flowers can thrive in just any climate, and you need to keep certain factors in mind to help them thrive.

Let’s talk about exotic flowers and what you can do to maintain them in top shape.

The Most Beautiful Exotic Flowers

Heliconia (Heliconia sp.)

There are more than 100 distinct species of heliconias, and many of them produce beautiful, vibrant flowers… Or do they?

In reality, what we call the flower of the heliconia plant is actually a group of specialised leaves. Most heliconia species aren’t resistant to cold weather, and they will become damaged in temperatures lower than 13°C. Most species thrive in full sun, although some of them actually require partial shade. They do well in well-drained soil, and require frequent watering and feeding. 

Each stem of a heliconia plant will only flower once, so you can cut that stem off after it has flowered. Heliconia “flowers” are very resistant with a vase life anywhere between 7 to 21 days, which makes them a great choice for flower arrangements.

Beehive ginger (Zingiber spectabile)

The beehive ginger is actually related to edible ginger, even though they look quite different. Beehive ginger produces colourful terminal cone-like bracts that resemble large flowers. These cones can last for months, and they range from yellow to orange and brown, turning red as they age.

Beehive ginger plants need sun, but excessive sunlight can actually harm them. Therefore, they should ideally be planted in partial shade. They can also grow in large pots. These plants require moist soils and thrive in humid climates. Cut flowers can last for several weeks. They will become deciduous in colder climates, flowering again once the weather warms up.

California tree poppy (Romneya coulteri)

These deciduous shrubs can grow beautiful white flowers during the summer. The flowers have also been called “fried egg flowers’’ due to their large size, white petals, and striking yellow center. Its cousin, Romneya trichocalyx is very similar, but smaller in size. R. trichocalyx is also a very sturdy plant, but it will require less room to grow, whereas R. coulteri requires ample space.

The California tree poppy is a shrub that will grow even in sunny, hot, and dry spots. Given the right conditions, they can actually spread very easily on their own. These plants are able to grow practically anywhere, but they do prefer moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Once the plant is established, it’s very resistant to droughts - until then, you should make sure to keep the soil moist.

Fire lily (Gloriosa superba)

This plant goes by many names: fire lily, climbing lily, creeping lily, glory lily, among many others. But regardless of what you call it, it is an undoubtedly beautiful plant that is sure to attract looks with its distinctive red and yellow flowers.

The fire lily is a deciduous plant that can grow even in nutrient-poor soils and many different climates. It should be grown in full sun, and it can be planted directly into the ground or inside containers. The plant’s tubers should be planted 2 to 4 inches deep in the soil, to provide stability for the stems. The soil should be kept moist as the plant grows; afterwards, it should only be watered once or twice per week, and fertilizer should be added monthly. A trellis or free wall will help the plant grow, although excessive manipulation can harm it. Keep in mind that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, especially for pets and other small animals.

California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)

The California fuchsia is a perennial plant that blooms in late summer or early autumn, providing numerous scarlet flowers. The long, tubular flowers are very attractive to birds and bees alike.

They grow well in full sun and typically require little to no water once the plant has been established. They also prefer well-drained soils. In warmer climates, the plant may only require watering once per month. It’s a good idea to prune them once the flowers wilt, which will allow the plant to flower more profusely the following season. This plant can spread on its own through seeds or rhizomes. You can prevent unwanted spread by trimming after the flowers fade and before seed pods have time to form, and by pulling out any spreading stems you may notice. 

Where can you get exotic flowers?

At TopFlowerDelivery, we put in the research so you don’t have to! 

Here are our top 10 flower delivery services: 

• Best Overall: 1800Flowers
• Best for Any Occasion: JustFlowers.com
• Best for Subscription: BloomsyBox
• Best for Supporting Local Florists: Florists.com
• Flowers Fast - FTD Top 100 Member Florist
• Best for DIYers: Enjoy Flowers
• Best for Same-Day Delivery Services: Teleflora
• Best for Simplicity: Fresh Cut Flower of the Month Club by MonthlyClubs
• Best with Free Shipping (& Free Vase): Overnight Flowers
• Best for Plants: Lively Root
• Best for Succulents: Plants.com
• Best for Roses: Ode à la Rose

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