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 .

Hibiscus with bright red petals blooming the garden

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 .

Bright white and pink petals of an Oleander flower

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 .

Bright red petals of a Bougainvillea

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 .

A row of Hardy bananas

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 .

Camellias with bright pink and red petals

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 .

Canna Lilies with bright pink petals

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 .

Elephant ears with bright green leaves

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 .

A small green hardy palm photographed in the garden

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 .

Agapanthus with bright purple petals

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 .

Passionflower growing from the garden trellis

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 ]