What plants go in a conservatory?

When it comes to deciding what plants to put in a conservatory, the possibilities are truly endless. The beauty of a conservatory is that it provides a controlled environment, allowing you to grow a wide variety of plants that may not thrive in your regular garden.

1. Tropical Plants:
Conservatories are the perfect place to create a tropical oasis. You can bring in plants like palms, ferns, orchids, and bromeliads. These plants love the warm and humid conditions that a conservatory provides. The lush foliage and vibrant flowers will transport you to a tropical paradise right in your own home.

2. Citrus Trees:
If you have enough space, consider adding a few citrus trees to your conservatory. Lemon, lime, and orange trees not only provide beautiful greenery but also produce delicious fruits. Just imagine plucking a fresh lemon from your own tree to use in your cooking or cocktails!

3. Succulents and Cacti:
For those who prefer low-maintenance plants, succulents and cacti are an excellent choice. These desert plants thrive in dry conditions and do well in conservatories with lots of sunlight. Their unique shapes and textures add an interesting visual element to any space.

4. Climbing Plants:
Conservatories with tall ceilings are perfect for growing climbing plants. Consider adding vines like jasmine, passionflower, or ivy. These plants will create a stunning green wall and add a touch of whimsy to your conservatory. You can also train them to climb up trellises or wire structures for added visual interest.

5. Herbs and Edible Plants:
Having a conservatory is a fantastic opportunity to grow your own herbs and edible plants. Basil, rosemary, thyme, and mint are just a few examples of herbs that thrive in a conservatory environment. You can also grow vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce. Imagine the joy of picking fresh herbs and vegetables to use in your cooking!

6. Exotic Flowers:
If you appreciate the beauty of exotic flowers, a conservatory is the perfect place to indulge in their splendor. Consider adding orchids, hibiscus, bougainvillea, or plumeria. These flowers will add a burst of color and fragrance to your conservatory, creating a truly enchanting space.

7. Shade-Loving Plants:
If your conservatory doesn’t receive direct sunlight, don’t worry! There are plenty of shade-loving plants that will thrive in this environment. Ferns, peace lilies, spider plants, and begonias are great options. Their lush foliage will add a touch of green to any shady corner.

Remember, the plants you choose for your conservatory will depend on the specific conditions it provides, such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight. It’s essential to research each plant’s requirements and ensure they match the environment of your conservatory.

In my own experience, I have a conservatory that I use primarily for growing tropical plants. I have several palms, ferns, and orchids that bring an incredible amount of life and beauty to the space. It’s a wonderful place to relax and unwind, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers.

Having a conservatory allows you to experiment with different plants and create your own little paradise. So, let your imagination run wild and choose plants that resonate with your personal taste and style.

Photo of author

Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.