Designer Styles / Great Dixter Exotic Garden
exotic

Great Dixter Exotic Garden

Inspired by Christopher Lloyd

Difficulty

advanced

Maintenance

high

Est. Cost

£800-1400

Christopher Lloyd's decision to replace Great Dixter's famous rose garden with exotic planting was revolutionary, creating one of the UK's most influential exotic borders.



Defining features:

- Bold, tropical-looking plants (cannas, bananas, dahlias)

- Hot color scheme (reds, oranges, purples)

- Dramatic foliage contrasts

- Annual refresh each spring

- High-maintenance but spectacular

- Experimental, fearless approach



Best for:

- Adventurous gardeners

- Those seeking maximum drama

- Sheltered, sunny positions

- Gardeners willing to lift tender plants annually

- Contemporary aesthetic with historic roots

Sample Planting Palette

Example plants that work beautifully in this style. Your custom plan will be adapted to your specific site conditions.

Structure & Framework

Fargesia murielae scientific symbol - front view, 3 years
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More info:Google Images|RHS Plant Finder
Hydrangea macrophylla scientific symbol - front view, 3 years
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More info:Google Images|RHS Plant Finder
Cornus alba scientific symbol - front view, 3 years
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More info:Google Images|RHS Plant Finder

Seasonal Interest

Verbena bonariensis scientific symbol - front view, 3 years
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More info:Google Images|RHS Plant Finder
Verbena bonariensis scientific symbol - front view, 3 years
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More info:Google Images|RHS Plant Finder
Rudbeckia fulgida scientific symbol - front view, 3 years
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More info:Google Images|RHS Plant Finder
Echinacea purpurea scientific symbol - front view, 3 years
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More info:Google Images|RHS Plant Finder
Geranium species scientific symbol - front view, 3 years
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More info:Google Images|RHS Plant Finder
Hosta species scientific symbol - front view, 3 years
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More info:Google Images|RHS Plant Finder

Ground Cover & Fillers

Ajuga reptans scientific symbol - front view, 3 years
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More info:Google Images|RHS Plant Finder
Sedum species scientific symbol - front view, 3 years
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More info:Google Images|RHS Plant Finder
Geranium species scientific symbol - front view, 3 years
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More info:Google Images|RHS Plant Finder

Key Design Principles

  • Bold, tropical-looking hardy plants
  • Hot color scheme and dramatic contrasts
  • Experimental, fearless combinations
  • Foliage as important as flowers
  • Annual planting refresh

Best For

adventurous gardenerssunny sheltered spotsdramatic impactcontemporary stylehigh maintenance

Get Your Custom Version

Our AI will adapt this style for your specific garden conditions, size, and budget. Generate your personalized planting plan in minutes.

Create My Custom Plan → £79

Design Inspiration & Sources

Inspired by the Exotic Garden at Great Dixter, created by Christopher Lloyd. Plant selections adapted for UK conditions. Not affiliated with Great Dixter.

Official Sources & Further Reading:

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Great Dixter Exotic Garden Style | Christopher Lloyd Inspired | PlantingPlans