Anybody have suggestions for flowering tropical plants??

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gardenerfromSA Johannesburg, South Africa Jul 28, 2011

I live in Joburg in South Africa (equivalent to Zone9b) and have a love affair with ferns, bromeliads, cycads and palms..I am looking to plant some flowering plants for around our pool that will be able to withstand the cold. In winter, we put frost guard over all the frost sensitive plants and luckily, our winters are very short so small price to pay for the lush tropical look that I foolishly like. Thanks

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Jul 28, 2011

Here are a couple links with some Z9 hardy perennials for full sun. Perhaps you will find something on these that will complement your landscape.

http://www.zone9tropicals.com/

http://springhillnursery.com/search.asp?ss=full+sun+zone+9&x=10&y=9

http://coldhardytropicals.com/tropical-looking-groundcovers-and-flowering-perennials/

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TheExpertVGL melbourne, Australia Feb 24, 2012

Tropical flowers hold a special place in the hearts of flower lovers due to their breathtaking fragrance and exquisite beauty. Orchids, Rhizomes, Gingers, Heliconias etc., which are more popular with the flower lovers, are tropical flowers. If you live in a cooler climate, your range of tropicals is limited to gingers, costus, a few smaller heliconia and the flame lily. They die down in winter, but don’t despair, as they reshoot when the weather warms up. Supplement with cool-tolerant bromeliads, palms, mandevilla and dipladenia. Thanks.

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WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Feb 27, 2012

There are hundreds of Tropical plants native to South Africa so there will be many available more local, try Botanical gardens, or plantings outside government buildings as they normally have good planting ideas as cost don't seem a problem.

As for Bromeliads etc, I have to use rain water to fill up the crowns as tap water is too hard and has chemicals added, anyway you can go to the library and search for books on tropical plants, when to plant them and how to care for the, my favorite is Ginger, Bird of Paradise and there are some wonderful bulbs to plant and grow but these flower only once a year and die down till next year so chose a wide variety of leaf shape, texture, flower colour and size, hope it all works out for you and good luck. WeeNel.

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coastalzonepush Orlando, FL(Zone 9b) Mar 02, 2012

the first tropical shrub to pop into my head is always hibiscus! they have endless varieties. for the full tropical feel, make sure you are getting the tropical hibiscus sinensis. the crown of bohemia variety is double golden flowers. they're all vivid and big flowers - you wont regret planting one.
OH and of course: ixora. i love ixoras, they bloom year-round in sizzling reds and vibrant yellows, there are also shades in between - pink, salmon, orange, gold, scarlet. i recommend it as a starter.

others: pentas, tibouchina, plumbago, jasmine, shrimp plant, powderpuff, crown of thorns, gardenia etc.
hope this gives you some ideas.

This message was edited Mar 2, 2012 8:00 PM

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