Turn Your Garden into a Tropical Paradise: Discover 23 Cold Hardy Tropical and Tropical-Looking Plants!

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🌴🌸 Welcome to Your Backyard Oasis! 🌸🌴

Do you dream of sipping coconut water under swaying palm trees but find yourself in a cooler climate? Fret not! You can transform your garden into a tropical paradise with cold-hardy tropical and tropical-looking plants. 🥥🏝️

Many of us yearn for the lush, vibrant allure of tropical foliage after returning from a vacation in paradise. But what if we told you that you could recreate that experience right at home? 🌿✨

In this exciting gardening adventure, we’ll introduce you to 23 captivating cold-hardy tropical plants that will thrive even in cooler zones. With a little planning and the right plants, you can have a slice of the tropics right in your own backyard. 🏡🌞

Cold-Resistant Tropical Plants
The warm, humid conditions that characterize a tropical climate are loved by the plants that thrive there. Rainfall in tropical climates is also common.

Tropical surroundings are typically lush and colorful due to the climate. Nighttime lows in these places don’t go below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

The constant heat and humidity in the tropics cause plants to grow enormously quickly.

Please check out the options in your area as this list is by no means complete. These are a few of my favorite cold-tolerant tropical plants.

Also, don’t solely rely on plants to create a tropical atmosphere. Use hammocks, a pergola, strategically positioned chairs, or outdoor beds.

Let’s embark on this tropical journey together and unlock the secrets to creating your very own tropical oasis. 🌺🌴

1. Hardy Japanese Banana (Musa basjoo)

Imagine banana leaves that scream “tropical paradise” right in your garden.
With proper mulching, these plants survive chilly winters.
Delightful speckled flowers in blues, pinks, purples, and yellows add a splash of color. 🍌🍭🌸

Make sure to cut the tree to the ground after the first frost and mulch the stump heavily to protect it from the cold throughout the winter.

This tropical plant’s wonderfully speckled blossoms come in shades of blue, pink, purple, and yellow. Toad lilies prefer somewhat shaded areas with excellent soil and bloom toward the end of the summer.

They are cultivable in USDA Zones 4 through 9. With a helping layer of mulch, the majority will survive the winter, and you can divide the roots in the spring to grow further plants.

As a result, the plant will continue to develop and, in some circumstances, reach a height of more than 20 feet. The 12-foot-long tropical leaves are not uncommon.

The spikes of yellow flowers that resemble bananas are poisonous.

Try the following to preserve the stem to ensure that resilient bananas thrive even in the coldest climates:

Cut the leaves off of two or three stems that you want to keep safe. The stems should first be wrapped in old, thin blankets or insulation before being covered in plastic. If you don’t want the blankets to get wet, tie the plastic on.

Until the threat of spring frosts has passed, wrap the entire area in a plastic garbage bag. Giving the resilient banana a head start will ideally result in growth that is twice as large for the year as it would be if you let the plant die off above ground or chopped it back. Click here to Buy a Musa Basjoo Banana Tree.

You can also find hardy banana plants at Logees.com.

2. Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)

These hardy beauties bloom in the shade, perfect for a tropical understory.
Orchid-like pink flowers are a charming addition to your garden.
Suitable for USDA Zones 4-9 with some winter mulching. 🌼🌿🌱

The banana foliage in your garden can be enjoyed without traveling to a beachfront resort. Hardy banana trees, such as the Japanese banana tree, can endure temperatures as low as -20 F and can thrive as far north as USDA Zone 5.

Like their tropical siblings, these statement plants may reach heights of up to 13 feet and generate a lot of lush green foliage. Just keep in mind that they are just ornamental and won’t bear fruit that can be eaten.

Another plant that appears at home in every warm, humid tropical environment is the toad lily (Tricyrtis hirta). The intriguing aspect is that it is resilient down to Zone 4. Additionally, it blossoms in the shadow.

The pink blossoms resemble orchids.

3. Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Native to the southern United States, this passionflower survives temperatures down to -20°F.
Beautiful purple flowers and egg-sized yellow berries are a treat.
A tropical-looking vine that’s hardy and exotic. 🍇🌼❄️

This resilient passionflower, also known as a Maypop, is a native of the southern United States, despite perhaps looking more at home on an alien planet.

Maypops are tough to find at local garden centers, so buy them online from Logee’s or Amazon.

It can thrive when grown over fences or trellises and can withstand temperatures as low as –20 °F.

But take heed! Passionflowers have the potential to be aggressive and trample other species in their path when given the right growing conditions.

Passionflower is a tropical-looking vine even though it isn’t a true tropical plant, especially when it is in full bloom and before the fruit forms.

This vine, sometimes known as maypop, can tolerate low temperatures of -20oF. As much sunlight and water as you can provide, then relax and savor the fruit as it falls off the vine. Even the flavor is tropical.

Click here to check the price of Maypop (Passion Flower) on Amazon.

4. Canna Lily (Canna indica)

The go-to tropical plant for home gardeners.
Quick-growing and adaptable, perfect for USDA Zones 8-11.
Stunning blooms by midsummer and lush foliage for that tropical centerpiece. 🌺🍃🌞

For good reason, the canna lily is frequently recognized as the greatest tropical plant for home gardeners.

It can grow year-round in USDA growth zones 8–11 and is quickly growing and adaptable to a variety of growing environments. All other gardeners should remove the bulbs in the fall so they can be saved for spring planting.

Canna lilies should be planted in moist soil and given a lot of compost throughout the growth season for optimal results. The flowers should begin to bloom by midsummer, but anyone who wants a tropical-themed garden may use them as a focal point in the interim thanks to their stunning leaves. Click here to Buy a Canna Lily.

5. Ginger (Zingiber)

Shade-loving ginger thrives in hot, humid conditions.
Ideal for USDA Zones 7-10.
Harvest your homegrown ginger for curries, soups, and more. 🍛🌱🍽️

Even though it prefers shade, this plant needs hot, humid weather to grow a large portion of its valued root. Ginger can be grown outside in USDA Zones 7 through 10, but I’ve also had success growing it in high tunnels all around Michigan.

You can take ginger from your garden to use in curries, soups, beverages, and other dishes as long as you don’t allow the plants to encounter temps below 50 degrees F.

6. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)

Add a touch of the Jurassic period to your garden.
Thrives in zones 4-8 and loves the shade.
Slow-spreading, low-maintenance, and striking foliage. 🌿🦖🎨

A sturdy Japanese-painted fern will help your landscape evoke the Jurassic era. This plant with jewel-toned leaves thrives in zones 4 through 8, and it even received the 2004 Perennial Plant of the Year award.

It’s a slow-growing, low-maintenance plant that does well in shade and has eye-catching foliage, making it ideal for gardeners between USDA zones 3-8. Click here to Buy a Hardy Ferns, Japanese Painted Fern.

7. Jumbo Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta)

Native to southeast Asia, these plants produce massive leaves.
Thrive through USDA Zone 7, indoors in colder regions.
Dramatic, tropical-looking leaves that can’t be missed. 🐘🍃🌱

Elephant ears, which are native to Southeast Asia, have enormous leaves that make any garden stand out. The bulb roots, also known as taro, have a mild flavor akin to a potato and the leaves can grow to heights of over six feet.

Through USDA Zone 7, they can be grown outside year round, and growers in colder climates can enjoy them in pots that they bring indoors for the winter. The bulbs can also be dug up each fall and stored in a cold, dry spot until being replanted in the spring.

To put it mildly, elephant ear leaves have a tropical appearance in size. Amazingly, this striking plant is made of delicate tubers.

There is only one requirement for growing elephant ear in a cold climate, and you can plant them in any type of soil. The tuber must be dug up as soon as the first frost occurs and kept indoors until spring, when it can be planted again.

8. Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)

The cold-hardy champ of palm species in the U.S.
Hardy through USDA Zone 7 and perfect for containers.
Plant in a protected spot with mulch for winter survival. 🌴❄️🌬️

The USDA Zone 7 hardiness of windmill palms makes them the most cold-tolerant palm species cultivated in the United States, however they can thrive in colder areas with the right protection. Most will reach heights of 10 to 20 feet and prefer full to partial sunlight.

For additional protection in chilly times, you can either keep them in pots or plant them outside. Make sure the palm is planted in a wind-sheltered area with lots of mulch to give it the best chance of surviving winter. On days when it gets below freezing, you might wish to cover it with burlap.

9. Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Native to North America, these trees offer creamy, tropical-flavored fruit.
Perfect for river bottoms and wet areas in USDA Zones 5-9.
Enjoy a taste of the equator right from your backyard. 🌳🍈🌧️

Even though they are not exactly tropical plants, pawpaw trees should be mentioned for their creamy fruits, which have an equatorial flavor.

Native to North America, this understory tree yields up to 30 pounds of yellow fruit each year with a flavor that is a cross between mango and banana. For an exotic flavour from your own backyard, bake the fruit into bread or other pastries instead of eating it fresh.

Not keen on cultivating your own? In many parts of North America, pawpaw fruit can also be foraged. Riverbanks and other locations that experience year-round moisture are ideal for these trees to flourish.

10. Jelly Palm (Butia capitata)

Cold hardy down to 10°F, these palms stay compact in cooler climates.
Plant directly in the ground in USDA Zones 6 and higher.
Harvest palm fruits for jams, and jellies. 🍇🌴

This small tree, sometimes known as a pindo palm, is a striking addition to any yard and is hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

The majority only reach a height of ten feet or less, and in the summer, they yield orange fruits with a pineapple-like flavor. The fruits can be consumed raw, made into jam, or, if you’re feeling particularly daring, fermented to make wine in your backyard.

Jelly palm (Butia capitata), one of the cold-hardiest tropical palms, thrives at temperatures as low as 10. Jelly palms can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet in cool areas while remaining very compact. Jelly palms can also be grown in containers, which keeps them even more confined.

Gardeners can grow Jelly Palms straight in the ground in USDA Zones 6 and higher.

11. Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)

Channel the spirit of Hawaii with these hardy shrubs.
Survive winter temperatures down to USDA Zone 4.
Enormous plate-sized blooms for a tropical paradise at home. 🌺🌴❄️

Use a Hardy Hibiscus to simulate a Hawaii trip at home. These evergreen bushes can resist winter temperatures as low as USDA Zone 4 and produce spectacular blossoms the size of dinner plates. How admirable is that?

Planting hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos, H. laevis, and their hybrids) will reward you with plate-sized blooms. You’ll be rewarded with flowers that can be blue, purple, red, pink, or white if you give it full light and lots of water.

The south side of your house or another warm location with full sun exposure is where you’ll have the most success growing hibiscus. To keep the plant from becoming stressed, keep the soil moist and well-mulched. Though it’s a slow grower, this tropical houseplant relative will give you beautiful blossoms from late summer on.

12. Clumping Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris)

Tall, tropical, and non-invasive clumping bamboo.
Aim for a mountain variety that’s hardy down to -15°F.
Create a bamboo haven in your garden, minus the wild spread. 🎍🌄🍃

The tallest member of the grass family, bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can be used as a privacy barrier, a focal point in a garden, or as a natural windbreak. It can be grown in USDA Zones 5 through 9. The majority of species grow eight to 25 feet tall, and they typically thrive in midday shade.

As other bamboo species have a tendency to be aggressive and may soon take over your entire yard by growing a foot or more each day, make sure to stay with clumping kinds.

When people hear the word bamboo, they typically picture the kind that completely takes over their garden and the gardens of their neighbors.

Running bamboo is that. We are discussing bamboo that grows in clumps. It doesn’t spread quickly and is tall and tropical.

Choose a mountain type that can withstand temperatures of –15°F.

Culms are the upright canes seen in bamboo. Reduce any culms that have grown stale and uninteresting to the ground. Cut any drooping, crooked, or damaged culms to leave only the ones sticking straight up for a truly dramatic impression. Click here to Buy a Clumping Bamboo.

13. Chicago Hardy Fig Tree (Ficus carica)

Surprisingly cold-hardy fig trees for Midwest and beyond (Zone 5).
Produce up to 100 pints of fresh fruit per year.
A privacy screen with a taste of the tropics. 🌳🍇🏠

As surprising as it may seem, fig trees can be grown in the Midwest and even further north through USDA Zone 5 if you pick the right kind. Chicago Hardy Fig Trees can yield up to 100 quarts of fresh fruit year and do best in sunny areas with well-drained soil.

The majority of fig trees are not cold hardy and can be grown as low as Zone 7. However, there are two types that can endure extremely low temperatures and are hardy down to Zone 5.

‘Chicago Hardy’ or ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ are your choices. These varieties will produce good, tropical fruit in cooler climates since they are not overly picky about the soil and environmental factors.

If your space only allows for one tree, you can still get by. The trees are self-pollinating. But if you’re feeling particularly inventive, the low branching behavior of this fig tree makes it ideal for growing a natural privacy screen.

14. Hardy Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

USDA Zones six and above can enjoy the intoxicating scent of jasmine.
Requires cold winters to bloom the following year.
Train these vines on trellises for tropical allure. 🌸🌼🌞

Those who live in USDA Zones six and higher can grow jasmine at home because to its alluring aroma, which makes it a favorite in the tropics. In order for this hardy species to blossom the next year, it actually needs chilly winters.

Give jasmine vines lots of water, direct sunlight, and trellising to support them for maximum success. Blooms are possible from late spring through the end of summer in ideal circumstances. You can purchase hardy Jasmine at Logees.com.

15. Hardy Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)

Thrive in USDA Zones 6-7, with extra mulching in colder regions.
Pendant-like flowers and trailing branches up to ten feet tall.
Add vibrant color to your shaded garden. 🌷🍃❄️

The USDA Zones 6-7 are ideal for these perennial blooming shrubs, but you can try your luck in colder climates provided you mulch the plant’s base well in advance of winter. The plant is well-known for its pendant-shaped flowers that droop from up to ten-foot-tall branches.

If you can, keep your hardy fuchsia out of the afternoon sun and in moist, nourishing soil. It ought to begin blooming in the spring and keep doing so until the first frost. To protect the plant from the cold in the fall, be sure to cover the crown with a six-inch layer of mulch.

The hardy fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica) is not the same as the fragile type that most people are accustomed to. The maximum height and width of this species are each 10 feet. The gorgeous pendulous flowers are similar to those of sensitive fuchsia, but the essential distinction is that hardy fuchsia thrives down to USDA Growing Zone 6.

16. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Vigorous vines that bloom tubular, tropical-looking flowers.
Attract hummingbirds and provide a canopy of beauty all summer.
Thrive in USDA zones 4-9. 🌺🍃🐦

This hardy vine thrives on trellises and pergolas, where it covers the structure in summer-long tubular, tropical-looking blossoms. The trumpet vine is prized for drawing hummingbirds, but in the wrong environment, it might become invasive.

While the vine grows well in USDA zones 4 through 9, it will substantially wither throughout the winter.

17. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)

Ideal for hot summer weather, these vines quickly grow over six feet.
Perfect for trellises or as ground cover.
Lush and lime green for a tropical touch. 🌿🍠☀️

Although this luscious vine may only be grown as an annual throughout the United States, its quick growth makes it a perfect bedding plant for regions with hot summers.

When cultivated in the sun or some shade, sweet potato vines, which are lime green, will quickly exceed six feet in length. The vines can be allowed to climb over trellises, or you can pinch them back at twelve inches to develop a bushier plant.

18. Caladium (Caladium)

Add bright colors to shaded areas with these stunning plants.
Thrive in moist soil with good drainage.
Lift bulbs in fall for winter storage and replant in spring. 🌈🌱❄️

Caladiums will add vibrant hues to the greenery in your shaded area. They come in a range of reds and greens, with the veins showing the brightest tones. Although many people also have success growing caladium in containers, it does best in wet, shaded soil with sufficient drainage.

Only hardy to USDA Zone 9, these heat-loving plants cannot withstand freezing. To keep the bulbs for the winter, you can dig them up in the fall. When the weather warms up, replant the bulbs, so keep them in a cold, dark place.

Hardy hibiscus prefers the tropical sun, whereas caladium (Caladium spp.) prefers the shade and is a tropical flower.

Caladium, which comes in a variety of colors and enjoys damp soil, is a bulb that may be dug up and kept indoors until the following spring.

When the daily temperature reaches the mid to low 50oF range, caladium should be removed. The bulbs should be dug up and placed inside. Before removing the tops, give them a week or so to dry. The bulbs should be kept at a constant 60oF in a dry, well-ventilated location.

19. Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta)

Fast-growing kiwi vines with grape-sized fruits in late summer.
Thrive in USDA Zones 3-9 and ideal for pergolas and trellises.
Smooth, sweet, and entirely edible kiwis. 🥝🌿🌤️

This quickly expanding relative of the store-bought fuzzy green fruit has a distinct allure.

In the late summer, hardy kiwi vines produce smooth, grape-sized, delicious fruits that can be consumed whole. The vines will flourish across USDA Zones 3-9. This is the best part. The vines require a lot of support, which makes pergolas or other trellising systems the perfect solution for them.

20. Giant Rhubarb (Gunnera manicata)

Hardy down to Zone 7, perfect for containers.
Provides that striking tropical look.
Lift from the ground and store during winter in peat. 🌿❄️🌱

In order to take the giant rhubarb (Gunnera manicata) inside to a garage or shed to go dormant, it is ideal to grow it in a sizable pot in your tropical garden.

Only hardy to Zone 7, this plant is nonetheless valuable for the tropical appearance it offers. This needs to be lifted out of the ground and stored in peat for the winter if it is planted there.

21. Daylilies

Ideal for a cool tropical-inspired garden.
Perennials that require little attention once established.
Modern cultivars are less invasive. 🌼🌱🏡

Daylilies, which are not technically true lilies, are an excellent complement to a tropical-themed garden in a cool location. Once established, they are a perennial that needs little maintenance, and more recent cultivars have a tendency to spread more slowly.

22. Bird of Paradise

Mexican Bird of Paradise is cold-hardy to 24°F.
Grow in containers to move indoors in frost-prone areas.
Enjoy the exotic look of these tropical wonders. 🦜🌼🌦️

The Mexican Bird of Paradise cultivar, which does best in tropical climates, can withstand freezing temperatures of up to 24oF. Grow in containers that you can bring indoors if you experience a lot of frost.

23. Hosta

Some hosta cultivars and hybrids are perfect for cold regions.
Grow in partial shade with moist soil enriched with well-rotted manure.
Patiently wait for these beauties to grace your garden. 🌱🍂🏡

Hostas are wonderful for providing more substantial ground cover in tropical gardens, although some cultivars and hybrids are ideal for cold climates. Such cultivars include “Lakeside Shore Master” and “Dancing Queen.”

They enjoy moist soil and will thrive under some shade. To give them lots of energy to survive lower weather, dig in well-rotted manure.

However, you must have patience because it may take the plants three years or more to begin producing fruit, and you must make sure you have both male and female species on hand.

5 Tips for Growing Cold-Tolerant Tropical Plants:

Finding the correct cold-tolerant tropical plants is the first step, but there are other things you can do to ensure that your tropical and tropical-looking plants thrive even in harsher climes.

Mulch: Mimic the tropics by mulching generously to retain moisture and warmth.

Imagine the normal tropical setting. As quickly growing plants shed their leaf, the majority of them have dense layers of organic material on the ground. Mulch retains moisture and keeps the soil warm as long as possible into the fall and winter.

It’s usually a good idea to mulch. It is a 100% need for delicate tropical-looking plants. Don’t cut corners on mulch! Mulch will keep weeds at bay while also beautifying your garden beds. It is essential for keeping moisture in the soil and protecting the roots of your plants from extreme heat and cold.
Water Well: Water deeply rather than frequently, replicating tropical rain patterns.

Most tropical locations get sudden, heavy rain as opposed to intermittent light drizzle. Water your tropical plants well, then wait for the ground to dry up before doing it again.

Except for a few, like the toad lily, most plants prefer to have their roots deeply wet. Before you water them again, let them dry out a little after you’ve already done so. Instead of using the “little and often” strategy, thoroughly water your plant—but only when it requires it.
Fertilize: Feed your tropical plants as they would in their native habitat.

In tropical conditions, the thick layers of organic matter naturally feed the plants. This implies that we will need to feed the tropical plants more if we want to grow them in cooler climates.

Like their relatives that grow in true tropical conditions, cold-hard tropical plants benefit from the correct plant fertilizers. Because no two plants are alike, not all plants require the same nutrients in the same quantities. Here are some excellent nutrients for various plant species.

If one is available, use it as directed by the manufacturer and use it on tropical plants.
Consult Experts: Seek advice from local growers and read plant labels for specific care instructions.

Speak with local, knowledgeable producers and distributors of tropical plants. You can gain wonderful ideas that increase the chances of tropical plants in cooler places by learning about the specific requirements of many of these plants.

Like all plants, cold-tolerant tropical plants have unique requirements for light, water, and soil. Make sure you can meet the needs of your new plant by doing more research than simply checking your USDA Growing Zones.

The majority of the tropical plants listed here can endure extremely cold temperatures. But for them to thrive, high humidity and steady moisture are essential.
Winterize: Protect your plants from the cold by bringing them indoors or providing proper winter care.

When temperatures really drop, some of your cold-hardy tropical plants may need to be moved indoors. Others, such as hardy bananas, could require dense mulching and cutting back to the ground.

It all boils down to how well a plant is winterized when growing delicate plants (like the resilient banana) near the boundary of their growing zone. For further protection from the cold in Zones 5 and 6, for instance, you must trim your banana to the ground and mulch it with a mound of straw.

For protection from the winter chill, other plants, like the fig tree, may also need to be moved into a shed or garage.

Before bringing a cold-tolerant tropical plant home, do some homework on proper winterizing. This is particularly valid if your garden is located at the cooler limit of its growth region.

It’s thrilling to grow tropical plants that can withstand frigid temperatures. It is possible for nearly anyone to produce a garden with a tropical feel and look thanks to hardy plants like the sturdy banana and canna lily. For a unique and enjoyable garden experience, try a few of these cold-tolerant tropical plants yourself. Happy expanding!

Dr. Earth Exotic Blend Fertilizer for Tropical Plants

Non-GMO organic fertilizer for palm, tropical and hibiscus plants. Handcrafted from human and feed grade ingredients, and enriched with multi-minerals. No synthetic ingredients. A very highly rated fertilizer. Check price on Amazon.

Grow More Hawaiian Bud and Bloom Fertilizer

A high-quality water-soluble concentrated fertilizer that contains no urea. Considered a top bloom formula in commercial agriculture, and an excellent fertilizer for virtually all flowering plants. Can be used in soil and foliar applications. Check price on Amazon.

Jobe’s Organics fruit and citrus plant food

A fast-acting, organic granular fertilizer for fruit and citrus trees. OMRI listed for organic gardening by USDA. (Certified organic means no synthetic chemicals.) Improves soil conditions, and helps trees resist disease, insects,and drought. Check price on Amazon.

Nelson Plant Food for flowering tropicals

Balanced ingredients to encourage flower blooms. Higher phosphorus content produces more blooms, while sulfur helps increase soil acidity (which tropical plants love). Can be used for flowering trees, shrubs, tree ferns, orchids, plumeria and more. Check price on Amazon.

Growing cold-hardy tropical plants is an exciting adventure. From hardy bananas to clumping bamboo, these plants offer a taste of the tropics right in your backyard. Explore these unique varieties and bring the allure of the tropics to your garden. Happy planting! 🌴🌺🌿

Learn about the specifics of your chosen varieties.

Cold-hardy tropical plants can be hard to find in local stores. That’s why we have included some of our favorite website sources for these plants, including logees.com and Amazon.