21 Tropical-Looking Plants That Grow in Cool Northern Climates

You do n’t need palm trees or twelvemonth - round heat energy to land tropical flair into your garden . Even in cool northern climates — where wintertime bite and summers are short — it ’s totally potential to grow a garden that feels exotic , lush , and vivacious . With the correct plant palette , you’re able to capture thedrama , color , and texture of the tropicswithout leaving your hardiness geographical zone .

The trick ? opt plants thatlooklike they belong in a rainforest but have the resiliency to make it frost , nose candy , and shorter growing seasons . Frombroad - leave perennialsand sheer - colored annuals tohardy exoticsand cold - resistant ornamental , there are more options than most gardeners realize . These plants might not be actual hobo camp natives , butthey extract off the illusion attractively .

Banana Plant (Musa Basjoo)

The banana plant life brings a signature of the tropics with its broad , architectural leaves that sway gently in the breeze . Although it wo n’t wear eatable fruit in cooler climate , it create a dramatic backcloth in any garden . Hardy to zone as low as 5 , this plant dies back in winter , only to pip up with energy come in spring . Its hulk front makes it ideal for create natural privacy screen or as a focal point in a garden bed .

Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica)

With its glossy , bridge player - shaped leaves , Japanese Aralia adds a exuberant , tropic feel to shaded garden areas . It ’s everlasting for those cunning spots where other plants might falter . Not only does it thrive in low lighter , but it ’s also amazingly hardy , even withstanding scant hoar . Its bold leafage provide texture and contrast , complementing fern and other wraith - loving companion . This plant ’s adaptability makes it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a tactile sensation of elegance .

Canna Lily

Canna lily are showstoppers with their bright , fervid blooms and striking foliage . These plants are wonderful for adding height and color to your garden . Though they thrive in full sun , they can tolerate partial shade , making them versatile additions . During tardy summertime , their flowers burst forth , attracting pollinators . To ascertain winter survival in colder mood , dig up rhizomes and store them until fountain . Their tropic flair is unmatched , spend a penny them worth the supernumerary exertion .

Elephant Ears (Colocasia)

Few plants can compete with the spectacular impact of Elephant Ears . Their enormous , tenderness - shaped parting create a bold affirmation in any garden mount . skillful develop in moist , well - drained soil , they fly high in partial shade but can manage full sun with decent watering . While they may not be cold - hardy , storing the bulb over winter is a simple labor . Their impose stature and lush appearance make them a garden deary for those search play and scale .

Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)

Hardy Hibiscus revel with its enormous , colorful blossom , reminiscent of a tropical getaway . Despite their exotic appearance , these plants withstand colder climate and bring back every year . set in full sunshine , they become a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies . Their blooms , often spanning over 8 inch , cater a arresting display from mid to late summer . This perennial makes a spectacular addition to any garden , blend seamlessly with both traditional and contemporaneous landscapes .

Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis)

With its striking red to purple leaves and spiky seed pods , the Castor Bean Plant is a captivating summation to any garden . While it ’s originate for ornamental role in cool mood , care is apprize due to its toxic seeds . It ’s often used as a affirmation industrial plant , adding height and vibrant color to mixed edge . Fast - growing and easy to maintain , it thrives in gay positions and well - drained grunge . Its bold appearance can transmute a garden into a tropical retreat .

New Zealand Flax (Phormium)

New Zealand Flax captivates with its sword - like leaves that come in a spectrum of colors , from bronze to tap . This versatile industrial plant is a staple in modern garden pattern , offering year - bout interest . It flourish in sunny , well - drain place and is particularly well - suited for coastal garden . Resistant to fart and salt , it ’s everlasting for break area . The architectural form of Phormium adds body structure , while its color variant heighten any planting scheme .

Yucca (Yucca filamentosa)

Yucca stand out with its spiky , evergreen leave and towering peak spikes , stir a desert landscape . Surprisingly fearless , it thrives in poor , sandy soils and requires little maintenance . Its drouth tolerance name it ideal for xeriscaping , adding texture to rock gardens or juiceless boundary line . The striking flower stalking , reaching up to 6 feet , impart vertical interest and draw pollinators . Yucca ’s full-bodied nature and salient visual aspect make it a valuable improver to any garden .

Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)

Blue Fescue is a grass that bring a trace of nerveless elegance with its silvern - juicy tussock . This low - growing decorative green goddess is consummate for butt against , rock candy gardens , or mass planting . It requires minimal charge and thrives in full sun with well - drain land . Its fine grain and singular color provide a spectacular dividing line against big , green - leaf plant . In summertime , it produces delicate flower spike , adding motion and interest . Its drought resistance and summary form make it a garden favorite .

Gunnera (Gunnera manicata)

Gunnera , often referred to as ‘ Dinosaur Food ’ , is get laid for its mammoth , umbrella - like foliage . It creates a prehistorical ambience by ponds or dampish area . boom in rich , damp soil , it can address the coldness as long as it ’s move over a thick mulch in wintertime . Its colossal leaves offer tax shelter to wildlife and make an unforgettable visual command . Gunnera ’s striking ordered series and comportment are perfect for those looking to make a sheer wallop in their garden .

Sweet Box (Sarcococca confusa)

Sweet Box is a joy in the winter garden with its glossy foliage and intoxicatingly fragrant white flowers . This shade - loving shrub make full the breeze with scent when slight else bloom . It ’s well - suited for woodland garden or shaded edge , thriving in well - drained , fertile dirt . Not only is it evergreen , but it ’s also low maintenance , get it an excellent choice for engaged nurseryman . Its ability to fetch fragrance and greenery to shaded areas is unmatched .

Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)

Japanese Forest Grass creates a falls of vivacious unripened , adding cause and texture to shaded garden . This cosmetic sens is ideal for adding unmanliness to the landscape , with its graceful , arch figure . It thrives in moist , well - drained soil and performs best in fond to full shade . In autumn , the foliation transforms to a golden hue , extending its interestingness beyond summer . Its gentle presence and adaptability make it a cherished addition to any garden setting .

Hardy Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)

The Hardy Palm defy anticipation by thrive in cooler climates , bringing a slice of the tropics to northern garden . Its fan - similar leaves add a touch of exotic elegance , create a focal point in any landscape . While it can withstand temperatures as low as -10 ° F , it prefer a sheltered spot with well - drained soil . This palm ’s adaptability and resiliency make it a standout choice for those seeking tropical flair in unexpected places .

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Fiddle Leaf Fig has taken the indoor works world by violent storm with its expectant , glossy leave-taking and stately bearing . Though traditionally an indoor plant , it can be moved outside in the summer month in cooler climates . It thrives in vivid , collateral light and favour consistent watering , though it ’s forgiving of periodic neglect . Its hit foliage adds architectural interest , making it a dearie for national interior decorator and works enthusiasts likewise .

Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus wagnerianus)

Windmill Palm institute a tropic vibe to northern garden with its succinct , fan - like folio . Not only is it insensate - hardy , but it also conform well to container horticulture , making it various for patios and little spaces . It thrive in well - drained soil and full to fond sun , requiring minimum criminal maintenance . With a tolerance for lead , this decoration is perfect for expose areas , adding an alien touch without the gamy alimony of true tropical palms .

Chinese Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus princeps)

Chinese Windmill Palm boasts a lissome trunk and fan - forge leafage that call down a tropic heaven , yet it surprises with its stale leeway . Ideal for urban landscape painting , it flourish in well - drained soil and full sun to partial shade . Its resilience to wind and adaptability to various conditions make it a hardheaded option for city gardens . The palm adds perpendicular interest and a touch of the alien , enhancing both contemporaneous and traditional preferences .

European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)

European Fan Palm is a various , frigid - hardy ribbon that adds Mediterranean good luck charm to gardens . Its fan - shaped leave form a dense , rounded clump , perfect for adding texture and interest . desirable for both garden beds and large containers , it thrives in well - drain land and full sun . Tolerant of current of air and salt , it ’s an first-class alternative for coastal gardens . Whether used as a focal point or in groups , this ribbon volunteer a touch of the alien with minimum fuss .

Japanese Banana (Musa sikkimensis)

Japanese Banana enchants with its broad , red - tinged leaves , mimicking a tropical paradise while enduring the chill . Hardy to zone 5 , the plant dies back in wintertime but return robustly in bound . It thrives in rich , well - drain soil and full sun , creating instant tropic allure . Its speedy growth induce it hone for quickly filling empty spaces . Though it does n’t fruit in cool climates , its take up foliage establish it a must - have for tropical garden enthusiast .

Himalayan Fairy Grass (Miscanthus nepalensis)

Himalayan Fairy Grass offers a delicate touch with its feathery , gilt plumes that dance in the breeze . This ornamental grass flourish in full sunshine and well - drained soil , provide grain and movement from recent summer into surrender . Its elegant form complements both forward-looking and traditional garden pattern , offering a soft contrast to bolder flora . The feather remain attractive through winter , supply interest when other plants slice . It ’s a low-down - maintenance choice for gardener seek year - cycle charm .

Cape Fuchsia (Phygelius)

Cape Fuchsia magic spell with its tubular , violent - orangeness flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators . boom in full Sunday to partial shade , this flora tender vibrant color from summertime into gloaming . It ’s well - suited for borders or containers , where its thick leaf adds depth and grain . Hardy to cool climates , Cape Fuchsia persist evergreen plant in milder areas , leave year - round interest group . Its extended blooming stop and minimum attention requirements make it a popular choice in diverse garden configurations .

Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia)

Himalayan Blue Poppy captivates with its rare , sky - gentle flowers , offering a cool splash of color in shaded gardens . Preferring moist , well - drained soil and partial nuance , it ’s a bit picky but worth the effort for its sensational efflorescence . This poppy is perfect for woodland gardens , where its ethereal front can be take account up close . While it can be a challenge to grow , the wages of those breathless blue flush is unmatched , urinate it a prized addition for adventuresome nurseryman .

21 Tropical-Looking Plants That Grow in Cool Northern Climates