Rare Tropical Plants
Discover our collection of rare tropical and exotic plants: parrot plant Impatiens, Duranta repens golden dewdrop, Lotus berthelotii, Streptosolen, Iochroma, Epiphyllum queen of the night... Botanical curiosities unavailable in standard garden centres, selected by our team of passionate growers to bring a unique exotic touch to your garden, terrace or balcony.
At Fuchsia Delhommeau, we search the world for the rarest tropical and exotic plants available. This collection brings together our finest botanical curiosities: surprising species with spectacular flowering or unique architectural forms, impossible to find in any ordinary garden centre. Each plant tells a story and brings an incomparable exotic touch to your home, balcony or garden.
Our families of rare exotic plants
Tropical Impatiens
Far removed from the common garden impatiens, our botanical species are genuine curiosities. Impatiens niamniamensis, nicknamed the "parrot plant", originates from the Congo and produces red and yellow flowers of an absolutely unique shape. Grown in shade in humus-rich, well-drained soil, it flowers all year round indoors. Impatiens grandis (giant balsam), Impatiens hians and Impatiens platypetala complete this family with equally surprising flowering to brighten your shaded spaces.
Duranta repens — Golden dewdrop
Duranta repens is a persistent shrub native to Central and South America, belonging to the Verbenaceae family. Dense and bushy, it produces magnificent blue-violet flower clusters edged with white and a vanilla fragrance, followed by small decorative orange-yellow berries. Flowering extends from May to September depending on the region. Not frost-tolerant, it is best grown in containers so it can be overwintered under cover in colder regions.
Lotus berthelotii
Lotus berthelotii is a spectacular trailing plant whose long silver branches can extend up to 90 cm. Its vivid flowers burst with colour against its fine, needle-like silver foliage. Perfect in hanging baskets or trailing planters, it creates a truly striking visual effect.
Streptosolen jamesonii
Streptosolen jamesonii is a climbing shrub from South America, covered in tubular brilliant orange flowers that literally smother the plant during flowering. Exuberant and easy to train against a wall or trellis, it is one of our team's favourite plants for sunny terraces.
Iochroma
Iochroma is a tropical shrub with long, pendulous tubular flowers, available in deep violet (Iochroma cyaneum 'Purple') or pure white (Iochroma australis 'Alba'). Highly attractive to pollinators, it draws hummingbirds in its native habitat. In our climate, it thrives in a pot on a sunny terrace and must be brought indoors before frost.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Epiphyllum oxypetalum is a tropical epiphytic cactus with giant, fragrant white flowers that open only one night per year — hence its nickname "queen of the night". A truly unique botanical spectacle that never fails to impress.
Echeveria pulvinata
Echeveria pulvinata is a velvety, silver-leaved succulent native to Mexico. Its dense rosettes and orange-red flowers make it as decorative as it is resilient — ideal in a pot or sunny window box.
How to grow tropical exotic plants
Exposure and soil
The majority of our exotic curiosities prefer a bright to sunny position, sheltered from cold winds. Some understorey species, such as tropical impatiens, prefer light to moderate shade. Well-drained soil rich in organic matter suits most species. Check the characteristics of each product to tailor growing conditions to each variety.
Overwintering and frost tolerance
The vast majority of these exotic plants are frost-sensitive. In regions with cold winters, grow them in containers so they can easily be moved to a frost-free, bright and well-ventilated space before the first frosts. In very mild climate regions, some species can remain outdoors with light winter protection. Find our advice on our curiosity plants growing tips page.
Frequently asked questions about rare exotic plants
Are these plants suitable for beginners?
Yes, for the most part. Despite their spectacular appearance, many of these species are surprisingly easy to grow, provided a few basic rules are followed: good drainage, appropriate exposure and winter protection. The detailed characteristics of each plant guide you through their care.
Can these plants be grown indoors?
Some species in this collection are perfectly suited to indoor growing: Impatiens niamniamensis, Streptocarpus saxorum and Epiphyllum oxypetalum all thrive in a bright apartment. Others, such as Duranta or Iochroma, require more space and direct light. Discover also our indoor plants selection for species specifically suited to apartment living.
Do these plants attract pollinators?
Yes, and this is one of their great qualities. Duranta repens, Streptosolen and Iochroma attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds in their native habitats. Even in our climate, they make an excellent choice for a wildlife-friendly and pollinator-welcoming garden.
Are these plants toxic?
Some species may be toxic if ingested — this is notably the case for Duranta repens. As a precaution, keep these plants out of reach of young children and pets, and consult the individual product pages for more information on each species.