Our top 7 exotic shrubs flowering in spring

The Rhaphiobotrya ‘Coppertone’, an evergreen hybrid bush, is the result of a cross between a loquat and a Raphiolepis. It develops coppery foliage reminiscent of Photinia and early and abundant flowering in panicles of pale pink flowers in March and April. This shrub adapts well to various soils, even dry in summer, and withstands short frosts to -10 to -12°C.

It has a broad, bushy habit. Its growth is moderate, reaching about 4.5 m in height and 3 m in spread, or 2 m in a pot. Its coppery leaves turn to medium green and glossy, with early spring flowering and sometimes late-summer blooms. The white flowers tinged with pink attract pollinating insects and can bear edible fruits in a favourable climate.

The loquat hybrid ‘Coppertone’ is an attractive ornamental choice. It thrives in south-east France and in coastal or sheltered areas away from severe frosts. Easy to grow in ordinary soils, even chalky soils, it is suitable for a shrub border, as a specimen, in open ground or in a pot, paired with mimosas or Escallonias.

Originating from southern Chile and Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia, this tree has a bushy, upright and spreading habit, with moderate growth, reaching about 5.5 m in height with a 2.2 m spread. Its stout trunk with grey bark and flexible twigs bear glossy green foliage, evergreen in mild climates, but shedding leaves below -7°C. The plant does not survive below -10 to -12°C.

The flowering, in May–June, is displayed by clusters of scarlet tubular flowers, nectariferous, attracting hummingbirds for pollination. It is ideal as a specimen plant in a sheltered garden or in a shrub border, pairing well in an exotic setting with Eucalyptus, Canary Island viper’s-bugloss or Callistemons.

is a shrub-forming aloe native to the high mountains of South Africa. It is characterised by thick stems bearing rosettes of vivid green, fleshy and striate leaves, ending in pointed tips. Its abundant flowering occurs as long spikes of yellow-orange flowers. Hardy to -12°C, tolerating well-drained soil and summer drought, it is perfect for Atlantic coasts or the Mediterranean climate, in sloped, rocky, very sunny sites sheltered from the wind.

Aloe striatula, more shrub-like than herbaceous, forms a large shrub with a loose habit, reaching about 1.5 m in height with a 2 m spread. Its thick stems bear thick, waxy leaves, edged with small teeth, with bases sheathing in striated membranes. From May–June, it produces tall flowering spikes with tubular flowers from lemon-yellow to yellow-orange, attracting pollinating insects.

Very tolerant of sea spray and drought, Aloe striatula can be grown in a pot or in the ground in a climate not too cold, ideal for a raised bed, a rockery, a dry slope or nestled into dry-stone walls. In a pot to overwinter, it pairs well with agaves or with the Euphorbia mellifera, adding an exotic or contemporary touch to a terrace.

Chitalpa tashkentensis forms a small tree 6–8 m tall, with a spreading, bushy habit. Easy to grow and undemanding regarding soil type, it is drought-tolerant once established. It is hardy to about -18°C. It blends harmoniously with other species such as buddleias, mock oranges, and roses.

Duranta repens is native to the southern United States, Mexico, Central and South America. It grows in coastal rocky or moist low-lying areas. This dense and exuberant bush can reach 2 to 3 m in height and width, with branches that are sometimes slightly thorny and leaves that are single, elliptical and evergreen.

Flowering lasts two months from May, but can extend in hot climates such as the Côte d’Azur, until September. It comprises panicles of small blue-violet flowers with white margins, giving off a vanilla fragrance. Duranta repens thrives in full sun or light shade, in non-calcareous soil, neutral to acidic, and in soil that is either moist or dry, but well-drained. Paired with plants such as Caesalpinia gilliesii or the Cassia floribunda, it creates a tropical scene in Mediterranean gardens.

The Tecoma stans is native to the tropical regions of South and Central America. It forms a bush or a small tree about 4.5 to 6–8 m tall, with a trunk bearing greyish, rough bark. Semi-deciduous, it loses its leaves as new growth appears. In warm temperate climates, it becomes deciduous, shedding its leaves in winter. On the French Riviera, it generally forms a bush 2 to 3 m tall, with handsome, deeply cut foliage.

Because of its frost-sensitivity, Tecoma stans is often grown in pots in most French regions, allowing it to be overwintered in a bright, frost-free space. To create a tropical ambience on a terrace, pair it with other frost-sensitive plants such as the Plumbago capensis or the Hardenbergia violacea.