Guide to Growing Tropical Plants: Bold Foliage and Flowers

How to Grow Tropical Plants

Tropicals thrive in containers—give them room to spread. They’ll outgrow 10–12 inch pots fast; cannas can crack 14-inch pots in one season. Tall varieties need heavy, wide pots to avoid toppling. For instant impact, buy large plants in 3-gallon pots from independent nurseries; for economy, start with gallon pots from home centers.

In the ground, tropicals grow fast with little fuss, making any gardener look expert. They explode in summer heat, delivering jungle-size leaves and showstopping flowers.

The Secret to Big, Bold Beauty

Tropicals need heat. Full sun and ample water yield massive growth. Fertilize strategically: nitrogen-rich fertilizer or aged compost fuels lush foliage (cannas, elephant ears). Bloom-booster fertilizer (high phosphorus) drives flowers on angel’s trumpet, mandevilla, hibiscus—apply liquid every two weeks. Growth slows as nights cool; first frost melts tender growth. In cold climates, dig roots to overwinter indoors or treat as annuals. In warm zones, they transition to cool-season color.

Accessories Set the Mood

Create a backyard escape with a trickling fountain, torches, wicker furniture, a hammock, or a rattan rug. Even pink flamingos add equatorial flair.

See tropical flowers for patios.

Plants for Tropical Flowers

• Abutilon: dangling bell-shaped blooms
• Angel’s Trumpet: exotic, intensely fragrant flowers
• Canna: large, sizzling-hued blossoms
• Chinese Hibiscus: striking flowers in many colors
• Mandevilla: twining vines with large flared blooms

Tropical Foliage Plants

• Banana: tall, lush leaves, often variegated
• Canna: eye-catching variegated foliage
• Cordyline: upright, strappy leaves
• Elephant’s Ear: mammoth leaves in many colors
• New Zealand Flax: strong, upright, grasslike leaves in many hues

Grow Hibiscus in Any Climate