Adding a Taste of the Tropics Outdoors in Ohio

It only takes a few plants to cast a tropical look upon a garden. Although our gardening zone here isn’t strictly tropical, it’s still possible to include some tropical and tropical-looking plants in our landscapes to create a lush summer oasis that hints at a vibrant paradise.

Bring Houseplants Outdoors for Tropical Flair

A simple way to add a tropical touch to your garden is to place houseplants among your outside ornamentals. As many of our houseplants originated in tropical, semi-tropical or desert zones, they’re right at home in the summer garden.  Potted citrus trees produce fruit and fragrance. A “tree” of tillandsias (air plants) creates an amazing sculpture. A single large stag-horn fern hanging from the side of a sturdy shade tree is another eye-catcher. Giant monsteras, When summer ends, simply shower the plants, look for insects and treat if necessary, and reinstall them in the house to provide winter enjoyment.

Summer Tropical Bulbs

Beautiful bulbs can add a tropical vibe to your garden with very little care or maintenance. Here are a few of our favorite summer bulb additions to the tropical garden, but remember that these plants are not winter hardy here and the bulbs must be dug up and stored inside for the winter.

• Caladiums: Available in a variety of colors including pink, white, gray, green, red, white, mottled and variegated.

• Cannas: Large leaves of green, red or variegated with spectacular flowers of red, orange, yellow, pink or cream in summer and early fall.

Tropical Plants

• Elephant Ears: Massive heart-shaped leaves create dramatic focal points with tropical appeal
• Bird of Paradise: Striking orange and blue bird-like flowers on tall stems with large paddle-shaped leaves
• Hibiscus: Large, showy trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant colors bloom continuously through summer
• Palm Trees: Feathery or fan-shaped fronds add instant tropical atmosphere to any garden space
• Mandevilla and Dipladenia: Climbing vines with glossy leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers in pink, red, or white
• Banana Trees: Large paddle-shaped leaves and tropical fruit add authentic jungle appeal
• Oleander: Evergreen shrub with fragrant flowers in pink, white, or red throughout the growing season
• Gardenia: Glossy dark green leaves with intensely fragrant white or cream flowers
• Jasmine: Fragrant white or yellow star-shaped flowers on climbing or trailing vines