Use tropical flowers to transform your lawn into a tropical paradise. Explore a wide range of exotic flowers, including the vibrant bird-of-paradise, the fragrant frangipani, and the unique heliconia.
We will list the ideal growing conditions and care for each flower and help you learn how to incorporate them into your landscape design to create a stunning and lush garden.
From large statement plants to small and delicate flowers, our expert tips and suggestions will help you add a touch of the exotic to your backyard.
Contents
A Collection of Tropical Flowers for Your Garden
1. Heliconia
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The unusual blossoms are similar to those of a bird of paradise, and orange varieties of this plant are frequently mistaken for an orange bird. The heliconia rostrata is a favorite of gardeners all along the west coast.
The colors of the flowers range from dull orange to reddish to yellow, and the blooms appear during the year’s warm months. These plants are not appropriate for every garden. They will spread 4 feet or more and require a space where they can do so rather than staying put as a single accent in a mixed and varied bed. To keep them within bounds, use well-defined edging.
Wide landscape blocks or a bed bordered by a walk or drive make it easy to control their natural desire to spread. However, if you have the space, allow them to naturalize. Most tropical landscape plants reach 3 to 4 feet, though some varieties can grow much taller.
It can grow 6 feet tall with their unique claw-like flowers, while other types can reach 15 feet like scadoxus multiflorus. Partially shaded areas are preferable, but not densely shaded areas. And heliconias require regular attention – food and water – to look and perform well like morning glory.
2. Bird of Paradise
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The bird of paradise, also known as the crane flower, is a flowering plant native to South Africa, much like Jasminum officinale and African violet. It is part of the family Strelitziaceae and is known for its colorful and distinctive flowers, which look like the head and beak of a bird, hence its common name.
The flowers are produced on long stalks and are typically shades of orange, blue, and purple. The plant’s leaves are large and tropical looking and can reach up to 3 feet in length like protea cynaroides. The bird of paradise is a hardy plant and can be grown in various climates if it is protected from frost. However, bird of paradise plants, are sensitive to overwatering.
The famous bird of paradise is an exotic flower known for its striking and unique appearance. With a shape that resembles a tropical bird in flight, the bird of paradise flower is an eye-catching addition to any garden or floral arrangement. The flowers bloom in orange, blue, and purple shades, arranged in a fan-like pattern.
These plants are hardy and can survive in warm climates and thus are common in Hawaii, Florida, and other southern states much like cyclamen persicum. They can also be planted indoors as houseplants, where they can bloom in winter. The leaves are large, green, and tropical plants aesthetically, adding to the exotic appeal of the bird of paradise.
3. Tibouchina
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Tibouchina, also known as princess flower or glory bush, is a genus of plants native to Central and South America much like acalypha hispida. It is part of the family Melastomataceae and is popular for its large, showy flowers that bloom in shades of purple, pink, and white.
The plants have dark green, velvety leaves and can reach heights up to 15 feet tall in the wild similar to bougainvillea glabra, medinilla magnifica, or anthurium andraeanum. Tibouchina plants are also known for their attractive foliage and can be used as ornamental plants in gardens or as a houseplant.
Tibouchina is an exotic flower known for its showy and beautiful blooms and is similar to the Bromeliaceae family. With large, vibrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white, Tibouchina is an eye-catching addition to any garden or floral arrangement.
The flowers of Tibouchina bloom in the summer and fall and can be quite large, much like cosmos bipinnatus, sometimes reaching up to 4 inches across. The leaves are dark green and velvety, adding a nice texture to the plant. Tibouchina is hardy and easy to grow like chenille plant; it can be grown in a container, hedge, or houseplant.
It requires well-draining soil and regular watering, but it’s a low-maintenance plant perfect for gardeners of all skill levels.
4. Exotic Orchids
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Orchids make lovely houseplants due to their exquisite and spectacular blooms. Despite their exotic appearance, they can be easy to care for if you understand the conditions under which they thrive.
Epiphytes are orchids that grow naturally on trees. These are frequently sold in clear pots to allow light to reach the roots or mounted on bark sheets or driftwood. Terrestrial orchids grow on the ground in soil and sometimes require wetter compost than epiphytic orchids.
Because many orchids are endangered like ipomoea muricata, always buy plants from reputable sources to ensure they haven’t been taken from the wild. The ten varieties listed below should all be readily available and worth growing.
They come in various forms, sizes, and colors; each species has unique characteristics. Orchids can be terrestrial (growing in the ground) or epiphytic (growing on trees or rocks), and some species have fragrant blooms. The blooms can be small and delicate or large and showy, with many different colors and patterns.
Orchids are also fascinating plants from a biological standpoint, some species have a symbiotic relationship with fungi, and the pollination of many orchids relies on specific insects and animals.
They are also used in traditional medicines, religious ceremonies, and horticulture as ornamental plants. Another example is the flamingo flower and blood lily. They require specific growing conditions, but once you provide them, they can bloom and thrive for years.
5. Lotus
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The lotus is a lovely aquatic plant that is native to Asia and Australia. It has large, round leaves that float on the surface of the water and a long stem that holds a beautiful flower. Many cultures associate the lotus with purity and spiritual enlightenment due to its ability to bloom in muddy and murky water.
It is also revered in Buddhism and Hinduism and is frequently depicted in artwork and used in religious rituals. The lotus is a well-known ornamental plant found in gardens, ponds, and water features. It is also popularly used to treat various ailments in traditional medicine.
6. Moonflower
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Moonflower, also known as Ipomoea alba, is a flowering plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is part of the family Convolvulaceae and is known for its large, white, trumpet-shaped blue passion flower that bloom at night and close during the day. The plant is a climber vine and can reach heights of up to 20 feet long; it has large heart-shaped leaves.
Moonflower is a hardy plant that can be grown in various climates as long as it is protected from frost, similar to pentas lanceolata. It’s known for its fragrant flowers and spectacular blooms that open at dusk and close in the morning.
Moonflower is an exotic flower known for its large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom at night and close during the day, similar to clivia miniata and passion flower or strelitzia reginae.
This flower is often described as having a dreamy, ethereal quality because of its large size, night-blooming habit, and fragrant scent. The plant is a creeping vine; it can grow up to 20 feet long and has large heart-shaped leaves.
Moonflower is easy to grow, can be populated as an annual or a perennial, and lives in full sun and well-draining soil. It’s a popular choice for gardeners and people who like to observe the nocturnal beauty of nature. A vine is an excellent option for trellis or arbors; the large and fragrant flowers can also be used in bouquets along with canna indica.
7. Passionflower
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Passionflower, also known as Passiflora, is a genus of over 500 flowering plants native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are part of the family Passifloraceae and are known for their distinctive, intricate flowers that come in a wide array of hues, including white, yellow, purple, and pink, and often have a striking contrast between the petals and the central structure of the flower, known as the corona.
This central structure is often elaborate, with tendrils and filaments, giving the flower a complex and exotic appearance. The flowers are followed by fruit, which is often edible.
The leaves of passionflower or passiflora caerulea and hasminum sambac plants are large and lobed. Passionflower is a hardy plant that can be grown in various climates if protected from frost.
Passionflower plants are both vine-like and shrub-like and can be grown as annuals or perennials. They require well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. The fruit of many species of passionflower is edible and can be used in various culinary applications.
Passionflower is also known for its medicinal properties, traditionally used as a sedative and for treating various ailments. They can be grown in the garden and containers and trained to climb trellis and walls.
8. Ginger Lilies
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Ginger lilies, also known as Hedychium, is a genus of perennial plants native to tropical regions of Asia and are part of the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes common culinary ginger and coamos bipinnatus among tropical plants.
They are known for their large, fragrant flowers that bloom in white, yellow, orange, and pink shades. The plants have large, glossy leaves and can grow up to 6 feet tall. Ginger lilies are a popular ornamental plant and are often used in tropical gardens, in cut flower arrangements, and as houseplants.
These plants are native to tropical regions of Asia and are part of the Zingiberaceae family, including the common culinary ginger. The flowers of ginger lilies usually bloom in the summer, similar to hibiscus Rosa-sinensis and Jasminum sambac, and the large clusters of fragrant blooms make them a highly sought-after flower for use in floral arrangements.
They are easy to grow, thrive in warm and humid climates, and require well-draining soil and regular watering. They are also popular as indoor plants are known for surviving in low light.
9. Plumerias
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Plumerias are tropical flowering trees native to Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. They are also known as frangipani or temple trees. They are members of the Apocynaceae family and are known for their large, fragrant flowers in various colors, including white, pink, yellow, and red.
The flowers are frequently used to make leis and other traditional Hawaiian decorations. Plumeria plants have large, glossy, dark green leaves and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The plumeria rubra is no different.
These flowers, which are highly valued for their beauty and intense fragrance, are frequently used in leis and other traditional Hawaiian decorations. Plumeria leaves are large, glossy, and dark green. They are popular ornamental plants in various colors, including white, pink, and yellow, that thrive in hot, humid climates.
10. Alpinia
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Alpinia zerumbet is a soft herbaceous perennial in the family of Zingiberaceae that is grown for its attractive flowers and foliage all over the world. This plant, native to tropical eastern Asia’s open woodlands, is commonly used as a yearly foliage plant in cold climates, with a variegated cultivar native to southeast Asian countries being the most usual type seen in the Midwest. It is winter hardy in zones 8-10, but with winter protection, it may survive in zone 7.
Plants form upright clumps from stout, fleshy rhizomes that resemble (and smell like) culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale). Rhizomes give rise to stout, slightly arching stems with evergreen leaves. At intervals along the stems, several plush greens and lance-formed leaves up to 2 feet long grow.
Although the species can grow up to 10 feet tall, they are usually only 3 or 4 feet tall in gardens, especially in northern areas where they have grown annually. The Variegata cultivar is a tiny, more compact plant with boldly striped foliage almost similar to the famous hanging lobster claw.
The amount of variegation on the petals varies greatly, with some being mostly green streaked with creamy yellow or gold, while others are mostly yellow with some green stripes.
Because Alpinia zerumbet produces inflorescences on old growth, flowers are rarely seen on plants grown as annuals or stored for the winter. This species, unlike most gingers, makes dripping racemes at the corners of the leafy stems rather than from the rhizomes.
The waxy, funnel-shaped flowers are pearly white with light pink marks on the outside and bright yellow with red marks on the inside. They are like little blanket flowers.
The common name of shell ginger comes from the appearance of the flowers, which resemble pearlescent seashells, especially when in the bud. When in bloom, the flowers are slightly fragrant. Striated fruits sometimes follow flowers.
Conclusion
The conclusion highlights the beauty and cultural significance of exotic tropical blooms. It acknowledges the challenges of growing them but emphasizes that they can provide a long-lasting display of color and fragrance with the right conditions.
- Exotic tropical flowers add a unique and vibrant touch to any garden or floral arrangement. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes; each species has unique characteristics that make them stand out.
- These beautiful flowers have a wide range of cultural significance and traditional uses. From medicinal properties to religious ceremonies and ornamental purposes, exotic tropical blooms have been valuable for many cultures.
- Growing unique flowers can be challenging, as they require specific conditions and care.
However, with the right conditions, they can thrive and provide a beautiful and long-lasting display of color and fragrance.
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