I live in Tucson AZ. the real desert, although we have slight frosts and freezes in winter sometimes. Very hot in summer. What short palms would do well here with leaves that would let through filtered sun to shade plants. Also what tropicals and semi-tropicals with fragrance would do well here some tha t I could shelter in pots under patio and rest in ground.
advise on tropicals and semi-tropicals
Hopefully, someone who knows your area will come along to help you, but if you go browse your local Home Depot, Lowe's, and nurseries, they should have a nice selection of what will work in your area. Also, when you find the names of the ones that appeal to you, be sure to check PlantFiles for them to learn about growing information and comments. Feel free to come ask specific questions again and again.
I don't know much about palms, but I have a date palm here in Zone 10 which does well but grows slowly.
Here is a list of fragrant plants that I compiled not too long ago: http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/fragrant/2004053923007808.html It's not complete by any means, but it is a start. Most tropicals and semi-tropicals will not tolerate frost and would need to be grown in containers and brought inside a greenhouse in the winter, but there are many tropical looking plants which can be grown in your area.
I think that you can check what other people are growing in your area through PlantFiles by using your zip code.
only1, is there an extension office close to your area? I rely very heavily on those folk. You wouldn't believe how much money I've saved by calling them BEFORE I've made significant expenditures in landscaping. Hope this helps.
Howdy, Neighbor! I'm going to be going "tropical-esque" in my little courtyard starting this spring. I'm working up my nerve to start with a Musa (maybe Musa bajoo). I have a list of things I'm thinking of getting but I haven't made much progress with fragrant plants. Fragrance is one of the areas I definitely plan on addressing. I love Clare's list but our zone is pretty limiting.
Have you tried using the Advanced Search? When I enter our zone, my sunlight situation, fragrant flowers, and tropical/tender perrenials I get 110 plants. I'd really love to have the tropicals separated from the perennials! The ones I like best seem to be too big (like Brazilian Nightshade) or too high maintenance (like Water Lilies). *sigh*
I haven't made much progress yet but I'm planning on really getting serious over the Rodeo weekend (which I have off from work). We should compare notes. :)
The above information is quite good. I would also like to add that a Texas nursery specializes in unique tropical and hardy plants that look exotic.Check out www.yuccado.com and website www.plantdelights.com This later website belongs to Plant Delights Nursery an honest trully delightful nursery that sells
all types of plants including fragrant gingers, Musa basjoo (this is the world's
hardiest banana)
Jen , check this out if you want musa Basjoo.
It is a cold hardy musa to zone 5.
It's a good thing if you can experiment without paying big bucks.
http://www.banana-tree.com/Product_Detail~category~17~Product_ID~1243.cfm
Happy hunting .
*I had just added to my Wisconsin Tropic Zone with 4 banana pups that I've been growing all winter (seeds too).*