Humidity-Loving Garden Plants for Southern Climates

Overview

Plants native to tropical or subtropical regions naturally thrive in high humidity. These tough, adaptable species come in diverse sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing for rich, varied gardens even in muggy conditions.

Coleus

A subtropical star grown for foliage, not flowers. Leaves display copper, purple, crimson, maroon, pink, yellow, white, and myriad greens—often variegated or multi-colored. Partial shade intensifies colors; full sun fades them. Needs moist, well-drained soil and morning sun.

Daylilies

Nearly climate-proof perennials with an incredible range: near-white, pastels, yellows, oranges, pinks, reds, purples, blues, and blends. Flowers last one day but each plant produces many. Forms include circular, triangular, trumpet, flat, spider, single or double. Textures vary: smooth, creped, ribbed. Sizes range from under 3 inches to over 4.5 inches. Adaptable to any soil and light.

Philodendrons

Thrives in the moist, humid Southeast. Grown for foliage: mostly dark green, some with coppery-red undersides or red veins, others emerging red and maturing green. Leaf shapes: heart, arrow, oval, lobed, 3 inches to 3 feet long. Under ideal conditions, produces calla-like flowers in purple, pink, red, or greenish-white. Tolerates shade; prefers moist soil.