8 Exotic plants that can withstand winter in Sweden

1. Dicksonia antarctica , Tree Fern

A living dinosaur plant that gives a dramatic, tropical feel. The trunk can reach 5-6 meters and the huge, feathery leaves can grow up to 2 meters long.

Care: Thrives in partial shade to shade. Keep the soil and trunk moist, especially in summer. Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Hardiness: Down to -5 °C without protection. At lower temperatures, the trunk and crown should be covered and the plant will survive down to -15 degrees.
Height: 5–6 m when fully grown.

2. Trachycarpus fortunei – Windmill Palm

One of the hardiest palms available, with strong leaves that can withstand both wind and salty sea breezes. Perfect for framing a pool or terrace.

Care: Grows best in sun or light shade. Provide well-drained soil and protect the growing point in winter.
Hardiness: Down to about -17 °C with protection of the top.
Height: 6–12 m in warmer climates, often lower in Sweden.

3. Chamaerops humilis – Dwarf palm

The northernmost naturally growing palm in the world. Compact growth habit with beautiful fan-shaped leaves.

Care: Plant in sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil. Tolerates drought well.
Hardiness: Down to about -15 °C.
Height: 2–4 m.

4. Asimina triloba – Pawpaw

A tropical fruit tree that thrives in temperate climates. The fruit tastes like a mix of banana, mango and melon.

Care: Plant in a sunny position. Easy to care for once established. Requires little pruning and is resistant to pests.
Hardiness: Down to about -25 °C.
Height: 3–6 m.

5. Opuntia humifusa – Crypopuntia (prickly pear cactus)

A low-growing cactus that blooms profusely and produces edible fruits. Perfect for rockeries. The picture was taken when we visited the botanical garden in Krakow, where the cactus was growing outdoors!

Care: Plant in very well-drained soil in a sunny location. Can be covered with fiber fabric during the coldest weeks.
Hardiness: Down to about -30 °C.
Height: 0.1–0.3 m.

6. Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' – Fig tree

Produces sweet, brownish-purple fruits in late summer. One of the most cold-resistant fig varieties.

Care: Plant in a sunny position, in evenly moist but well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Down to about -15 °C.
Height: 3–5 m.

7. Camellia sinensis – Tea bush

Source of green, black, white and oolong tea – grow your own tea at home! Small white flowers in winter.

Care: Plant in well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Cover with jute in winter.
Hardiness: Grown outdoors from Uppsala and south, can withstand several degrees below zero with protection.
Height: Up to 2 m.

8. Musa basjoo – Basjoobanan

The world's most cold-resistant banana plant. The leaves and stem wilt in cold weather, but the root survives. Here too, the picture is from Kraków, where the banana plant grows outdoors all year round!

Care: Plant in nutrient-rich, moist soil in a sunny location. Water abundantly during the summer and fertilize regularly.
Hardiness: The root can withstand temperatures down to about -12 °C, the leaves are damaged at -5 °C.
Height: 3–4 m.

With the right placement and a little winter care, you can enjoy palm trees, large leaves and exotic fruits all year round, right in your own garden. It's simply a way to travel to the Mediterranean, without leaving the property.