Tropical Plants: A Guide for Summer Gardens and Beyond
In the vibrant world of gardening, tropical plants stand out with their exotic beauty and lush foliage. These plants bring a touch of the tropics to your own backyard, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there’s a tropical plant perfect for you.
Best Tropical Plants for Full Sun Locations
For areas with ample sunlight, these tropical plants will thrive and showcase their stunning blooms and foliage:
- Bird of Paradise: Known for its vibrant orange and blue flowers resembling birds in flight, this plant is hardy in zones 9 to 11.
- Bougainvillea: This flowering vine boasts arching stems with brightly colored bracts in a rainbow of shades, including purple, red, orange, white, pink, and yellow. It’s hardy in zones 9 to 11.
- Angel Trumpet: Also known as brugmansia, this broadleaf evergreen shrub produces huge, fragrant, trumpet-like blooms in various colors, including white, pink, gold, orange, and yellow. It’s hardy in zones 8 to 10.
- White Ginger Lily: With its canna-like leaves and fragrant, white flowers, this ginger lily is a must-have for tropical summer gardens. It’s hardy in zones 8 to 10.
- Canna Lily: These plants offer year-round beauty in zones 7 to 10. Their large green or variegated, paddle-shaped leaves and bright, colorful flowers create a tropical oasis in your backyard.
Overwintering Tropical Plants
If you live in areas where temperatures drop below freezing, it’s crucial to protect your tropical plants during the winter months. Here are some tips for successful overwintering:
- Bring plants indoors when temperatures drop to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
- Choose a location with plenty of indirect sunlight and good air circulation.
- Water sparingly during the winter months, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Dormant bulbs and rhizomes, such as taro and canna, can be stored in a cool, frost-free area, such as a basement or garage.
Tropical Plants for Specific Hardiness Zones
- Zone 9: Bird of Paradise, Bougainvillea, Angel Trumpet, White Ginger Lily
- Zone 8: Angel Trumpet, White Ginger Lily, Canna Lily
- Zone 7: Canna Lily, Jasmine Vine, Mandevilla
- Zone 5: Japanese Banana
Additional Tips for Growing Tropical Plants
- Choose a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Mulch around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune plants as needed to maintain desired shape and size.
- Be aware that some tropical plants can be toxic to pets and children.
Conclusion
With their vibrant colors, exotic blooms, and lush foliage, tropical plants add a touch of paradise to any garden. By selecting the right plants for your hardiness zone and following proper care instructions, you can enjoy the beauty of these tropical wonders for years to come.
