Planting tropicals as annuals is a fantastic way to get exotic colors into your landscape.  If you plant them in urns, they are easy to bring indoors before the first frost.  Planting them right into the garden bed is wonderful also for they can be transplanted indoors after the season.  There are some tropical plants that fare better than others outdoors due to light and heat requirements.  A handful of plants that we love at SDG are: Allamanda, Arecaceae,  Brugmanisa, Caladium, Canna, Citrus, Codiaeum variegatum, Colocasia, Gardenia, Hibiscus,  Mandevilla, Phormium, Plumbago auriculata, Strobilanthes dyerianus.

Below are some short descriptions of these plants:

Allamanda (Golden Trumpet) – Trumpet shaped single or double flowers on a climbing vine, which can be pruned to a shrub if desired.

Arecaceae Family (Palm Trees) – There are many varieties of palm trees, most work well.  Just keep in mind, if you would like to save it indoors for continual enjoyment, be sure to have a room or greenhouse tall enough to store it.

Brugmansia (Angel’s Trumpet) – This unusual trumpet flower only blooms at night.  It has a strong fragrance to attract pollinators.

Caladium (Elephant Ear) – This heart shaped leaf comes in many colors and patterns.

Canna (Canna Lily) – These flowers are very ornate and colorful.

Citrus – Lemons, limes and oranges are wonderful to have on hand to add to your favorite food or beverage.

Codiaeum variegatum (Croton) – The more sun these leaves get, the more vibrant in color and pattern they get.

Colocasia (Taro) – Another heart shaped leaf that adds nice texture.  It is commonly green or black and can have a variegated or patterned look as well.

Gardenia (Cape Jasmine) – A very waxy white flower with beautiful form and a heavenly fragrance.

Hibiscus – Very showy flowers of infinite colors and combinations.