Six Plants That Will Transport You to the Tropics

Yes, you can grow a banana tree in the Hamptons!

July 5, 2023

Alejandro Saralegui,

Love the foliage and all the frills of tropical plants? Wishing your backyard plot could look more like a Caribbean getaway? Surprisingly, many hot-weather-loving favorites from points farther south are hardy on the East End, so if you’re looking for a little lushness in the garden, give them a try.

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Hardy Banana Plant
(Musa basjoo)
Zones: 5-10
Height: 6-14 feet; width: 6-14 feet
You’ll still have to buy bananas for breakfast at the grocery store, but this variety’s dramatic foliage puts on a dazzling show. After our region’s long winters, it takes a while for the plant to emerge in the spring, but your patience will be rewarded. Keep moist and fertilize regularly.

Hardy Banana Plant
(Musa basjoo)
Zones: 5-10
Height: 6-14 feet; width: 6-14 feet
You’ll still have to buy bananas for breakfast at the grocery store, but this variety’s dramatic foliage puts on a dazzling show. After our region’s long winters, it takes a while for the plant to emerge in the spring, but your patience will be rewarded. Keep moist and fertilize regularly.

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Hardy Begonia
(Begonia grandis)
Zones: 6-7
Height: 1-2 feet; width: 1-2 feet
This plant produces shiny leaves throughout the summer season and sparkly pink blossoms in the fall. Great for a shade garden.

Hardy Begonia
(Begonia grandis)
Zones: 6-7
Height: 1-2 feet; width: 1-2 feet
This plant produces shiny leaves throughout the summer season and sparkly pink blossoms in the fall. Great for a shade garden.

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Leopard Plant
(Farfugium japonicum)
Zones: 7-10
Height: 1-2 feet; width: 1-2 feet
Best in part to full shade, the leopard plant boasts shiny, almost plastic-looking leaves that give off tropical vibes. Yellow flowers emerge in the fall.

Leopard Plant
(Farfugium japonicum)
Zones: 7-10
Height: 1-2 feet; width: 1-2 feet
Best in part to full shade, the leopard plant boasts shiny, almost plastic-looking leaves that give off tropical vibes. Yellow flowers emerge in the fall.

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Courtesy of Plant Delights Nursery, Inc.
Cast-Iron Plant
(Aspidistra elatior)
Zones: 8-10
Height: 2 feet; width: 2 feet
The name says it all: This hard-to-kill houseplant can survive the winter outdoors, as long as it is heavily mulched and planted in a protected spot in deep shade to avoid leaf scorch.

Courtesy of Plant Delights Nursery, Inc.
Cast-Iron Plant
(Aspidistra elatior)
Zones: 8-10
Height: 2 feet; width: 2 feet
The name says it all: This hard-to-kill houseplant can survive the winter outdoors, as long as it is heavily mulched and planted in a protected spot in deep shade to avoid leaf scorch.

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Arum Lilly
(Zantedeschia albomaculata)
Zone: 7-10
Height: 1-2 feet; width: 1-2 feet
These larger-flowered lilies closely resemble tender calla lilies and prefer moist soil. They are ideal along the edge of a pond, and you can pot them up and bring them inside for the winter, too.

Arum Lilly
(Zantedeschia albomaculata)
Zone: 7-10
Height: 1-2 feet; width: 1-2 feet
These larger-flowered lilies closely resemble tender calla lilies and prefer moist soil. They are ideal along the edge of a pond, and you can pot them up and bring them inside for the winter, too.

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Swamp Lily
(Crinum x powellii)
Zones: 7-11
Height: 3-5 feet; width: 2-3 feet
A late-summer bloomer, this lily continues to bulk up year after year. Despite the common name, it is intolerant of too much water and performs best in sunny spots.

Swamp Lily
(Crinum x powellii)
Zones: 7-11
Height: 3-5 feet; width: 2-3 feet
A late-summer bloomer, this lily continues to bulk up year after year. Despite the common name, it is intolerant of too much water and performs best in sunny spots.

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Tips

If you’re fond of hardy tropicals but don’t completely trust Mother Nature, bring them inside for the winter before the first frost.
Mulch or leaf litter is always a good idea for protecting plants that are marginally hardy in our region.
Be sure to use these “exotics” in cut-flower arrangements, including their wonderful foliage. A vase of Farfugium leaves looks terrific on its own and will last a long time.
Many of these plants grow rapidly, so learn how to propagate them, and share cuttings with friends.
Regularly apply a good organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, and give some to your houseplants while you’re at it.