Tropical Looking Plants That Can Withstand Freeze

Bulbs

• It’s hard to get a temperate plant that is more tropical looking than a banana. Yes, there is one that is hardy to U.S. Department Of Agricultural hardiness zone 5. It is Musa basjoo, the Japanese fiber banana. This banana does not flower or set fruit and it does die back to ground level in the winter, but it can reach a height of 15 feet or more in one growing season as long as its needs are met. Some varieties of canna and ginger lily bulbs will survive the winter in areas with extended periods of freezing temperatures. The problem with growing many tropical bulbs in cold climates is they absorb water throughout the winter and rot in the ground. The key to getting marginal bulbs to survive is to keep them dry by covering them with 6 inches of pine needle mulch, then covering the mulch with a layer of 6-mL plastic.

Perennials

• Large-leaved perennials certainly stand out in the garden. They are ideal for using as a focal point or for bridging the gap between tall trees or shrubs and the smaller plants below. Rodgersia, ligularia and dinosaur food plant produce leaves that are so large they look like something from a tropical jungle. For example, the leaves on the dinosaur food plant are often 6 feet across. All of these plants flower, but the flowers are insignificant. Be sure to leave plenty of room for these plants to grow so they do not choke out the smaller plants around them.

Vines

• One of the most tropical-looking vines you can plant in a temperate area is Dutchman’s pipe. Not all varieties of this plant will withstand a freeze. The botanical name of the plant is the key piece of information you need to find out in what USDA hardiness zones the Dutchman’s pipe vine you are growing is hardy. Give this vine a strong support to twine up. The mother plant does not require a lot of ground room, but be aware that new plants grow from the roots or from stems of the plant that touch the ground.

Trees

• Not all tropical-looking trees have large leaves. The magnolia, a favorite in southern climates, is one example. This plant produces masses of large, tulip-shaped yellow, white, pink or black flowers in early spring. One variety produces white rose-shaped blooms in early spring. There are even night-blooming varieties of magnolia. Some varieties have leaves that remain evergreen, even in cold climates, although the leaves often turn brown around the edges. The empress tree and the pawpaw are two other tropical-looking trees that withstand freezing temperatures.