Shady Tropical Landscape Ideas

Trees

• Tropical landscape ideas generally include some type of palm tree. A number of palm trees grow in areas where freezes occur during the winter months. The Windmill Palm, Trachycarpus fortunei, is hardy in zones 8A to 11 and prefers shady areas or partial shade, according to SunPalmTrees. It has a slender trunk, about 8 to 10 inches in diameter with a matted, fibrous covering. The leaves are circular with fine teeth along the edges in light to dark green. The Lady Palm, Rhapis excelsa, only grows to 10 feet or less. The trunk is thatched and hairy, and the leaves are fan-shaped with fine leaflets. It not only prefers the shade, but can burn with too much sun. It is hardy in zones 9 through 11.

Ornamental Plants

• Croton, Codiaeum variegatum, is a tropical plant often used for landscaping in warm climates. It does best in a filtered light to bring out its colorful leaves, and it develops more green on the leaves if grown completely in shade. It is hardy in zones 7 to 9. Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia reginae, is a plant with a big impact in shady tropical landscapes. It bears narrow leaves and a flower that produces a flower that resembles a brightly colored, blue and orange bird. It is a cold-sensitive plant that can tolerate brief chills down to 24 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy in zones 9 to 11.

Bromeliads

• Bromeliads are a good idea for landscaping shady areas. They thrive in the shade of taller plants and require a minimum of care. The Guzmania cultivars are commonly seen in tropical landscapes. They have long, dark-green leaves and bear a single flower that comes in a variety of colors. They are hardy in zones 9 to 11. Bilbergia types of bromeliads are hardy in zones 9 and 10. They bear bright pink flowers with yellow pollen, according to CoolExotics.

Ferns

• Ferns add interesting texture and color to tropical landscapes. The Laua'e Fern, Microsorium scolopendria plydodium, grows extensively in the Hawaiian Islands in shady areas. It requires plenty of moisture and warmth for good growth. Its snake-like green stems join with finger-like leaves at ground level. The fronds can be cut and used in flower arrangements and will last for a week, according to Aloha Tropicals. It is hardy in zones 9 to 12. The Japanese Painted Fern, Athyrium niponica spp., also prefers a moist, shady location in landscapes. It has an open texture and makes a good choice for areas near ponds or streams. It is hardy in zone 3 through 8.