7 High-Impact Tropical Plants for Temperate Gardens

Winter hardiness gets attention, but summer heat matters too. In cool-summer climates like Vancouver, tropicals may survive winter but languish without heat. Here are seven favorites that deliver dramatic impact when conditions allow.

Elephant's Ear (Colocasia esculenta)

Large arrow-to-heart-shaped leaves in green, variegated, or burgundy. Grows from tubers in wet to waterlogged soil. Zones 9–11. Full to partial sun. 1.5–4 feet. Summer interest. Plant spring/summer.

Lime Zinger Elephant's Ear (Xanthosoma aurea 'Lime Zinger')

Chartreuse 24-inch leaves glow in dim light. Needs more heat than Colocasia. Zones 9–11. Wet/moist soil. 2.5–4 feet. Summer–fall. Plant spring/summer.

Ginger Lily (Hedychium spp. and cvs.)

Glossy leaves, fragrant spidery flowers in varied colors. 'Anne Bishop' is a prized Hawaiian selection. Zones 8–10. Moist soil. 5 feet. Summer/fall. Plant spring.

Perennial Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)

Dinner-plate flowers on interesting foliage. Hardy hybrids like 'Sweet Caroline' emerge slowly but explode with heat. Zones 4/5–9. Moist, well-drained soil. 3.25 feet. Summer–fall. Plant anytime.

Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)

Hardy to snow and cold; skinny, stately, fan-shaped foliage. Native to Asia. Zones 7–10. Moist, well-drained soil. Up to 10 feet. Year-round interest. Plant anytime. Striking in small groves.

Rice Paper Plant (Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Steroidal Giant')

Fast-growing; dies back in cold zones, otherwise shrubby with huge fuzzy parasol leaves. Vigorous underground runners. Zones 7–10. Moist, well-drained soil. 6.5 feet. Spring–fall. Plant anytime.

Canna (Canna 'Bengal Tiger')

Generous foliage, extravagant colors. Explodes in warm days with coleus and sweet potato vine. Zones 8+. Moist, well-drained soil. 6 feet. Summer–fall. Plant spring.