Lush and exotic... This year, make tropical plants the focus in summer containers or garden beds... whether they reside 'poolside' or prefer it 'made-in-the-shade'. Plus, the larger, indoor tropical plants (foliage or flowers) also look great outside in summer containers... right now! They also can create an instant 'tropical island' atmosphere for parties on the patio.
Elephants Ear (Alocasia) The huge leaves of these plants from Asia always create a tropical atmosphere. They take center stage in containers placed in part sun or partly shady areas. Underplant them with non-stop bloomers such as Dragon Wing begonias or New Guinea impatiens for a pop of color.
Jasmine: Tropical vining plants with heavenly scented white flowers. The glossy green leaves climb trellises or mound and trail in containers.
Gardenia: Who can resist the alluring fragrance of this southern belle? Creamy white, rose-like flowers contrast with glossy, dark-green leaves. A true classic... We even carry topiaries... while supplies last!
Mandevilla (pictured): Trumpet-like flowers on a vining plant will need a trellis or tuteur to show off its blooms from spring to fall. It's an easy, low maintenance annual with non-stop flower power!
Annual Hibiscus: We love this tropical shrub for its large, trumpet-shaped blooms that explode in yellow, orange, scarlet and pink colors. Create a fantastic container with a Hibiscus plant in topiary form by underplanting with trailing potato vines in chartreuse or black-purple leaves or the orange flowers of the annual 'Firecracker plant' (Cuphea).
Lantana (pictured in container): These clusters of tiny colorful flowers bloom all summer long with little to low maintenance... attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. When pruned into a small tree, they become the focal point in sun-loving, container plantings.
'King Tut' Papayrus: 'King Tut' is best used at a pond's edge or planted by itself in a planter as it can grow up to six ft. tall. It's a fun and funky tropical plant that LOVES water! If you plant it in a large container with no drainage, you'll create a miniature water garden for him.
SunPatiens (pictured in container): SunPatiens are hybrid impatiens that more closely resemble the New Guinea impatiens rather than the shade loving, garden impatiens. The flowers are much larger, and the foliage and growth habit are more robust... for a cool and tropical look in sun or shade! Blooming all season until frost!
Cana Lily (pictured in container): The flower resembles a large iris and blooms in red, orange, coral or yellow. Depending on the variety, the foliage color varies from green to maroon, bronze, and many variegated types. This plant loves the heat and full sun but can tolerate part shade, too.
Also... look for larger plants with a 'tropical' appeal from our indoor greenhouse.
Look for: Birds Nest Fern, Fan Palm, Sago Palm, Majesty Palm, huge Kimberley Ferns, multi-colored Croton & Fiddle-leaf Figs... subject to availability.
