Lush and exotic...make tropical plants the focus this summer for your containers or garden beds... whether these tropical reside 'poolside' or are 'made-in-the-shade'. Have fun creating your own island atmosphere!

Elephants Ear (Alocasia): These huge-leaved plants from Asia always take center stage in containers in part sun to part shade areas. Underplant non-stop blooming, Dragon wing begonias or New Guinea impatiens for added color.

Mandevilla vines: Tropical vining plants will flower in reds, pinks or white until frost. Perfect for trellises and tuteurs.

Gardenia: Who can resist the alluring fragrance of this southern belle? Creamy white, rose-like flowers contrast with glossy, dark-green leaves. A tropical classic...

Hibiscus: This annual is loved for its large, trumpet-like flowers that explode in scarlet, orange, yellow, peach and other sunset colors. Create a fantastic container with trailing, potato vines with chartreuse or black leaves that grow like wildfire!

Lantana trees: Brightly colored Lantana flower clusters offer all-season color, low maintenance and attract butterflies that love them, too! When pruned into a small tree, Lantana trees or standards become the focal point and always add an exotic touch to sun-loving, container plantings.

For more information on tropical plants, click http://www.pasquesi.com/our-plants/tropical-heat-wave.