does anyone have ideas as to what tropicals I could use in the southern chicago area (zone5) that can be overwintered outside?
zone 5 tropicals
Do you have space to bring anything inside for the winter? There are some tropicals where all you'd have to do is dig up the tuber and bring it in, that wouldn't take up much space at all. I can't think of much that will overwinter outdoors in zone 5--even the hardy banana I think needs zone 6 and that's the most hardy tropical looking plant I can think of.
I'm in central IL and we bring all my tropicals in for the winter. I don't think any can with stand our cold temps.
Elaine in Arenzville
Sabal minor "Mc Curtain" and Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Mc. Curtain Dwarf Palmettos and Needle Palms) can survive Z 5 winters if they are planted in a sheltered area and wrapped or otherwise protected during the winter... I just had two Mc Curtys and 4 needle palms survive outside here with no other protection than a good mulching around the roots, but they did sustain some tip damage to the leaves, which would have been completely avoided had I wrapped them with burlap...
If you mulch it good and do it right you can get a zone 7 in your zone5. I would think Basjoo could make it as well as colocasia pink china with the right mulching and situation.