These Stunning Tropical Flowers Will Give Your Yard Vacation Vibes
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As we begin to spend more time outside thanks to the warmer weather and increased sunlight, it’s likely that some of us will notice the yard is looking a bit, well, sad and colorless. That’s especially true if your neighbor happens to have a maximalist garden—or if you’ve been daydreaming about the gardens on Bridgerton. There’s no need to be embarrassed. We have an easy solution to bring some much-needed life back to your property. Tropical flowers are the beautiful and surprisingly accessible cure to finish off your winter blues. Not only can they brighten up your home on the inside and outside, but they’ll whisk you away to a dreamy destination every time you glance at them, even if it’s just for a minute or two.
“People adore having tropical plants in their homes or yards because they bring a vibrant, exotic vibe that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise,” Denise Brown, the gardening influencer behind the Instagram account @tropicalseductions, says. “These flowers often boast stunning colors, unique shapes, and lush foliage, adding a touch of freshness and relaxation to any space.”
No matter what USDA Hardiness zone you live in, you can grow tropical flowers that’ll undoubtedly increase your home’s curb appeal and make it the envy of the neighborhood. Keep reading to get everything from general information about these lively blossoms to more specific instructions about plants that originate from South Africa to Australia to South America.
For more houseplant and garden inspiration:
How to Take Care of Tropical Flowers
Whether you’re a gardening novice or have been honing your green thumb for years, there are tropical plants you can grow. They range from easy to take care of to extremely temperamental. However, as long as you know what to do when it comes to light, water, soil, and temperature, you can keep your plants thriving. We reached out to Frank Janeczek, president of the Tropical Flowering Tree Society, to learn about the general care of tropical flowers.
Consider light availability and needs. Before planting tropical flowers indoors or outdoors, determine natural light availability and the sunlight needs of your plant. This will help you select tropical plants best suited for the planting areas you have.
Let temperature determine habitat. Figure out whether you can plant indoors, outdoors, or both. This is particularly important for tropical plants that tend to require higher or consistent temperatures to grow properly, like orchids. These plants may need to live indoors if the temperatures in your climate regularly fluctuate or dip below certain thresholds.
Avoid overwatering. “Most tropical plants utilized by gardeners throughout the northern United States, outside of their normal zone, will find [the plants] to be hardy given stable temperatures if they avoid overwatering,” Janeczek says. It’s easy to assume that tropical plants must require a lot of moisture, but each plant is different when it comes to hydration. Research the water routine and method needed to avoid root or disease issues, like fungus.
Give them the nutrients they need. Like any plant, tropical plants require nutrients from the soil to grow. However, not all soil is equal, and plants grown in containers with growing media (potting soil) can lose nutrients over time. Many tropical plants will benefit from a well-balanced and routine boost of nutrients throughout the growing season.
Additional copy by Medgina Saint-Elien
Hoya
Hoyas, also known as porcelain flowers or wax plants, are related to milkweed and are generally low-maintenance, fragrant tropical flowers that grow quickly. They have thick leaves and love to climb, so they’re ideal for hanging baskets on the front porch. “Hoyas, with their waxy leaves and delicate clusters of star-shaped blooms, originate from tropical regions like Asia and Australia,” Brown says. “They thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.”
Flower colors: Pink, white, blue
Light: Bright, indirect sun
Hardiness zones: 8 to 11
Soil: Well-drained soil
Height: 4 to 12 feet
Related: How to Grow Climbing Vines on Your House
Amaryllis
Like tulips and daffodils, amaryllis flowers grow from bulbs. Their blossoms are trumpet shaped and can grow up to eight inches across, making them an extremely eye-catching plant. They typically bloom in the winter months, even though they’re tropical, and can be kept outside if they’re in a frost-free environment. Otherwise, they should be kept indoors where their blooms can be admired at any time. These vibrant flowers are originally from South Africa, but most amaryllis flowers you see now are hybrids from all over the world.
Flower colors: Red, pink
Light: Bright, indirect sun
Hardiness zones: 8 to 10
Soil: Quick-draining soil
Height: 18 to 36 inches
Related: 10 Best Bulbs to Plant in the Fall
Lobster Claw
At first glance, the Heliconia lobster claw is captivating thanks to its unique shape. This perennial is also known as the parrot flower and is native to Central and South America. The thick bracts, or specialized leaves, actually cover up the tiny flowers this plant blooms, so the vibrant “claws” you admire are actually specialized leaves of the plant. However, the regular foliage leaves are green, glossy, and oval shaped. Though they can be grown indoors, they won’t get nearly as tall as they would in their natural habitat.
Flower colors: Red, orange, yellow
Light: Full or partial sun
Hardiness zones: 10 to 13
Soil: Fertile and moist
Height: 3 to 6 feet
Related: 30 Gorgeous Shade-Loving Perennials for Your Garden
African Violet
Even though their name suggests it, African violets are actually not a type of violet—they’re Gesneriaceae, a family of flowering plants that includes cape primrose and gloxinia. They come from the tropical region of East Africa and make surprisingly good houseplants. Though they have a finicky reputation thanks to improper care of them when they were first introduced in the United States in the late 1800s, they can easily thrive in your home today.
Flower colors: Purple/dark blue, pink, white
Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
Hardiness zones: 11 to 12
Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic
Height: 2 to 6 inches
Related: 17 Indoor Flowering Plants Beginners Can Keep Alive
Gardenia
This gorgeous white flower adds an enviable elegance to your yard, and it’ll make your front walk smell absolutely amazing. With its creamy white blossoms and thick, glossy leaves in a deep green, this flowering bush is a favorite of florists and landscape designers. They thrive outdoors but can be brought inside, though pet owners beware: These beauties are toxic to your furry babies.
Flower colors: White, yellow
Light: Partial to full sunlight
Hardiness zones: 7 to 11
Soil: Well-draining and acidic
Height: 2 to 8 feet
Related: 32 Front Door Plants for a Showstopping Entrance
Orchid
Orchids belong to one of the largest plant families on earth: Scientists have found almost 28,000 varieties. They’re fairly common and a breeze to grow—if you’re skilled with tending to plants. Depending on the variety, it can take a special touch to care for them successfully. Arber, an organic plant care company, advises, “When growing orchids indoors, place them in a humid room, such as the kitchen or a bathroom, and away from cold drafty windows or heat vents that blast dry air.”
Flower colors: Red, pink, yellow
Light: Bright, indirect sun
Hardiness zones: 8
Soil: Orchid bark and moss
Height: 1 to 3 feet
Related: How to Care for an Orchid So It Keeps Blooming
Anthurium
The shiny leaves of anthurium (also known as the flamingo flower) give its flowers the rich, lustrous look of silk. The center holds a spike called the spadix. With so much texture and that pigmented hue, it’s a must-have houseplant for anyone who loves color. “Similar to orchids, anthuriums love warm humid air, bright indirect sunlight, and well-draining slightly acidic soil mediums that allow for ample airflow,” according to Arber.
Flower colors: Red, pink, white
Light: Partial
Hardiness zones: 10
Soil: Moist soil
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Related: 34 Easy Low-Light Indoor Plants
Hibiscus
Elevate your curb appeal with the help of glorious hibiscus flowers. Heralded for their popularity from Hawaii to the Caribbean, these easy-to-grow and edible tropical flowers will help draw butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard. Whether you plant a small tree in your backyard, place a pot on your apartment’s windowsill, or simply buy some to garnish cocktails, hibiscus flowers are always an exciting addition.
Flower colors: Red, pink, purple, orange, yellow
Light: Full sun
Hardiness zones: 5 to 11
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
Height: 4 to 10 feet
Related: 11 Best Pink Flowering Trees for Your Yard
Jasmine
Your candle collection isn’t complete without the heady scent of jasmine! But why settle for faux when you can grow the real thing? That captivating fragrance will fill your yard with each brush of the wind, and you can even use its flowers to make a soothing tea. This small but mighty night-blooming plant needs plenty of sunlight and humidity.
Flower colors: White, pink, yellow
Light: Partial to full
Hardiness zones: 7
Soil: Well-drained porous
Height: 4 to 20 feet
Related: 15 Best Flowers That Bloom at Night
Bird-of-Paradise
“With their bright orange and blue flowers that resemble a bird in flight, the bird-of-paradise is a striking addition to any garden,” says Nikhil Arora, cofounder of the organic farming company Back to the Roots. Its long, spiky leaves add eye-catching color and texture. Just plant it in an area sheltered from the wind; a strong gust can break off those beautiful leaves. If you have pets, know that it’s considered toxic and should be planted out of their reach.
Flower colors: Yellow, white, orange, blue
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness zones: 10 to 12
Soil: Well-drained soil
Height: 6 to 30 feet
Related: How to Grow and Care for Bird-of-Paradise Plants
Medinilla
Prepare to swoon over these picture-perfect pink blooms. Medinilla, also known as pink maiden, is commonly found in Southeast Asia. Its charming flowers are so beautiful and aromatic they’ll win you over the moment you lay eyes on them. Their unique shape features grape-like panicles, or clusters of flowers, flowing from pink leaf-like bracts.
Flower colors: Pink, red
Light: Partial
Hardiness zones: 10 to 11
Soil: Slightly acidic soil
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Canna
Bring on the drama with lush, flowy tropical flowers rich in color and detail. The great news? Canna is a perennial, meaning it comes back year after year, and it’s suitable for a wide range of soil types—it just needs to be well-drained. They’re accessible and fast growing too. Before you know it, you’ll be lending your neighbor some tips while they admire your sunny garden.
Flower colors: Yellow, orange, red
Light: Full
Hardiness zones: 8 to 10
Soil: Acidic soil
Height: 2 to 8 feet
Plumeria
Sure, Hawaii is on your bucket list, but until then your plumeria can remind you that a homemade lei is well within your reach. Arora suggests planting plumerias because they are aromatic, small shrubs that produce fragrant, colorful flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red.
Flower colors: Pink, yellow, white, red
Light: Moderate
Hardiness zones: 10 to 12
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic
Height: 5 to 25 feet
Protea
There are more than 1,000 species of protea. A bit finicky but resilient to cold, it's for seasoned plant parents who want more visual variety in their garden that lasts. The striking goblet-shaped blooms have a fuzzy center and colorful petals sprouting out in spikes. Please note that its nectar is toxic to humans and pets.
Flower colors: Red, pink, yellow
Light: Moderate
Hardiness zones: 8
Soil: Slightly acidic soil
Height: 6 to 26 feet
Cape Plumbago
With periwinkle blooms that belong in a fairytale, this shrub can magically transform your backyard with its vine-like branches. Unlike in storybooks, however, deer will steer clear of the easy-care-for plant—they don't like it. (Happily, butterflies do.) You can plant Cape Plumbago any time of year and use it for ground cover or train it to grow up a trellis, Rapunzel-style.
Flower colors: Blue, white, lavender
Light: Full sun
Hardiness zones: 8 to 11
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
Height: 6 to 15 feet
Clivia miniata
Limited windows? No problem. Clivia miniata's vibrant orange clusters grow happily in low-light areas. Originally from South Africa, the flowers are popular the world over because they're such low-maintenance mood brighteners. Deep deep emerald green leaves make the flower stand out indoors or outdoors. Because it's a type of lily, you should keep it away from cats (especially the bulb).
Flower colors: Orange, red, white, yellow
Light: Partial shade
Hardiness zones: 9 to 111
Soil: Well-drained soil
Height: 2 feet to 3 feet
Angel's Trumpets
Make your home heaven on earth with playful angel trumpets. The whimsical bell-shaped flowers grow quickly and release a fragrant scent after sunset. They can also thrive in containers if provided with enough moisture. Just be mindful of where you plant them since the entire plant is considered toxic. Check in with your local gardening laws and ordinances to be sure it's okay to plant.
Flower colors: Yellow, orange, white, pink
Light: Partial sun
Hardiness zones: 7 to 11
Soil: Acidic soil
Height: 3 to 8 feet
Bougainvillea
You'll feel like you booked a vacation the moment these beauties come into full bloom. Prolific in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, bougainvillea actually originated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In spite of its humid origins, it doesn't require a lot of watering. Just don't expect the year-round flowers you've seen on your travels. In non-tropical regions, bougainvillea's bloom cycle is a little under two months.
Flower colors: Pink, red, purple, orange, yellow
Light: Full sun
Hardiness zones: 9 to 11
Soil: Dry
Height: 3 to 39 feet
Bromeliad
These architectural epiphytes (air plants) native to Central and South America are known for their thick leaves, vibrant center, and relation to pineapples. While the spiked leaves might look hard to care for, the truth is they're beyond easy. The leaves take hydration from humidity in the air, meaning they don't need you to water them. The bromeliad family is vast, with more than 3,000 species to choose from.
Flower colors: Orange, red, pink, yellow
Light: Moderate, no direct sunlight
Hardiness zones: 9 to 10
Soil: Well-drained soil, slightly acidic
Height: 1inch to 3 feet
Penta
Here's the secret to bringing hummingbirds to your yard. Pollinator-attracting penta blooms all summer long, attracting butterflies, bees, and birds to feast on its star-like tropical flowers. It thrives in the sunlight, even on the hottest summer days, as long as it's in well-drained soil.
Flower colors: Red, pink, white, purple
Light: Full sun
Hardiness zones: 10 to 11
Soil: Well-drained acidic soil
Height: 1 to 3 feet
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