Hardy Tropical Plants You Can Grow Almost Anywhere

Tropical plants bring exotic flair—bold foliage, vibrant flowers, and a vacation vibe—to any garden. But most of us don’t live in frost-free zones. The good news? A surprising number of “tropicals” are surprisingly cold-hardy, while others can be overwintered with simple protection. Here’s how to create a lush, jungle-like retreat no matter your climate.

Designing a Tropical-Style Garden

Because tropical gardens can look wild, anchor them with hardscaping: paths, decks, pergolas, or a gazebo provide structure and make the exuberance feel intentional. Mix plants in three layers—height/drama, color/scent, and fillers/greenery—for a cohesive, immersive effect.

Height and Drama

Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)

The most cold-hardy palm for U.S. gardens, surviving to Zone 7 (0–10°F). In colder areas, wrap the trunk with burlap, plant in a sheltered spot, and mulch deeply. Grows 10–20 feet tall in sun to part shade; also thrives in large containers. A staple at tropical resorts.

Clumping Bamboo (Fargesia spp.)

Unlike running bamboo, clumpers stay put—no underground rhizomes invading neighbors’ yards. They offer the same graceful, evergreen screening without the headache. Choose species suited to your zone; many are hardy to Zone 5.

Elephant Ears (Colocasia & Alocasia)

Tender tubers that produce massive, heart-shaped leaves up to 3 feet long on 6-foot plants. In Zones 7 and colder, lift tubers after first frost, store dry and cool, and replant in spring. Thrives in part shade and moist soil.

Hardy Banana (Musa basjoo)

The rhizome survives below 0°F if heavily mulched; leaves die back at 28°F. Cut back after frost, pile 12–18 inches of mulch over the crown, and it returns each spring. For a step-by-step winterizing guide, see Cisco Morris’s tutorial from The Seattle Times.

Gunnera, Giant Rhubarb (Gunnera manicata)

One of the world’s largest herbaceous plants—8–10 feet tall and wide. Hardy to Zone 7; in colder zones, lift crowns in fall and store in peat or vermiculite, or grow in a large pot and move to a frost-free garage. Needs constant moisture and protection from hot afternoon sun.

Color and Scent

Toad Lily (Tricyrtis spp.)

Orchid-like pink or purple flowers bloom in late summer to fall—in shade! Hardy to Zone 4, 1–2 feet tall and wide. Perfect tucked under larger tropicals.

Hardy Hibiscus, Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos hybrids)

Dinner-plate-sized blooms in red, pink, white, blue, and purple all summer. Hardy to Zone 4, 4–6 feet tall in full sun. A true showstopper.

Hardy Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica hybrids)

Shrubby, 6–10 feet tall and wide, draped with pendant flowers that hummingbirds adore. Hardy to Zone 6. Prefers fertile, moist soil and afternoon shade in hot climates.

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Vigorous climber with tubular orange, red, or yellow flowers all summer. Needs strong support; hardy to Zone 5. Tolerates poor soil, but may take a few years to bloom heavily.

Fillers and Greenery

Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas ornamental cultivars)

Annual (perennial only in Zone 9+), but inexpensive, fast-growing, and available in chartreuse (‘Margarita’) or deep purple. Trails 6 feet; great in containers or as groundcover. Pinch back for bushiness.

Annual Vinca (Catharanthus roseus)

Grown as a warm-season annual in most zones. 6–12 inches tall, covered in pink, white, or red flowers all summer. Self-cleaning, drought-tolerant, thrives in full sun with moderate water and fertilizer.

Caladium (Caladium bicolor)

Stunning foliage—heart-shaped leaves splashed with pink, red, white, and green—for shade. Tubers can be dug when temps drop into the 50s, dried, and stored at 60°F+ for replanting. Needs well-drained, consistently moist soil.

Have you grown tropicals in a cool climate? Share your tricks and successes in the comments!