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Best tropical plants to grow in your garden

By Bunnings magazine /

Close up image of a flowering bright orange, red and purple Bird of paradise plant.
Bring a little paradise to cool climates with these show stoppers.
 

Adding tropical plants to your backyard and garden pots will add stunning colours and textures, lush leaves and sweet scents to make your garden feel like a vacation paradise. Find out the ideal conditions to promote lush growth for these four tropical plants:

  • Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica)
  • Canna lily (Canna x hybrida)
  • Cordyline (Cordyline cvs)
  • Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica)

The bold, glossy, lobed leaves of this evergreen shrub make a striking feature in shaded gardens. Reaching 2-4m tall and wide, it’s more compact (around 1m) in pots. It thrives in cool temperate to subtropical climates and tolerates light frost. Plant in moist, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, feed in warmer months to promote lush growth and prune as needed for shape.

Close up image of the green leaves of the Japanese aralaia plant.

Canna lily (Canna x hybrida)

Adding a splash of colour from late spring to autumn, this showy perennial produces tall stalks of red, orange, yellow or pink flowers above green, bronze or variegated foliage. Canna lilies grow up to 2m tall, are suited to most climates and like a spot in full sun with rich, moist soil and good drainage. In cool areas, protect the rhizomes with mulch, or lift and store them over winter.

Close up image of a yellow and pink Canna lily flower.

Cordyline (Cordyline cvs)

This handsome evergreen has foliage in shades ranging from green to red, pink, orange and yellow. While the most brilliant-coloured varieties flourish in the tropics, there are hybrids that are well suited to cooler climates, with colourful leaves that still evoke a tropical feel. Easy to grow and low maintenance, they do best in full sun to part shade.

Close up of the vibrant pink long leaves of the Cordyline tropical plant.

Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Its striking, long-lasting display of orange-and-blue flowers throughout the warmer months make this hardy perennial a tropical garden staple. It grows best in warm climates but will also do well in sheltered spots in cooler areas, forming a dense clump up to 2m tall. Plant in full sun or part shade in well-draining soil.

Close up image of a bright orange, red and purple Bird of paradise plant.

Keep in mind…

  • Take care when selecting your plants, as some can be poisonous to children and pets, and check their suitability for your region, as some may be classified as weeds in certain states and territories.

Keen to save money by growing an edible garden?

Discover our guide to perennial edible plants.

 

Photo credit: Adobe Stock.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.