Some of the many exotic shrubs suited to rental gardens include:

Dwarf date palm, Phoenix loureiri, small size. Hardy but with lush fronds

Loquat, Eriobotrya japonica, medium size for many years. Hardy attractive tree/shrub with large silvery leaves and delicious/attractive yellow fruits. Not suitable for fruit fly areas. Grafted plants are recommended for early fruiting.

Buttercup tree, Cassia corymbosa, medium clusters of large yellow flowers.

Cannas, Canna indica, small. New colourful varieties are useful in adding interest to gardens in reasonable rainfall areas.

Brunfelsia, B. calycina, small. Multi-coloured fragrant warm season flowers.

Agave, A. americana, medium. Grows in poor soils. Dramatic accent plant.

New Zealand Christmas tree, Metrosiderois excelsa. Dense clusters of red flowers. Good for coastal gardens.

Ipomoea, I. fistulosa, small. Clambering branches, heart shaped leaves and pale purple flowers.

Yuccas, Y. filamentosa, medium. Desert plant that is the pinnacle of the low maintenance plant. Keep away from paths as its other names are Spanish bayonet, Spanish dagger or Adam's needle.

Firethorn, Pyracantha angustiflolia, medium. Great display of autumn berries. Good hedge.

Philodendron, P. selloum, small, needs dappled shade. Good for lush effect without too much water.

Malvas, M. moschata, small. Hibiscus relative. Great blue flower summer display.

Jasminum, Jasminium species, medium climber. Almost an essential for their enticing fragrance