Tropical-Looking Broadleaf Evergreen Trees and Shrubs
Many varieties of trees and shrubs are valuable in a tropicalesque garden for their tropical-looking foliage, flowers, or general habit. Some trees and shrubs are fully hardy, yet add a tropical aura to a landscape. Certain trees and shrubs that have been traditionally grown in warmer areas, such as the southern United States, are hardier than commonly thought, and are worth trying in a colder climate to achieve a tropical look.
Some of these plants may be valuable for their glossy foliage; others for their large, jungle-like leaves. Others may have finely-divided palm-like leaves, tropical-looking flowers, a unique bark texture, or an interesting trunking habit.
Tropical-looking broadleaf evergreens are notable for glossy evergreen foliage that can extend the garden’s tropical look past the prime season of many deciduous plants.
Broadleaf Evergreen Trees and Shrubs
- Camellia (Camellias)
- Gardenia augusta ‘Grif’s Select’ (‘Grif’s Select’ gardenia) : Zone 6-10
- Magnolia grandiflora (Southern magnolia)
- Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape / Holly-leaved barberry) : Zone 5-9
- Nandina domestica (Heavenly bamboo) : Zone 6-11
- Pieris japonica (Japanese pieris) : Zone 5-8
- Rhododendron (Rhododendrons)
- Rhododendron (Azaleas)
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Edith Bogue’
