7 Wonders of the Plant World
Winter hardiness is most likely the quality novice gardeners first learn about. If you reside in Mexico, the most tender plant delicacy can be yours; if you are living in Iceland, you learn how to work with slimmer pickings. In either instance you can accomplish amazing results. But one factor we do not think of much is summer temperatures.
Inside my adopted Vancouver, the marine influence of vast seas keeps the summer dry but especially cool. While my winters aren’t cold enough to kill a lot of tropical crops, the summers aren’t hot enough to allow them to fully flourish. My elephant’s ears and cannas seemed more happy in New York compared to here. Nonetheless, here’s a very narrow selection of seven of my favorite chubby tropical plants.
CYAN Horticulture
Elephant’s ear
(Colocasia esculenta)
Of major economic significance, the various species of taro develop from big underground tubers that love moist to water-logged soils. Gardeners’ favorite Colocasia esculenta is most frequently called elephant’s ear: its own big arrow- to heart-shaped leaves leave no doubt why. Given plenty of warmth, leaves colored green, white variegated or burgundy become close to gigantic. In beds, ponds or massive baths, Colocasia is a premier tropical plant.
USDA zones: 9 to 11 (find your zone)
Water condition: Water-logged, moist, moist soil
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: 1 1/2 to 4 ft tall
Seasonal attention: Summer
When to plant: summer or Spring
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Lime Zinger Elephant’s Ear
(Xanthosoma aurea‘Lime Zinger’)
Lesser-known but just as spectacular is golden-leaved elephant’s ear (Xanthosoma aurea‘Lime Zinger’). Belonging to the same botanical family but to a different genus, this selection hastens steroidal foliage (every leaf rises to 24 inches) of a uniform chartreuse green that appears to glow in even the dimmest light. Even more so than Colocasia, Xanthosoma takes lots of warmth to perform — it sneers at my marine climate. The other genus of elephant’s ear to watch for is Alocasia.
USDA zones: 9 to 11
Water necessity: Wet, moist soil
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: 2 1/2 to 4 ft tall
Seasonal attention: Summer, fall
When to plant: summer or Spring
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Ginger Lily
(Hedychium spp and cvs)
Hardy ginger lilies (Hedychium spp and cvs) really are a treat for whoever can develop them successfully. (They barely have the time to begin blooming for me.) Their undivided stems showcase glossy leaves frequently set off in rows and maintain massive heads of intensely fragrant spidery flowers in diverse colours. The one shown here is known as’Anne Bishop’, a hard-to-get yet so great Hawaiian selection. I saw them blanketing hillsides from the wilds of Bhutan, to great visual and olfactive effects.
USDA zones: 8 to 10
Water necessity: Moist soil
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: 5 ft tall
Seasonal attention: Summer or fall
When to plant: Spring
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Perennial Hibiscus
(Hibiscus moscheutos)
Before flowers are even considered, interesting foliages should be sought after, especially in a tropically heated garden. But who can withstand the dinner-plate-size flowers of herbaceous hibiscus? They are cheesy to some, but I love this over-the-top floral display. There’s a generous couple of hardy-to-the-bones hybrids available from the market (the one shown here’s’Sweet Caroline’). While they are slow to emerge , a good dose of warmth triggers them into volatile growth.
USDA zones: 5 or 4 to 9
Water necessity: Moist but well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 3 1/4 feet tall and broad
Seasonal attention: Summer and fall
When to plant: Anytime
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Windmill Palm
(Trachycarpus fortunei)
The high-profile epitome of the tropics, palm trees line avenues in Los Angeles, populate crazy thickets in Florida and will grow as far north as Canada. The rugged windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is native to Asia and handles cold and snow like no other palm tree. Its lanky yet stately presence and big fan-shaped leaves make it the one must-have tree in nordic tropical gardens. I especially enjoy it participates in a little grove, like in the example here.
USDA zones: 7 to 10
Water necessity: Moist but well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: Up to 10 feet tall
Seasonal attention: Year-round
When to plant: Anytime
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Rice Paper Plant
(Tetrapanax papyrifer‘Steroidal Giant’)
A similar look can be accomplished with the bizarre and lovely Rice Paper Plant (Tetrapanax papyrifer‘Steroidal Giant’). Fast growing, this plant dies to the ground in colder areas; otherwise it is a tree of few, vertical and sturdy stems, cloaked in very fuzzy, titan parasol-shaped leaves. The general effect is mind blowing. Be advised: its own vigor also translates into curious underground runners that will sprout here and there.
USDA zones: 7 to 10
Water necessity: Moist but well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun to dappled shade
Mature size: 6 1/2 feet tall
Seasonal attention: Spring to fall
When to plant: Anytime
Glenna Partridge Garden Design
Canna
(Canna‘Bengal Tiger’)
Such an abundance of generous foliage and lush colors is the origin of breathtaking displays, temporary or permanent; my pal and garden designer Glenna Partridge has mastered the art of them. On the few hot days our Vancouver — or another marine climate — offers, cannas, coleus and sweet potato vines literally explode. Be prepared.
USDA zones: 8 and upward
Water necessity: Moist but well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 6 feet tall
Seasonal attention: Summer and fall
When to plant: Spring