Envision living in the comfort of your own home surrounded by a lush tropical environment. Your eyes are delighted every time you glance out the kitchen window by the soothing shades of green. Of course, it is possible to do this and still have a tropical garden with the most divine flowering plants. These are a few of the blooming plants that will enhance the appearance of your indoor tropical garden.
Tropical Flowering Plants to Enhance Your Garden or Patio
The tropical frenzy flower trend in the colors red, purple, orange, and yellow to exuberate an even more tropical vibe to your patio is growing strong and will not go out of trend (for a good reason). Tropical flowering plants just have a way of getting into everyone's hearts and once you start, you won't go back. Just imagine a few rays of sunlight peeking through the highest trees on their wide tropical leaves and visualize having this in your own garden. Nowadays, everyone can re-create this experience and make the guests who come into any house feel completely awe-struck with the tropical plants and flowers they encounter in the backyard.
For best results, you must know which flowering plants do the trick. Whether you're living in a cooler area or in a warmer climate, these plant beauties can soon be part of your lush tropical garden. Here's a list of 10 flowering garden plants to have
1. Passiflora Caerulea
Passiflora Caerulea (or passionflower) is your go-to tropical flowering garden plant if what you're looking for is a dose of a rare shape along with bold colors such as green and purple. With its exotic looks and scent, the Passiflora scrambles over fences and across the borders of any green space. They also grow very well in pots but will need trellis or bamboo poles for support. Watch out though; these hardy vines are eager climbers and will become invasive if left undisturbed. Everything you need to know about Passiflora you can read in the article 'Passiflora Caerulea- The Complete Care Guide and Religious Meaning Behind It'.
2. Hibiscus
Bring a flamenco vibe to the patio and container garden with the beautiful and easy-going Hibiscus. This tropical flowering plant is a winner, even for beginners. You will receive nonstop flowers up to 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter throughout the growing season when you just provide ample sunshine and generous water. The brilliant colors of the Hibiscus are also a treat to butterflies. The flowers of this charming flowering plant vary from hot shades to cool tones and the Hibiscus is indeed considered an all-time favorite around the world.
3. Jasmine (Jasminum)
The Jasmine (Jasminum) plant is an evergreen delight that adds fragrance and height to any garden. With its small, waxy flowers you can enjoy the amazing perfumed scent while the flowers are in full flourishment. One of the best tips is to give them frequent pruning as this will help them keep the slender but vigorous vines inbound. Jasmine plants produce flowers from late spring through early fall. Consider it a fragrant houseplant during the winter in cooler areas though.
4. Bougainvillea
Another favorite! Who says I? Almost everyone has a memory of - or at least a longing for - a sun-kissed afternoon well-spent at the Mediterranean and Bougainvillea flowers surrounding the entire panorama. Why not bring this dreamy destination to your own home by cultivating the vigorous vine Bougainvillea, which grows throughout sunny, dry climates?
Photo: @palmbeachlately
The flowering of the Bougainvillea may slow down during summer but will peak in the fall, as it thrives when day and night lengths are practically equal. Make sure to give this flowering tropical plant full days of sunshine and overwintering in your home is not part of its longevity plan. But, the cheerful bracts will appear quickly on new transplants you install next spring.
4. Calla Lilies
A classic for your garden that is both elegant and dramatic, Calla Lilies come in the richest cheerful colors and are so easy to grow. Ranging from the lightest yellows to the darkest reds, these charmers come with another tropical feature; wide leaves. These pretty leaves will give your garden a boost when the plants are not in bloom. Whether used in borders or containers, they always provide a spectacular effect.
5. Phalaenopsis Orchid
Phalaenopsis Orchids, also known as 'Moth Orchids', are popular type of orchids native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. They are known for their large, flat flowers that can bloom for several months at a time, and their long, arching stems that can reach up to 0.6 meters (2 feet) in length. While Phalaenopsis Orchids are typically grown as indoor houseplants, they can also make great additions to outdoor gardens as tropical plants with flowers. Here are a few reasons why.
These beauties are relatively easy to care for, requiring only regular watering, fertilization, and proper lighting conditions. They can thrive in a variety of outdoor settings, including shaded areas and protected patios. In addition to their stupendous flowers, they also feature attractive, glossy green leaves that can add texture and depth to any garden setting. These flowering plans come in a variety of colors and patterns and can be hybridized to produce unique and beautiful flowers. This can make them a great choice for gardeners looking to add some exotic beauty to their outdoor spaces.
6. Dendrobium Orchid
Dendrobium Orchids are a diverse group of orchids that vary in color, shape, and size. They are native to a variety of climates, including tropical rainforests and mountainous regions, and can be grown as outdoor garden plants in some areas. Many are drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dryness, making them an excellent choice for gardeners in arid areas. These flowering plants can be grown in a variety of garden settings, such as pots, hanging baskets, and on trees or rocks. They can also be grown in a variety of climates, including warm and humid to cool and dry.
Photo: @oron_peri
Overall, these lovely outdoor tropical flowering plants can be a great choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance and long-lasting options.
7. Heliconia (Heliconia Rostrata)
The beauty of Heliconia is like no other when it comes to taking a mental trip to the tropics. Heliconia is a genus of flowering plants native to the tropical Americas and the Pacific Ocean islands. These plants are known for their large, vibrant inflorescences, which can range in color from red and orange to yellow and green.
These exotic flowering plants are often grown as ornamental plants in tropical gardens and can add a touch of exoticness to any outdoor space. They require warm temperatures and moist soil and can be propagated from seeds or by the division of mature plants. Some species of Heliconia can also be grown in containers and make excellent houseplants in bright, humid environments.
8. Plumeria (Plumeria Rubra)
Plumeria is a genus of eleven species of shrubs and small trees in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) native to tropical America from Brazil to Mexico and the Caribbean. With common names of plumeria and frangipani, a few species and hybrids are grown as ornamentals in tropical and sub-tropical areas worldwide for attractive and fragrant flowers.
Since they are pollinated by night-flying sphinx moths, the flowers begin to release their fragrance in the evening, but they can still have a lovely floral scent at other times. The flowers are used for making leis on many Pacific Islands. Definitely another favorite when it comes to flowering plants to add to your tropical garden!
9. Nelumbo Nucifera Lotus
The Nelumbo nucifera, also known as the 'Sacred Lotus', is a tropical flowering plant that is considered one of the best outdoor plants due to its unique beauty and adaptability. It produces large, striking flowers in colors such as white, pink, red, and yellow. The flowers are typically held above the water on long stems and can reach up to 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) in diameter.
This type of lotus is a hardy and adaptable plant that can thrive in a range of water conditions, from still to flow, and in a variety of temperatures. It can grow in shallow or deep water and can tolerate periods of drought.
10. Nymphaea Lotus
Last but not least in the list of top 10 flowering plants for a tropical garden is the Nymphaea Lotus. It is generally considered a tropical flowering plant, as it is native to regions of Africa and the Middle East that have warm and humid climates. While it can tolerate a range of temperatures and growing conditions, it typically thrives in warm, tropical environments with plenty of sunlight and water. In cooler or temperate climates, it may require additional care and protection to ensure its survival and optimal growth.
It's considered one of the most beautiful tropical flowering plants and one of the most exotic flowers for a garden as it has large, round leaves that can grow up to 45 cm (18 inches) in diameter, with a slightly wavy edge. The leaves are green on the top and purple underneath and float on the water's surface. The flowers are large and showy, with a creamy white color and a bright yellow center.
Benefits of Having Flowering Tropical Plants in Your Garden
There are many benefits of having tropical flowering plants in your garden, beyond the aesthetic appeal they provide.
Flowering plants are great pollinator attractors! These types of plants are a great way to attract pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, to your garden. These insects and animals are important for the pollination of many fruits and vegetables, which makes them essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Improved air quality is greatly provided by these plants. Flowering tropical plants can help to improve the air quality in your garden and surrounding areas. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen, which makes them an important part of the natural air purification process.
Having a garden full of tropical flowering plants can help reduce your levels of stress. Spending time in nature has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health, and the presence of flowering plants in your garden can contribute to this. The sight and scent of flowers can help to reduce stress levels and promote feelings of relaxation and well-being.
By incorporating a variety of flowering plants into your garden, you can help to increase biodiversity in your local ecosystem. This can help support a range of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals.
Probably the main reason why many love adding flowering tropical plants is because of the color, texture, and extra volume they can add to any outdoor space. If you feel your backyard is lacking a push of color or needs different shapes, it's time to add flowering plants to your patio. They'll completely change the way it looks amazingly, and best of all, you'll have a garden you enjoy visiting, watering, and caring for every single day.
This is the sign you've been waiting for to make your garden look tropical with a side of full colorful alternatives.
