Tropical Features

• Banana
  
  Start by considering the characteristics of tropical plants. Large, bold foliage is common and can be found on plants that will survive in temperate climates, the hardy Japanese banana (Musa basjoo) is a perfect example, it will not produce edible fruit and it may die back to the ground each winter, but it will return strong with big, tropical-looking leaves. Large, bright flowers are typical of tropical plants, there are many blooms, even hardy camellias, that can be used for this same effect. The tall red flowers of Crocosmia "Lucifer" are small individually, but in a cluster make a strong exotic statement. For a tropical fragrance, star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) has an exotic perfume and thick, glossy, evergreen leaves.
  
  

Hardy Plant Types

• Star jasmine
  
  There are many different plants you can incorporate into a tropical design. Fig trees are easy to grow and fit in well. Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica) is a wonderful plant, usually grown as a shrub and kept tidy and rounded; but let it mature naturally and it will develop a trunk and produce interesting white blooms in winter. A hybrid between Fatsia japonica and English ivy (Hedera helix) is Fatshedera lizei, it is a large-leaved vining plant that will loosely weave its way through the garden. In areas where canna lilies are hardy, these can produce a colorful effect when in bloom and also have vibrant foliage. In areas where cannas are not hardy, they can be dug up and stored inside over the winter.
  
  

Tender Tropicals

• Palm
  
  It is possible to grow true tropicals, if they are given protection in the winter. In some cases, it is as easy as growing them in containers and bringing them into a garage or outbuilding for the coldest months and then putting them back out to a sunny spot for the summer. Tropical plants will go dormant and require only a little water while resting. Once outdoor temperatures are 60 degrees F, or above, they can be eased back outdoors by starting with warmer daytime temperatures and gradually acclimating them to the cooler nighttime temperatures. Some plants, like citrus, need sunshine year-round, so they need a sunny window inside the house or greenhouse to wait out the winter. Nurseries usually carry tropical vines like angel's trumpet, brugmansia and mandevilla. These container vines can make a big impact during summer. Tropical hibiscus is another exotic plant that can be kept indoors during winter and brought out for the summer. When plants are brought back in, be sure to check them for insects and always bring them in before the weather turns cold or they could suffer leaf drop.
  
  

Considerations

• Fatshedera lizei
  
  Most gardens are a mix of styles, it is possible to combine tropical-looking plants with natives and other exotics to create a one-of-a-kind garden. Use principals found in art, such as color, texture and shape. Group plants that look good together as well as have the same cultural requirements. Next to cold hardiness, water needs link plants together. While there are exceptions, many tropical plants come from hot, moist climates and will need to have the same conditions in your garden. If you have a selection of tropicals from more arid regions, group them separately. The hardy strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is an evergreen, broadleaved tree that fits well with tropicals but is actually a Mediterranean plant. Borrow plants from hot climates that will blend in and be easy to grow and care for. Some tropicals will require extra care, such as mulching and, in extreme cases, wrapping in winter.
  
  

Geography

• Strawberry tree
  
  The tropical regions of the world lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn and are not all wet or humid. They are generally hot, but some are dry desert regions with entirely different flora. For design purposes, we generally think of tropical as being from regions such as the rainforest, with lush foliage and showy flowers.