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Top 10 Tropical and Exotic Outdoor Garden Plants

Calin Oancea

4/14/20246 min read

Sometimes gardens can get a little bit to boring and usual but luckily there are a bunch of interesting tropical and exotic garden plants that can make your garden more exotic, unique and outstanding.

In this no-fluff article we will reveal the 10 absolute best tropical plants to grow inn your garden. Whether you have a spacious yard or a cozy patio, these plants will upgrade your outdoor space with a tropical touch.

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two large Hibiscus flowers on plant stems
two large Hibiscus flowers on plant stems

Hibiscus, growing to about 2-3 m (6-10 ft), has large, colorful blooms. It flourishes in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. After growing it we saw that regular pruning encourages more flowers, and its vibrant petals can be used in teas and salads which offers offering both beauty as an ornamental plant and utility.

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Hibiscus

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Bird of Paradise

The Bird of Paradise, reaching up to 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft), is renowned for its striking, crane-like flowers. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it's a showstopper in any garden. This exotic flowering plant requires moderate watering and is relatively easy to care for, making it a popular choice for adding a tropical touch.

an exotic orange Bird of Paradise plant
an exotic orange Bird of Paradise plant
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multiple red leaved Ti Plants in a tropical environment
multiple red leaved Ti Plants in a tropical environment

Ti Plant

Ti Plant also known as Good Luck Plant, grows up to 1-3 m (3-10 ft) and is known for its striking, colorful shade foliage. Preferring partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, it's a standout for adding vibrant red color. This pink tropical plant is low maintenance and can be used for both outdoor landscaping as and growing indoors, offering flexibility in garden design for example as a vertical garden plant.

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a tall Banana Plant with large green leaves
a tall Banana Plant with large green leaves

Banana Plant

Banana Plants scientifically known as Musa can reach impressive heights of 2-6 m (6-20 ft), depending on the variety. They prefer full sun and rich, moist soil. These fast-growing plants add a dramatic effect with their large, paddle-shaped leaves, and some varieties even produce edible fruit.

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gorgeous green Caladium leaves with white lines on them
gorgeous green Caladium leaves with white lines on them

Caladium

Their colorful, heart-shaped leaves add vibrant splashes to shady gardens similar to the Hosta. Caladiums are excellent plants for purifying the air and enhancing biodiversity. This tropical leafy plant called Caladium is also suited for indoors, it reaches 30-60 cm (1-2 ft) and thrives in warm, shaded areas with well-drained soil.

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multiple Plumeria flowers and Leaves
multiple Plumeria flowers and Leaves

Plumeria

This tropical flower called Plumeria reaches 2-8 m (6-25 ft) and is celebrated for its fragrant, leathery flowers used in making leis. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plumerias are drought-tolerant and can be grown in containers, making them suitable for various garden settings.

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one red Canna Lily plant in a green plant space
one red Canna Lily plant in a green plant space

Canna Lilies are amazing tropical plants from South America we love, they grow well in multiple regions around the world including Japan, they reach a height of about 0.5-2.5 m (1.5-8 ft) and boast large, banana-like leaves and vibrant flowers. They excel in full sun and rich, moist soil. Cannas are great for adding height and a burst of color to garden beds or containers.

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Canna Lily

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Yucca

Yucca plants bring a tropical vibe with their sword-like leaves and towering flower spikes. Growing up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall, Yuccas are drought resistant full sun plants that prefer sunny spots and a bit of neglect, making them perfect for a hassle-free garden with a tropical vibe.

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a large green Philodendron leafy plant with a lot of leaves
a large green Philodendron leafy plant with a lot of leaves

Philodendron

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Philodendrons are a low maintenance, diverse and adaptable plant type, reaching up to 1,8m (6ft). They prefer medium light and moderate watering, thriving in various indoor environments. Known for their heart-shaped leaves, these plants are excellent at purifying the air. We found that they add a tropical touch to any space, making them a popular choice for both homes and warmer outdoor settings.

Pineapple Plant

This unique plant not only produces the well-known Pineapple fruit but also adds an exotic touch with its spiky foliage and interesting growth habit. It's drought-tolerant and can be a fun, edible addition to a tropical garden. The Pineapple Plant, growing up to 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft), loves full sun and well-drained soil.

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exotic Pineapple Plant leaves with a small pineapple on top
exotic Pineapple Plant leaves with a small pineapple on top
Calin Oancea
Calin Oancea
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Article By:

Calin is in the garden industry for 5 years now and knows a lot about gardening and plants. He is the owner of this website and responsible for most of the content.