You might think tropical plants can only develop in realm with consistently high temperatures .
However , there is a wide variety of tropic and exotic plant that can flourish in the more temperate weather of Zone 8 .
With careful selection and proper concern , you may make a vibrant garden that makes every day sense like a holiday .
In this article , we will search some of the good tropical plant for Zone 8 gardens .
From fearless palms to vivacious flowers and unequalled foliage , these plants will provide a touch of the tropics right in your backyard !
10 Thriving Tropical Plants
Here are 10 tropic flora that have been proven to thrive in various conditions , even in USDA Zone 8 , where temperature can drop to 10 to 20 ° F .
These plant have been chosen for their ability to withstand the temperature variations distinctive of this zone while sustain the vivacious and exuberant characteristics of tropic botany .
1. Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plant that are aboriginal to fond temperate , semitropic , and tropical regions .
They are known for their declamatory , showy efflorescence which can be a wide miscellanea of colors , including pinkish , red , white , and yellowed .
Somehibiscusspecies are stout and can allow colder temperatures , making them suitable for USDA Zone 8 .
One such variety is the rose of Sharon(Hibiscus syriacus ) , which can defy temperatures down to -10 ° atomic number 9 .
The tropic tone of the hibiscus flower , along with its ability to permit Zone 8 conditions , progress to it a outstanding summation to a tropic - theme garden in this zona .
2. Oleander
oleander are evergreen bush that are native to the Mediterranean and Asia but can be grown in tropic and subtropical mood around the world .
They are quite dauntless and can stomach a variety of condition , including warmth , drought , and poor grunge , which score them a good pick for Zone 8 gardens .
oleander produce clusters of flowers throughout the summer in refinement of pinkish , red , yellow , or white .
However , all parts of the oleander flora are venomous if ingested , so they should be planted with caution in area approachable to children or pets .
3. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a genus of thorny , ornamental vines that are aboriginal to South America .
They are hump for their vibrant , paper - like blossom , which can be pink , majestic , red , orangish , white-livered , or white .
Bougainvillea plants are quite heat - tolerant and can thrive in the condition of Zone 8 , but they may need some protection during the coldest parts of the wintertime .
They prefer full Dominicus and well - drained stain .
4. Hardy Banana
Thehardy banana , orMusa basjoo , is a species of banana plant that is aboriginal to Japan .
Unlike most banana plant life , which are tropical , Musa basjoo can tolerate colder temperatures and can survive in USDA Zone 8 .
It may give way back to the ground in winter , but it will regrow in the spring .
This works can reach height of up to 15 feet and has large , paddle - alike leaves that can supply a tropic tactile property to a garden . It can raise fruit , but the bananas are not typically deplete .
5. Camellias
Camellias are evergreen bush that are native to easterly and southerly Asia .
They are known for their tumid , showy efflorescence , which can be livid , pink , red , or a combination of these coloration .
In USDA Zone 8 , camellia can be grow as perennials . They favour a location with partial spook and well - drained , acidic soil .
Camellias bloom in the cooler months , from fall to spring , which provides coloring in the garden when many other plants are inactive . This make them a worthful increase to a Zone 8 garden .
6. Canna Lilies
Despite their name , canna lilies are not true lily . They are a genus of flowering plant that are native to the tropics and semitropics of the Americas .
Canna lily have large , boat paddle - like leaves that can be green , crimson , or a compounding of these colors , and their flower can be red , orange , yellow , or pinkish .
In Zone 8 , canna lilies can be grown as perennials . They prefer full sun and robust , well - drained soil .
Canna lily can add a tropic touch to a Zone 8 garden with their sheer foliation and brilliant flush .
7. Elephant Ears
Elephant ear are the uncouth name for several species in the genusColocasia , which are aboriginal to tropical Asia and Polynesia .
These plants are known for their with child , dramatic leaves , which can be green , smuggled , or a combination of these color .
Elephant ear can produce in USDA Zone 8 , although they may fail back in the winter and regrow in the bounce .
They opt a location with fond to full Dominicus and moist , well - drained soil .
With their large leave , elephant ears can make a big impact in a garden and add a tropical feel .
8. Hardy Palms
While many palm mintage are tropical and can not tolerate cold temperatures , there are some that are quite hardy and can pull through in USDA Zone 8 .
One example is the windmill palm(Trachycarpus fortunei ) , which is aboriginal to division of China , Burma , and India .
Windmill palms can tolerate temperatures down to -10 level Fahrenheit .
They have devotee - regulate leaves and can grow up to 40 invertebrate foot improbable , although they are often pocket-sized when grown outside of their aboriginal kitchen range .
Windmill palms favour a localisation with full sun or partial shade and well - drain soil .
9. Lily of the Nile
Lily of the Nile , also known asagapanthus , is a genus of flowering plant that are native to South Africa .
They produce clusters of blue or white flower on tall stems , with each single flower resembling a small lily .
These plants are quite hardy and can grow in USDA Zone 8 . They prefer full sun to partial shadiness and well - drain soil .
Lily of the Nile can add height and colour to a garden , and while they are not truly tropical plant , their succulent , strappy leaves , and showy flower can contribute to a tropical aesthetic .
10. Passionflower
passionflower vine are a genus of flower vines that are native to the tropics and semitropics of the Americas .
They are known for their unequalled , intricate flowers , which can be a multifariousness of colors , including blue , purple , red , and livid .
Some species ofpassionflowercan be grown in USDA Zone 8 , although they may die back in the winter and regrow in the bound .
Passionflowers choose a location with full sun or partial shade and well - drained stain .
They can be a prominent addition to a Zone 8 garden , especially when allowed to mount a trellis or other support .
Tropical Paradises: Not Just for the Equator
Through our geographic expedition of tropical plants suitable for Zone 8 , we ’ve realise that a tropic haven is n’t exclusive to equatorial regions .
From racy rose bay to striking passionflowers , these plants can transubstantiate your garden into a profuse paradise , irrespective of latitude .
Remember , each plant requires specific care to flourish .
With attention to their individual needs , your garden can be a vibrant display of tropical splendor .
Read more :
A Detailed Guide to 13 USDA Plant Hardiness Zones — Zone In On Your Garden
Tropical Plants Suitable For Pots In Full Sun [ 11 Ideas To Make Your Landscaping Pop ]