Cold hardy tropical plants for gardens

4th January, 2022

When most people think of tropical plants, they think of warm, humid climates and exotic flowers. But there are actually a number of tropical plants that can withstand cold temperatures, some of them even down to freezing, making it possible to have an exotic garden in a garden in a temperate location, like Great Gritain. 

Here are 10 cold-hardy tropical plants that you can grow in your garden, if you are aiming for a jungle / exotic theme. If you live in a milder coastal area, it might be possible to leave them outdoors all year. However, if you live on higher ground, or well inland, then it might be necessary to keep them in a greenhouse during the coldest months. So, it would be best to grow them in large pots, so they can be moved inside. For each plant there is a minimum temperature it can cope with. Find out what the coldest temperatures are in your local area, so you can then decide which plants might be suitable, and which might be OK, if you have a greenhouse to keep them in, during the coldest months.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants that includes over 200 species. Some of these species are native to tropical and subtropical regions, while others are native to temperate regions. A number of hibiscus species are cold hardy, including the rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), which can tolerate temperatures as low as -23°C (-10°F). The flowers are large and trumpeted shaped, and are in a range of colours, such as pink, white and red.

Cannas

Cannas are a genus of flowering plants that includes around 50 species. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, and a number of species are cultivated as ornamental plants. Cannas are generally not cold hardy, but there are a few exceptions, such as the Australian native Canna indica, which can tolerate temperatures as low as -3°C (26°F). Great for planters on a sunny patio or decking.

Bananas

Bananas are a type of herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the tropics. There are many different species of banana, and some of them are cultivated for their fruit, while others are grown for their ornamental value. Some banana species, such as the Musa basjoo, are cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F). The large, jungle leaves are what makes this plant  special.

Bird of Paradise

The bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a flowering plant that is native to South Africa. It is frequently grown as an ornamental plant, and is one of the few tropical plants that can tolerate cold temperatures. The bird of paradise can withstand temperatures as low as -2°C (28°F). The flowers, on long stalks, are electric blue and orange, and resemble an exotic bird.

Crotons

Crotons are a genus of plant that includes around 700 species. They are native to the Old World tropics, and many species are cultivated as ornamental plants. A number of croton species are cold hardy, including the Croton capitatus, which can tolerate temperatures as low as -3°C (26°F).

Gardenia

Gardenia is a genus of flowering plants that includes around 200 species. They are native to the tropics and subtropics, and many species are cultivated as ornamental plants. A number of gardenia species are cold hardy, including the Gardenia jasminoides, which can tolerate temperatures as low as -1°C (30°F). It has waxy green leaves, and opulent, white scented flowers.

Ginger

Ginger is a plant that is native to tropical and subtropical regions. It is cultivated for its edible root, which is used as a spice, used in cakes, biscuits, teas etc. A number of ginger species are cold hardy, including the Zingiber officinale, which can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F) It has leafy stems that grow about 1 metre tall and has yellow flowers.

Oleander

Oleander, also known as nerium, is a flowering shrub, with 5 petalled star shaped flowers, that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant, and is one of the few tropical plants that can tolerate cold temperatures. The Oleander can withstand temperatures as low as -7°C (20°F).

Palm Trees

Palm trees are a type of flowering plant that includes around 2600 species. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions. A number of palm species are cold hardy, including the Trachycarpus fortunei, also known as Chusan palm, which can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). this is the most common type of palm used in jungle style gardens in colder regions of the world.

Rubber tree

The rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a plant, with shiny, leather-like green leaves, that is native to the Indian subcontinent. The rubber tree can withstand temperatures as low as 32°F (0°C). It can be grown outdoors in the summer, but not during the winter months.