If a beach vacation isn’t in the cards, why not bring the tropics to your own backyard? These 18 stunning tropical plants can transform any garden into a relaxing oasis filled with vibrant color, big, bold leaves, and exotic beauty.
Whether you’re drawn to the drama of oversized foliage or the charm of flowering vines, these plants will make your outdoor space feel like a far-off paradise, no passport needed.
Keep scrolling to discover which ones you’d love to grow!
#1 Hardy Japanese Banana (Musa basjoo)
Image Credits: Davesgarden
This ornamental banana plant delivers lush, tropical vibes without needing a tropical climate. It grows up to 13 feet tall and features broad, bright green leaves.
While it doesn’t produce edible fruit, it’s hardy to USDA Zone 5, making it one of the most cold-tolerant bananas you can grow.
#2 Jumbo Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta)
Image Credits: Americanmeadows
With leaves that can grow over six feet tall, elephant ears create an instant jungle feel. These bold beauties thrive in moist, rich soil and partial shade.
In some regions, the edible tubers are cooked like potatoes.
#3 Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
Image Credits: Gardenerspath
This native North American fruit tree brings a tropical twist with custard-like fruit that tastes like banana and mango.
It’s hardy to Zone 5 and produces large, drooping leaves that add visual interest even before fruiting.
#4 Clumping Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris)
Image Credits: Ruralsprout
Fast-growing and elegant, clumping bamboo works as a privacy screen, windbreak, or garden feature.
It prefers afternoon shade and grows up to 25 feet tall in warm climates. Stick to clumping types to avoid invasive spreading.
#5 Hardy Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
Image Credits: Saga
Cold winters actually help this jasmine bloom better the following year. With fragrant white flowers and twining vines, it loves full sun and moist soil.
Train it on trellises for a romantic, tropical-style entryway.
#6 Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Image Credits: Earthcareseeds
With trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red and orange, this vigorous vine thrives on arbors and pergolas.
It attracts hummingbirds and adds a tropical punch to any vertical space. Hardy in zones 4–9.
#7 Jelly Palm (Butia capitata)
Image Credits: Gardenia
Also called pindo palm, this slow-growing palm handles cool temperatures and even mild frost.
Its silvery-green fronds curve gracefully, and it produces small edible fruits with a sweet, jelly-like pulp.
#8 Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Image Credits: Gardencrossings
Grown more for its vibrant trailing foliage than for food, this vine comes in colors like lime green and deep purple.
Perfect for containers or hanging baskets in hot climates, and it fills in quickly.
#9 Hardy Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)
Image Credits: Plantsrescue
This isn’t your average fuchsia; it can survive winters in Zones 6–7. Its drooping, jewel-toned flowers bloom over long branches and attract hummingbirds.
Plant it in partial shade with rich, well-drained soil.
#10 Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)
Image Credits: Gardenia
Toad lilies bloom when most summer flowers are fading. They prefer partial shade and moist, rich soil.
Their orchid-like, speckled blooms are tiny but pack major visual impact.
#11 Caladium (Caladium)
Image Credits: Marty Baldwin
With heart-shaped leaves in shades of white, red, and pink, caladiums bring bright contrast to shady beds.
Keep soil consistently moist, and protect them from frost; they’re best in USDA Zones 9–11.
#13 Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)
Image Credits: Bhg
Known for its dinner-plate-sized flowers, this cold-hardy hibiscus loves sun and wet soil.
It returns every year in zones as cold as 4, bringing lush blooms that scream summer.
#14 Ginger (Zingiber)
Image Credits: Unknow
A shade lover that loves heat and humidity, ginger adds lush foliage and edible roots to your garden.
In Zones 7–10, plant it in rich, moist soil and give it room to spread.
#15 Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Image Credits: Ecoblossom
Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is native to the southern United States. This climbing vine produces intricate purple flowers and edible fruit.
Hardy to –20°F, it grows best with support like trellises or fences. It’s also a host plant for butterflies.
#16 Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)
Image Credits: Gardeningexpress
Its silvery fronds with purple accents stand out in shade gardens. This fern is slow-growing and fuss-free, ideal for zones 4–8.
Pair it with bolder plants for a balanced jungle vibe.
#17 Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)
Image Credits: Adcocksnursery
One of the most cold-tolerant palms, the windmill palm can survive snowy winters in Zone 7.
With fan-shaped leaves and a narrow trunk, it grows 10–20 feet tall and adds tropical flair instantly.
#18 Chicago Hardy Fig Tree (Ficus carica)
Image Credits: Easytogrowbulbs
Yes, you can grow figs in cooler climates! This variety tolerates freezing temps and still produces sweet, juicy figs.
Place it in a sunny spot with good drainage.
#19 Canna Lily (Canna indica)
Image Credits: Easytogrowbulbs
Known for bold foliage and fiery blooms, canna lilies thrive in heat and sun. In Zones 8–11, they grow year-round.
In cooler areas, lift the bulbs in fall to replant in spring.
