Build your own backyard tropical paradise by adding a few tropical plants to your landscape! With all the unique tropical plants available from exotic blooms to colorful foliage, it’s never been easier to add a tropical punch to your deck or patio from Spring to Fall. Below are few Tropical plants to enjoy.
Bougainvillea:
Bougainvillea is a genus of thorny ornamentals with incredibly showy vines. Native to South America from Brazil, west to Peru and south to southern Argentina. It has flower-like green leaves and vibrant blooms that come in a variety of colors - pink, purple, orange, yellow and white with magenta being the most common color.
Bougainvillea can grow anywhere from 1′ to 8′ to 30′ depending on the species or variety. If you cannot keep up with maintenance of a plant that grows to 25’ there arequite a few dwarf bougainvillea’s to enjoy in your garden. Bougainvillea are sun lovers and need a minimum of 5-6 hours of sun each day. They can tolerate hot and dry locations. Plant in rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and water sparingly. Bougainvillea tend to flower less if they get too much water. Fertilize at the beginning of the season with a fertilizer that has a high middle number (phosphorus) to promote new growth and blooming. Bougainvillea are prolific growers, so pruning is usually necessary. After the plant is done blooming, cut it back a few inches to force blooming and its the shape. Bougainvillea’s are also virtually pest free and very disease resistant.
Mandevilla:
Mandevilla is a genus of tropical + subtropical flowering vines. Native to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, the West Indies + South America. The brilliant Mandevilla flower adds tropical flair to any patio or deck. This popular twining vine has big + shiny green leaves + romantic blooms that come in shades of pink, red, white and yellow. Mandevilla blooms all summer long and can grow up to 10’ in a single season. Plant in well-drained soil and place in a sunny spot that’s protected from the afternoon scorching heat. Bright, filtered sunlight is perfect for this climber. Fertilize every 2 weeks with a high phosphorous fertilizer.
You may also want to pinch your Mandevilla. This method of pruning your Mandevilla will create a bushier and fuller plant. To pinch your Mandevilla vine, simply use your fingers to pinch off 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the end of each stem. Mandevilla’s will need support in order to grow and bloom wonderfully, so be sure to provide a trellis or some other support for your Mandevilla vine to grow up.
Hibiscus:
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. Native to warm tropical + subtropical regions throughout the world. Hibiscus are one of the most stunning flowers out there + a must if you want to build your own backyard tropical paradise. Hibiscus have glossy, deep green leaves + large, exotic blooming flowers which typically come in all shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, mauve + peach. These striking flowers bloom all summer to fall. Tropical hibiscus come in shrub or tree form, so they are very versatile on a deck or patio. They need a lot of sunlight to bloom and need well-drained, well-watered soil but shouldn’t sit in water. Fertilize these beauties regularly for best performance.
Hibiscus flowers can be grown in virtually any climate if they're given the proper care and get at least a little bit of sunlight in the winter months.
Elephant Ears:
Elephant Ears or taro elephant ears is the common name for the genus Colocasia. A perennial tuber coming from the tropical swampland under the family Araceae. Native to southeastern Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It is a tuber-based plant with a tropical look + very decorative ornamental foliage. It grows to 6 feet tall and some varieties top 8 feet or more adding a dramatic look to the garden with small, medium + large shapes from wide hearts to slim arrowheads resembling the ears on the elephant with colorful veining and textures from slick and glossy to thick + waxy. Many are adaptable as a good houseplants.
All elephant's ear are tolerant of a wide range of conditions - sun or shade + a well-drained site, but they especially love damp, aquatic conditions. Use in containers with mixed plantings, or as an accent plant in the garden. It is fully hardy in zones 9-11 and endures temperature down to 30 degrees.
Ti Plants:
Ti Plant is a genus of Cordyline + comes in the form of tropical trees and shrubs. It is an evergreen flowering plant in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). Native to Asia, Australia + some Pacific islands, many are grown as ornamental plants. Ti is a palm-like plant growing up to 3 to 4 m (9.8 to 13.1 ft) tall with an attractive fan-like and spirally arranged cluster of broadly elongated leaves at the tip of the slender trunk. This woody plant produces 40–60 cm long panicles of small scented yellowish to red flowers that mature into red berries.
Ti Plants are grown in a high-light situation. In most areas, this colorful houseplant can take direct sun on the leaves when grown indoors. It doesn't like low-light spots unfortunately. When this colorful plant doesn't get enough light, the leaves show less variegation and turn greener. It is hardy in zones 10-11. Water Tiplants whenever it starts to dry out on top + while watering, soak the soil slowly so that the water can seep down around the roots. Ti plants need good drainage to thrive.
Now if you want give a beautiful Tropical look to your landscape, stop today by GSCO + grab some Tropical plants for your garden and enjoy this beautiful look!