Flower of the Week: Tropicals (Palms, Hibiscus, Crotons)

Take your “indoors” outdoors, and get over the reluctance to use tropical plants outdoors. They are not just "house plants" anymore.

Tropicals, by definition, are plants that are native to tropical regions of the world. In our mid-Atlantic area, tropicals were typically kept as houseplants or conservatory specimens.  Some examples of these diverse plants are Palms, Hibiscus, Mandeville, Crotons and Canna.  

The following post was submitted by  staff member, Maggie Wiles.

Of late, landscape designers have discovered that these exotic beauties, with their striking colors, textures, and dramatic forms, add interest to the landscape and make it more unique. You can quickly change the look of a traditional annual or perennial bed by placing tropicals in the right place for effect.

The use of tropical plants may not be limited to the landscape. Combination gardens in various-sized containers have become very popular. Visually appealing and colorful combinations using tropical plants alone or in combination with other flowering plants can create a lush oasis pool side or on your deck or patio.  Such gardens hold high appeal for gardeners in urban areas because of the limited garden space. 

Caring for your “Landscape Tropicals” will be dependent on the individual species of plant; where it is placed in the garden, as to sun or shade; and/or whether it is in a container.  Typically, blooming tropicals will require periodic feeding to maintain their bloom and overall vigor. Water requirements, again, would be dependent on specific factors, with full sun containers being at the top of the list.  Once night temperatures start to dip to around 45 degrees, you would have to bring in your tropicals and over winter in a bright room.

Be bold and create a tropical paradise in your own backyard by incorporating the exotic into your usual landscape. It’s easy and fun!