Do you live in a cold climate and want to grow tropical plants? The good news is that There are several cold-hardy tropical plants to choose from.
Although most tropical plants are usually associated with warm tropical climates, many varieties are highly adaptable to cooler climates.
In many cases, Tropical plants can survive in areas where the temperature drops to -15°F (-26°C). This is good news for garden lovers who live in areas with cold winters, but still want to add a colorful touch with tropical plants.
There are a few things to keep in mind when trying to grow tropical plants in harsh climates. First, it is important to select the right variety for your climate.
Some tropical plants are more cold-hardy than others, and there are even some types of tropical plants that can survive and thrive in extremely cold climates.
Also It is important to take the time to prepare your garden properly and create the ideal environment. growth for your plants. Finally, you should keep in mind that these plants require special care and maintenance to help them reach their full potential.
Select the appropriate variety of tropical plants
Selecting the right variety of tropical plant is the first step to try to grow tropical plants in a cold climate.
Some of the most cultivated cold-resistant tropical plants are bananas, palm trees, hibiscus and gingerThere are also surprisingly cold-resistant tropical plants, such as hardy ferns, the lilies and camellias.
Cold-resistant tropical plants
There are several types of tropical plants that can thrive even in areas where winters are very cold, you just have to give him the necessary care and you will have a very colorful garden despite the temperatures.
Angel's Trumpet: It has beautiful flowers. It's a tropical plant that can grow up to 3 m tall, and you can grow it in pots or in the garden. Its flowers are white, yellow, pink, and purple. You have to offer him a moist, well-drained soil and place them in full sun or partial shade.
Banana: Tropical plant ideal for its characteristics, with lush foliage, large green leaves. It is the best to create a tropical atmosphere in your garden. It's an ornamental plant grown for its beautiful foliage, rather than its fruit. The hardiest is the Japanese banana.
Elephant ear: It has a very tropical appearance, since its leaves are large, They can measure up to 60 cm wide and 90 cm long with their very characteristic shape. and bright green in color. It tolerates sun and shade, but requires well-drained, moist soil.
Hibiscus: It is a very hardy plant with huge and very pretty flowers. There are wide variety of hibiscus And some are more resistant than others. The most cold-resistant is Hibiscus syriacus; it can grow and thrive in lower temperatures, but you need to protect it during the harshest winters.
Dahlias: They are beautiful flowers that are highly resistant to cold, and you don't necessarily need to provide them with special protection against frost in the winter. They need moist soil and plenty of watering before the first autumn frost. to keep the soil moist and in a freezing-like state. This helps prevent drought during winter and early spring.
If the temperature stays above -10°C, there wouldn't be too many problems, but If the temperature drops below -15°C, there may be a decrease in sprouting. During spring, they are ideal flowers for adding elegance and color to your garden, and they can survive for a long time after being cut.
Prepare the garden
In addition to selecting the right variety of tropical plants, it is important to prepare your garden properly. You can create a tropical microclimate within your garden using mulch and rocks. to keep the soil warm.
Another good option is to cover the plants with a light cloth on extremely cold nights. and provide ample space for the plants to thrive.
You should also make sure the plants are in a well-drained area to prevent waterlogging.
Care
Once you've selected the right variety of tropical plant and prepared your garden, you'll need to provide the necessary care and maintenance to help your plants thrive.
Generally, Tropical plants thrive best with consistent watering and fertilization. One of the most important things to remember when growing tropical plants in harsh climates is to keep a close eye on the weather and be prepared to provide some extra care on particularly cold nights.
Frost is a big concern when trying to grow tropical plants in cold climates. Many of them can be damaged or killed by frost.
Protection and maintenance
It is important to monitor the weather and be prepared if there are nights of severe frost. Be prepared to cover them, it is an additional protection that can save them.
It's also important to be aware of pests and diseases, as they can be major threats to your tropical plants. Insecticidal soaps, natural predators and home remedies can be used. to help control pests and keep plants healthy.
You need to protect them from the wind, which is likely to be icy and can damage them. A good alternative to provide additional protection is plant hardy shrubs to extreme climates that can act as a windbreak.
The location in the garden is crucial. You have to find a place where they receive plenty of sunlight during the day, This way they will be able to balance the warmer temperature in the area and better cope with adverse weather.
Adding structures to the garden such as tunnels or greenhouses are great ideas to protect tropical plants during the harshest winter months.
This type of structure can help keep plants warm, while providing additional protection from cold weather.
Growing tropical plants in harsh climates is definitely possible. With proper planning and care, there are a wide variety of cold-hardy varieties to choose from, and creating a tropical microclimate in your garden can make them even easier to grow in colder climates.
With the care and love you can provide, your tropical plants can thrive and add a touch of elegance, color, and distinction to your green space.