Best plants and flowers to see around the island

Look out for the delicate blue flowers of agapanthus, or African Lily, on your visit to the Palheiro Gardens. These normally dont flower in the UK until around July, but as Madeira gets so much sun all year round youll be treated to an early sighting of their subtly coloured petals.

1

Blue agapanthus

Madeira gardens: Best plants and flowers to seeShutterstock

Look out for the delicate blue flowers of agapanthus, or African Lily, on your visit to the Palheiro Gardens. These normally don’t flower in the UK until around July, but as Madeira gets so much sun all year round you’ll be treated to an early sighting of their subtly coloured petals.

2

Protea

Madeira gardens: Best plants and flowers to seeShutterstock

Similarly to agapanthus, protea hails from South Africa and can be found in the Palheiro Gardens. Often seen as a cut flower in the UK, they can’t survive in our cold climate outdoors for long, but do well in temperate Madeira.

3

Aloe

Madeira gardens: Best plants and flowers to seeShutterstock

"As well as loads of exotic palms, cycads and succulents – which give it a very exotic feel – the Botanic Garden in Madeira has plenty of aloe, with beautiful spires of flowers in a range of spicy colours," says Joe. Make sure to keep an eye out as you tour this amazing tropical complex.

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4

Erythrina speciosa

Madeira gardens: Best plants and flowers to seeShutterstock

Also known as coral tree, and native to Brazil, erythrina speciosa’s flame red flowers make them unmissable. Joe recommends these as a highlight of his last visit to Madeira, when the Botanical Garden featured many in full bloom.

5

Geranium Maderense

Madeira gardens: Best plants and flowers to seeShutterstock

Also known as cranesbill, this plant is native to Madeira and has lovely bright pink flowers which appear all year round on the island. Look out for them atop long red stems when you tour the Palheiro Gardens.

6

Jade vine

Madeira gardens: Best plants and flowers to seeShutterstock

Finally, following afternoon tea at elegant hotel Belmond Reid's Palace, wander out into the gardens to see this Philippine native in full flower. Officially referred to by its Latin name strongylodon macrobotrys, it has rather weird, but absolutely beautiful, emerald coloured flowers.

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7

Strelitzia

Madeira gardens: Best plants and flowers to seeShutterstock

A South African native, this plant is most commonly identified by its striking ‘birds of paradise flowers’, which will be in full bloom in Madeira when you visit in spring. Strelitzia have big, banana-like leaves and bright architectural flowers, so they’re sure to stand out from the crowd!

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