Tropical Plants for a Lush Charleston Landscape

Tropicals for Sun & Shade

A landscape infused with the vibrant colors and lush foliage of tropical plants takes enjoying Summer activities outdoors with family and friends to the next level. Tropical plants make great additions to containers or garden beds that set the stage for fun times around the pool, patio, or pergola. They can even be used to create privacy around the perimeter of your yard.

A Charleston favorite! Philodendron selloum offers large, bright green leaves, a unique texture, and a mounded habit to shady spots. Evergreen. Mature size: 6-10' tall x 8-10' wide. Prefers shade.

A pop of color for low light spots. Shell Ginger provides excellent contrast to greens often found in  the shade. Mature size: 4-5' tall x 4-5' wide. Prefers Part Sun to Shade.

Hardy Hibiscus offer colorful blooms throughout the Summer. Shades vary from white to blush to dark pink with magenta centers. Once dormant, they benefit from being cut back in preparation for the next season's growth. Mature size: 3-5' tall x 3-4' wide. Prefers Part to Full Sun.

One of our most popular plant types! It goes without saying that Palms fit right into the tropical landscape. We have different varieties available in all sizes, including some that would be great for large pots! Mature size: Varies depending on variety. Prefers Part to Full Sun.

Are you seeking a taste of the tropics with the added benefit of privacy? Clumping Bamboo will do the trick! Bamboo grows fast to form a dense screen with feathery foliage that dances in the breeze. Mature size: Varies depending on variety. Prefers Part to Full Sun.

A Charleston garden mainstay. Fatsia has proven itself a durable, evergreen favorite offering shiny green (classic variety) and variegated (shown: Spider's Web variety) palmate leaves. Mature size: Varies depending on variety. Prefers Shade.

Colorful blooms (orange, red, or yellow) and foliage (green, red, or variegated)! Canna lilies are rugged performers, tolerating adverse conditions such as soggy soils. Cut away old foliage ahead of new Spring growth. Mature size: 3-5' tall x 3-4' wide. Prefers Part to Full Sun. 

A multi-purpose problem solver! Papyrus is an ideal choice for spots with wet soil. Use in large containers for height or plant in the back of a border to add privacy to the landscape. Mature size: 6-8' tall x 4-5' wide. Prefers Part to Full Sun.

Lucky for us here in Charleston, mild Fall and Winter temperatures allow many of the tropical plants that are available at our Garden Center to thrive without special protection during cold weather. This means that the plants you see this Summer, although some will need to be cut back before the next Spring, will survive the Winter to flourish again year after year.

Not sure where to start in selecting plants for your landscape? Our Nursery Professionals will be happy to assist! Or, if you're ready for a full makeover with a tropical theme (or other theme of your choosing), book an in-yard design consultation today!

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