Cold Hardy Tropicals

Akebia quinata is a twining woody vine and a vigorous climber. Its dense green foliage is divided into groups of five leaves. Its flowers, which appear in spring, are small and can be obscured by the foliage. They are chocolate-scented, hence the common name. The flowers of the species are purple, but can vary by [...]

A dramatic, tropical-looking grass can make a great accent or mass planting in your garden.

Arundo donax (Giant reed) : Zone 6-10
Arundo donax ‘Variegata’ (Variegated giant reed) : Zone 6-10
Carex muskingumensis (Palm sedge) : Zone 4-9
Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern sea oats) : Zone 4-8
Erianthus ravennae (Plume grass, Hardy pampas grass) : 5-9
Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Japanese forest grass) [...]

Adding a backdrop of climbing vines will give your garden a lush, tropical rainforest look.

Actinidia kolomikta ‘Arctic Beauty’ (Hardy kiwi vine) : Zone 4-8
Akebia quinata (Chocolate vine) : Zone 4-9
Aristolochia macrophylla (Dutchman’s pipe) : Zone 4-8
Bignonia capreolata : Zone 6-9
Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) : Zone 5-9
Clematis x hybrida (Clematis): Zone 4-8
Humulus lupulus ‘Aurea’ (Golden hops) [...]

Cold-hardy ferns, especially the larger varieties, can add a tropical look to your garden.

Adiantum pedatum (Maidenhair fern) : Zone 2-8
Athyrium filix-femina (Lady fern) : Zone 2-9
Athyrium niponicum (Japanese painted fern) : Zone 5-8
Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Hayscented fern) : Zone 3-8
Dryopteris filix-mas (Male fern) : Zone 4-8
Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich fern) : Zone 2-6
Osmunda regalis (Royal fern) : [...]

These tropical-looking perennials are excellent for filling in your tropicalesque garden with low-maintenance areas.

Aspidistra elatior (Cast-iron plant) : Zone 6-10
Belamcanda chinensis (Blackberry lily, Leopard flower) : Zone 5-11
Bergenia cordifolia (Heartleaf bergenia) : Zone 3-8
Crocosmia (Montbretia) : Zone 6-10
Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ (Purple Pineapple Lily) : Zone 6-9
Euphorbia epithymoides (Cushion spurge) : Zone 4-8
Helleborus (Hellebores) : Zone [...]