Bring a bit of the tropics to your zone 7, 8 or 9 yard
There are many out there that believe that palms and other subtropicals are only for those in the warmest of areas of our country, i. e. south Florida, southern California and Hawaii (basically zone 10 and warmer). This is not true, and as a matter of fact that are many species of palms, gingers and bananas (as well as many flowering shrubs) that do quite well in less-than-tropical conditions. It's all a matter if picking the right species for your zone. Coconut palms are ubiquitous in the real tropics and are quite beautiful, but these guys will not survive in the more temperate zones and can be borderline even in zone 10. They require soil temperatures to remain in the 60'sF and higher to avoid root damage. Many species of Sabal palm, however will absolutely thrive in zone 8 without much effort. After all, it is the state tree of Florida and South Carolina. Trachycarpus (windmill) palms are some of the hardiest of lot when it comes to trunking palms. These (T. fortunei) can survive into zone 7 will proper care. For a nearly bulletproof (but trunkless) palm, a needle palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix) would be ideal.
In addition to palms, bananas can be grown successfully far outside the tropics. These plants love ample water and can be heavy feeders so enjoy a good leaf mulch and / or fertilizer application. The good thing about bananas is that they can be dug and replanted yearly, so they can be grown into downright frigid zones as long as they are dug and protected in the fall. Imagine, bananas in Minnesota! It's possible, but will be a bit of work. In the colder zones, bananas will not be able to produce fruit, because it takes too long for the blooming cycle to complete (maybe a whole year). They do, however, make great accent plants near pools, around houses, etc. Some great choices for bananas in temperate zones include Japanese fiber banana (Musa basjoo), Orinoco banana (Musa 'orinoco'), Ice cream banana (Musa 'ice cream' or M. 'blue java') and perhaps the snow banana (Ensete glaucum).
An awesome read for beginners growing tropical plants in temperate zones!!
Gingers are used in many tropical arrangements, as well as culinary delights and many can be grown in the aforementioned zones. One could try many of the green and variegated forms of Alpinia, Zingiber and Curcuma to compliment the palms and bananas for an all-out Tiki fest... Gingers will have to be dug like bananas for winter in zones colder than 7, because the roots will freeze otherwise.
Though not tropical, excellent compliments to these plants would be some of the large-leafed magnolias such as Umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala), big-leaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) and Ashe magnolia (Magnolia ashei). These magnolias will grow best in eastern U.S. conditions and appreciate some shade during the hottest of days. For wonderful scent in the spring, Banana shrub (Michelia figo) is essential. In April and May, the scent of banana pudding wafts through the garden on spring breezes.
Another group of plants to accent your tropical collection is the cycads. What some call "Sago palm" is actually a cycad (not a palm) known as Cycas revoluta. Pretty cold hardy in its own right, easily tolerating 15°F with only leaf damage. The sago can form a short, stout trunk over time and will live for centuries. Other cycads to try are the famous Coontie cycad from Florida and Georgia (Zamia integrifolia), and Mexican Dioon cycad (Dioon edule). All these survive into the teens Fahrenheit and can survive 10°F in the right location in the yard.
Landscaping with tropical (or even tropicalesque) plants can give a wonderful appeal to your yard and can provide you with a resort-like feel without having to go anywhere. You can just walk out into the back yard on a summer's afternoon, kick back and "change your latitude". For more on how to create this feel at home, check out this book. It will tell you which plants you should use for your zone and how to keep these plants alive.
In addition to palms, bananas can be grown successfully far outside the tropics. These plants love ample water and can be heavy feeders so enjoy a good leaf mulch and / or fertilizer application. The good thing about bananas is that they can be dug and replanted yearly, so they can be grown into downright frigid zones as long as they are dug and protected in the fall. Imagine, bananas in Minnesota! It's possible, but will be a bit of work. In the colder zones, bananas will not be able to produce fruit, because it takes too long for the blooming cycle to complete (maybe a whole year). They do, however, make great accent plants near pools, around houses, etc. Some great choices for bananas in temperate zones include Japanese fiber banana (Musa basjoo), Orinoco banana (Musa 'orinoco'), Ice cream banana (Musa 'ice cream' or M. 'blue java') and perhaps the snow banana (Ensete glaucum).
An awesome read for beginners growing tropical plants in temperate zones!!
Gingers are used in many tropical arrangements, as well as culinary delights and many can be grown in the aforementioned zones. One could try many of the green and variegated forms of Alpinia, Zingiber and Curcuma to compliment the palms and bananas for an all-out Tiki fest... Gingers will have to be dug like bananas for winter in zones colder than 7, because the roots will freeze otherwise.
Though not tropical, excellent compliments to these plants would be some of the large-leafed magnolias such as Umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala), big-leaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) and Ashe magnolia (Magnolia ashei). These magnolias will grow best in eastern U.S. conditions and appreciate some shade during the hottest of days. For wonderful scent in the spring, Banana shrub (Michelia figo) is essential. In April and May, the scent of banana pudding wafts through the garden on spring breezes.
Another group of plants to accent your tropical collection is the cycads. What some call "Sago palm" is actually a cycad (not a palm) known as Cycas revoluta. Pretty cold hardy in its own right, easily tolerating 15°F with only leaf damage. The sago can form a short, stout trunk over time and will live for centuries. Other cycads to try are the famous Coontie cycad from Florida and Georgia (Zamia integrifolia), and Mexican Dioon cycad (Dioon edule). All these survive into the teens Fahrenheit and can survive 10°F in the right location in the yard.
Landscaping with tropical (or even tropicalesque) plants can give a wonderful appeal to your yard and can provide you with a resort-like feel without having to go anywhere. You can just walk out into the back yard on a summer's afternoon, kick back and "change your latitude". For more on how to create this feel at home, check out this book. It will tell you which plants you should use for your zone and how to keep these plants alive.
USDA Zones
These zones are based on average winter minimums
Zone 10 = 30°F to 40°F
Zone 9 = 20°F to 30°F
Zone 8 = 10°F to 20°F
Zone 7 = 0°F to 10°F
Zone 6 = -10°F to 0°F
These types of plants are really a challenge in zones colder than 6.
These zones are based on average winter minimums
Zone 10 = 30°F to 40°F
Zone 9 = 20°F to 30°F
Zone 8 = 10°F to 20°F
Zone 7 = 0°F to 10°F
Zone 6 = -10°F to 0°F
These types of plants are really a challenge in zones colder than 6.
...and for an edible addition to your tropical landscape...try Citrus!!!
Ripe Meyer lemon
For edible landscaping with a tropical flare, citrus plants are always an indispensable addition. They are typically easy to grow and produce well, as long as the proper conditions are met. For those in the warm temperate zones (7,8,and 9), there are citrus varieties that can be grown outdoors and produce well. Zone 7 (0ºF-10ºF minimum) will be pretty challenging and only the inedible trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) can be grow without worry. There are some complex hybrids , such as citrangequat, sunquat, limequat, that might be tried in protected areas of zone 7, but even they will need a cover if winter's worst sets in.
Zone 8 (10ºF-20ºF) opens up new possibilities for the citrus grower. In the warmer areas of this zone, one can grow the satsumas, Dancy tangerine, Meyer lemon, Devine lime, kumquat, all the other hybrid "-quats", and maybe even some grapefruits in protected areas. I try to plant my citrus on the south side of the house for protection, and it works great for my Meyer lemons. I keep a decent layer of leaf mulch over the root zone and reduce competition of nearby plants and seldom ever fertilize it, and I get a annual crop of huge lemons. Great for that lemon rosemary turkey for Thanksgiving!!
Zone 9 (20ºF-30ºF) is the BEST zone for growing most citrus hands down. The warmer half of this zone is where most of the best citrus in the world is grown. This is where much of the tasty grapefruits, lemons, limes and oranges are grown. Of course, nearly all other citrus does well in this zone. Citrus trees are not truly tropical and do appreciate some cool weather each year in order to ripen the fruit and to rest. They just do not do well if it gets too cold, say near 20ºF. Temperatures in the 30's every year help the fruits to develop the best flavor and to color up well. Citrus grown in tropical regions, say zone 11 (40ºF-50ºF) or warmer will develop very little color when ripe, so you could have ripe oranges that are green on the outside and orange on the inside!
So, if you're looking to add and edible component to your subtropical landscape, citrus trees are a wonderful addition and what can be better that walking around the yard eating fresh zipper skin tangerines on a cool, crystal clear December day?
For more information on how to grow citrus, click here!
Thanks for viewing my page, and also be sure to check out my blog! For general landscaping ideas check this out!
Zone 8 (10ºF-20ºF) opens up new possibilities for the citrus grower. In the warmer areas of this zone, one can grow the satsumas, Dancy tangerine, Meyer lemon, Devine lime, kumquat, all the other hybrid "-quats", and maybe even some grapefruits in protected areas. I try to plant my citrus on the south side of the house for protection, and it works great for my Meyer lemons. I keep a decent layer of leaf mulch over the root zone and reduce competition of nearby plants and seldom ever fertilize it, and I get a annual crop of huge lemons. Great for that lemon rosemary turkey for Thanksgiving!!
Zone 9 (20ºF-30ºF) is the BEST zone for growing most citrus hands down. The warmer half of this zone is where most of the best citrus in the world is grown. This is where much of the tasty grapefruits, lemons, limes and oranges are grown. Of course, nearly all other citrus does well in this zone. Citrus trees are not truly tropical and do appreciate some cool weather each year in order to ripen the fruit and to rest. They just do not do well if it gets too cold, say near 20ºF. Temperatures in the 30's every year help the fruits to develop the best flavor and to color up well. Citrus grown in tropical regions, say zone 11 (40ºF-50ºF) or warmer will develop very little color when ripe, so you could have ripe oranges that are green on the outside and orange on the inside!
So, if you're looking to add and edible component to your subtropical landscape, citrus trees are a wonderful addition and what can be better that walking around the yard eating fresh zipper skin tangerines on a cool, crystal clear December day?
For more information on how to grow citrus, click here!
Thanks for viewing my page, and also be sure to check out my blog! For general landscaping ideas check this out!