Key Takeaways
- Different regions in the US have specific USDA zones that determine which tropical plants thrive best based on average temperatures.
- Plumeria trees thrive in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but be careful not to overwater them as it can cause root rot.
- African violets need 10 to 14 hours of bright light daily and prefer lukewarm water. They thrive in zones 11 to 13 and have fuzzy green leaves and purple petals.
There's something special about the look and feel of tropical plants. From their bright colors to their beachy greens to their unique shapes — tropical gardens are exciting. Unfortunately, not every location is ideal for an outdoor tropical garden. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has specific zones that detail which plants do best in certain regions by considering the average temperatures. Regions in zones 9 to 11 are best for tropical plants. But remember, each plant has different climate needs!
Since tropical plants need warmer climates, gardening can be more creative when the temperatures don't drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Between sizes, colors, and soil types, you're sure to find a tropical flower that enhances your aesthetic.
Plumeria
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Growing best in zones 10 to 11, the plumeria is a small tropical tree that hosts an array of gorgeous and fragrant flowers. Reminiscent of the Hawaiian flowers found on leis, the two-toned color petals will make your garden pop, especially since the flowers bloom through the fall. Living in the right zone will make plumerias last, as these trees will thrive in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
It's important to monitor how much water your plumerias receive. Too much water will cause its roots to rot. If it rains, it's best to skip watering your plumeria until the soil is dry again. Watering 1 inch of water a week will suffice. In the winter when the plant is dormant, 1 cup of water a month is all it will need.
These beautiful flowers love the sun and need at least six hours of sunshine daily. Not enough sunshine will cause the plant to go dormant. With some sun and rich soil, the plumeria is the perfect addition to a garden that needs some flair.
African Violets
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Fans of purple tropical plants will love having African violets in their yards. Growing best in zones 11 to 13, these plants are inviting and adorable, with fuzzy green leaves and purple petals.
African violets need 10 to 14 hours of bright light throughout the day for flowers to truly bloom, followed by eight hours of darkness. They love it when the temperature is around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit; even with the amount of light and heat these pretty flowers need, they don’t need too much water. The rule of thumb is to stick a finger into the soil about an inch down. If it's dry, it needs lukewarm water (stay away from cold water). Keeping the soil evenly moist with a 20-20-20 fertilizer is best.
Disney Ginger Lily
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'Disney' ginger lilies (Hedychium spp.) are bright, colorful, and unique — all qualities of a tropical plant. Even better, this plant is hardy down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The lone stem that holds the bright orange flower, which can grow up to 6 feet, sets the ginger lily apart from other tropical plants. To catch these beauties at their best, plant in zone 7b to 11.
These lilies appreciate partial shade from time to time but excel in full sun (at least six hours daily). The soil’s pH levels should be slightly acidic, between 6.1 and 6.5, while in a mesic water-based area near a creek or a moist meadow. The bright green shade of the plant and the colorful orange flowers are showstopping.
Tropical Hibiscus
Image credits:Dinesh Valkevia Creative Commons
The tropical hibiscus perennials are known for their full flowers and tropical color, attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees. In fact, when many people picture a tropical garden, the tropical hibiscus is one of the flowers that most likely come to mind.
These flowers love subtropical climates or warm regions where they can get a lot of sun and partial shade, particularly zones 9 to 12. These plants cannot handle cold temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, temperatures higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit are best.
When planted right, the tropical hibiscus will stay in full bloom from spring through fall. As long as the soil is moist (water about 1 to 2 inches a week) and not dry, these flowers can have a long blooming life.
Bromeliad
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The bromeliad family is home to over 2,800 species, including the pineapple! These perennials produce small, colorful flowers, with many thriving the regions like Florida. One of the more popular bromeliads are ‘Cherry co*ke’ or 'Cherry Cola'.
Growing up to 3 feet, bromeliads love sun with partial shade and need moist soil that’s well-draining. The best way to water these plants is to ensure the center (also called a cup) is always filled with water. This center cup creates an in-house watering system. When that cup is empty, add more water so that the plant distributes water perfectly on its own time.
Although there are so many different versions of bromeliads, many are taken care of in the same way. Bromeliads love a humid environment and love collecting rainwater and other vegetation from trees (thanks to their shape) for nutrients. When it's 65 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, these plants are happy, making zones 9 and 10 a great choice.
Angel's Trumpet
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A small tree with pink tropical flowers hanging downward, the angel's trumpet (Brugmansia) is one of the more unique tropical plants. In the right region, these trees can flourish and grow 30 feet tall, but in a climate that's less tropical than Hawaii, the angel's trumpet will grow anywhere from 4 to 15 feet. In subtropical locations, Angel's trumpets love around five hours of sun but need partial shade for the rest of the day. In cooler environments, full sun is best.
If tropical plant lovers are only buying the angel's trumpet for its unique flowers, it’s important to know that they flower every six to eight weeks. How many flowers a plant grows depends on the soil’s pH, with angel's trumpet needing soil with a 6.0 pH. These trees need 3 inches of water weekly, but the soil should never be too dry — moist is best. As perennials, the flowers will continue to grow and blossom in areas like zone 9 to 11. As long as it’s over 60 degrees Fahrenheit, these flowers will flourish.
Daylily
Image Credits:Agnieszka Kwiecień, Novavia Creative Commons
With showy flowers in vibrant colors, this daylily (Hemerocallis) is a stunning tropical flower. One of the types of daylilies known as ‘Zoro’s blade’ is a beautiful option because of its deep red or burgundy color with a golden center, surrounded by green leaves. Because of its classic tropical look, the daylily is a bold choice for a tropical garden.
A lover of light, six hours of sun exposure is best for these pretty flowers so that they can bloom to their potential. A rarity among other tropical flowers, daylilies can live in zones 3a to 9b, as they can survive in many types of environments. However, these plants thrive when it's 50 degrees Fahrenheit and hotter. Moist soil is preferred as a watering method, but it can often be just fine being watered once a week.
Head to the Tropics
It's easy to see why outdoor lovers want a tropical garden. Between the flowers' colors, size, and plants' rarity, tropical gardens make any space bright and sultry. Creating an outdoor tropical-themed garden is doable for nature enthusiasts as long as they're in the proper zone for the flowers to thrive.
Are you thinking of growing a tropical garden? What flowers are you planning on using to make your yard different from the others? Comment with your favorite tropical plants below!
