There are hundreds of tropical plant materials for landscape use. The following is an overview of some of the more popular selections for Galveston County and the Texas Upper Gulf Coast.

Mexican Lime - Citrus aurantifolia Swingle
Mexican lime (also known as key lime) is a relatively small, bushy, evergreen tree reaching 8' - 10' in height. The foliage is dark green and the branches have short spines. The fruit is small, usually less than 2" in diameter and contains a number of seeds. The Mexican lime is very flavorful and the aroma is perhaps it's most distinctive characteristic. There is a thorn-less Mexican Lime that is easier to work with but it typically produces fewer fruit than the thorned selection.
Mexican Lime requires a well drained soil with good water holding characteristics. Plants do best in full sun but will perform, with reduced production in light shade. These trees are somewhat drought tolerant but will require irrigation for optimum growth and development, particularly during the heat of summer.

Dianella - Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata'
Also called the Flax Lily but most often referred to by its scientific name, Dianella. This plant is a relative newcomer to the marketplace but is coming on strong in popularity. Plants reach 2' x 2' in size and have colorful, white/green striped, grass-like leaves. Bears small, violet colored flowers, followed by blue berries. This plant does well in a variety of soil situations but needs adequate drainage for best results. Dianella will tolerate full sun but prefers partial shade - especially during the heat of the day. This is an outstanding plant for tropical landscapes and had good cold hardiness for the area.

Variegated Ginger - Alpinia zerumbet
This is a very well adapted tropical for use in area landscapes. Plants typically reach 4' - 5' in height and individual leaves can be 24" long and 6" wide. It's the striking green and yellow variegation that makes this plant an exciting choice for the landscape. Small shell-shaped flowers also add interest. Variegated ginger requires adequate moisture and drainage for optimum growth and it prefers partial shade - especially during the heat of the day. This plant has good cold tolerance for the area.

Bougainvillea - Bougainvillea sp
This semi-woody vine/shrub can provide a spectacular display of color - second to no other landscape tropical. Plants can become huge but are often pruned to a manageable size and form. The stems are covered with nasty thorns. Bougainvillea flowers are very small and somewhat inconspicuous. The sub-tending bracts (modified leaves) are what put on the showy display of red, violet, white, etc. for which the plant is best known. Bougainvilleas require full sun and thrive on stress conditions. Once established these plants have few requirements. Bougainvillea has medium hardiness and can be damaged by cold temperatures.

Tropical Hibiscus - Rosa-sinensis
This widely used tropical can reach up to 15' in height but is usually pruned to 5' - 8'. Hibiscus can be used in the landscape as either a shrub or small tree and many are well suited for use in containers. The flowers can reach 6" in diameter and are available in numerous colors with single or double rows of petals - some with scalloped edges. These flowers have a very distinct pistil and stamen. The foliage is glossy-green and arranged alternately on the stem. The hibiscus will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and does best in full sun. This plant is subject to frost and cold weather damage.

Split Leaf Philodendron - Philodendron bipinnatifidum
The Split Leaf Philodendron, sometimes referred to as Philodendron selloum or tree philodendron is a herbaceous - semi woody shrub that may reach up to 15' in height. Since the plant lacks structural support, older specimens often fall over and take on a vine-like appearance. Deeply dissected, shiny green leaves, which may reach 3' in length, are the most recognizable characteristic of this landscape tropical. The Split Leaf Philodendron does best in well drained soils with adequate moisture. It prefers partial - full shade. This plant has good hardiness characteristics and will often recover from cold/frost damage.

Asparagus Fern - Protasparagus densiflorus
There are 2 cultivars of Asaparagus Fern commonly used in the landscape. P. densiflorus 'Sprengeri' is a herbaceous perennial forming 3' - 4' arching stems, covered with light green, fine textured leaves. The plant can form a large mound up to 3' - 4' in diameter. P. densiflorus 'Myersii', sometimes referred to as the Foxtail Fern, is more upright in growth habit. This plant forms unique stems, up to 2' in length, tapering from the base to the tip. Both do well in a variety of soil conditions and will tolerate full sun or dense shade. They are also extremely drought tolerant. The arching form is often used in hanging baskets or mixed containers. This is a rugged plant for tropical landscapes with good hardiness characteristics.

Sword Fern - Nephrolepis spp.
There are several different fern species commonly used in tropical landscapes - many with unique common and cultivar names. N. exaltata is perhaps the most widely observed, with long, upright, sword shaped leaves, reaching 3' in length. These plants require well drained soils with good moisture and grow best in low light conditions. Sword Fern forms underground runners and in ideal growing conditions can become weedy. These plants can be easily dug and removed from the landscape. Ferns also do well in hanging baskets and mixed containers. The Sword Fern is an excellent landscape tropical with few maintenance issues and good cold tolerance.

Plumbago - Plumbago auriculata
This plant can be pruned to several different forms/growth habits for use in tropical landscapes. It can be shaped in to a rounded mound, which may reach 10' in height or it may be pruned more like a sprawling vine, reaching a height of only 12" - 18". Plumbago's beautiful, sky-blue flowers are the dominant characteristic of this plant material and it is frequently used to deliver year-round color to tropical landscapes. Plumbago prefers well drained, acidic soils but will tolerate many different situations. Plants grow best in full sun and tend to get leggy and thin, with reduced flowering, in shady locations. Plumbago benefits form frequent pruning. This is a well adapted landscape tropical with good cold tolerance characteristics.

Croton - Codiaeum variegatum
The Croton is enjoying an increased level of popularity as a landscape tropical thanks to the release of several of new cultivars (i.e. 'Painter' series). These plants have a variety of unique leaf shapes/forms and colors. Mature crotons can get up to 10' tall but most are in the 3' - 5' range. The leaves are leathery with color combinations of red, yellow, orange and green. This colorful display is what distinguishes Crotons in the landscape. Plants do best in well drained soils with adequate moisture. These plants prefer good light but some cultivars bleach out in full summer sun. Crotons have medium cold tolerance and can be damaged by frost.

Cordyline - Cordyline fruticosa
Also referred to as the Ty plant, Cordyline is another landscape tropical benefiting in popularity from the release of several new and improved cultivars. Most landscape specimens are 3' - 5' tall but mature Cordyline can get up to 10' in height. The glossy leaves, up to 30" long and 6" wide, occur along an un-branched stem and in a crown of foliage atop mature plants. Their colorful display of greens, yellows, red-purple, and/or white makes this plant standout in the tropical landscape. For best results plant in areas with good drainage and provide irrigation as needed. Cordyline will tolerate full sun but prefers partial shade - especially during the heat of the day. Foliar burn (from soluble salts) has been a problem but newer cultivars have largely eliminated this situation. Cordyline is somewhat sensitive to cold temperatures in our area.

Ixora - Ixora coccinea
This multi-branched, evergreen shrub is an extremely popular plant used in tropical landscapes. Most mature specimens are somewhere between 4' - 6' in height but can get up to 12' high. In many situations the spread exceeds its height. The glossy, leather-like, leaves are very attractive but it's the clusters of small,l tubular-shaped flowers that gets most of the attention. There are several cultivars to choose from with flower colors that include white, yellow, pink, orange and red. Dwarf cultivars, under 3', are also available. These plants need good soil conditions and are not particularly drought tolerant. Ixora do prefer full sun but do best with some shade during the heat of the day. These plants are susceptible to cold damage but can come back from the ground in a really bad winter.

Jatropha - Jatropha integerrima
This plant is another landscape tropical that is well adapted to the area and limited only by it's lack of cold hardiness. Jatropha can reach heights of up to 10' - 15' with a similar spread. Most in the landscape are much smaller - around 3' - 6'. They can be grown upright or pruned to a multi-branched shrub. The leaves are difficult to describe because there are numerous shapes and colors. The delicate, red flowers are the standout characteristic of the Jatropha and used in a protected area this is an excellent landscape plant for the area. Plant in a location with good drainage. This plant can tolerate drought conditions better than most tropicals. Jatropha prefers full sun but do best with some shade during the heat of the day. Plants are subject to cold and frost damage.

Oleander - Nerium oleander
The original Oleanders brought to the US came through the port of Galveston. This plant is a part of the areas rich history and Galveston is often referred to as the Oleander City. This evergreen shrub can reach heights of up to 20' but are most often pruned to a smaller size. Dwarf cultivars are also very popular reaching heights to 4'. Oleanders flower on new growth, so promoting lateral branching in spring can increase bloom count. Flowers occur in clusters and colors include red, pink, coral, yellow, white and bi-colors. A naturally occurring toxin in oleanders (Cardenolide Glycosides), when ingested in certain quantities, can be harmful/fatal to humans and pets. Since this toxin occurs primarily in the sap, be sure to wash hands thoroughly after pruning or handling plant parts. Fumes from burning oleanders can also be toxic. If an individual comes in contact with any poisonous materials, contact the local Poison Control Center immediately. Oleander is well adapted to a wide range of soil and growing conditions. This plant has good cold hardiness for the area.

Elephant Ear - Alocasia macrorrhiza
The Elephant Ear or Alocasia is a landscape tropical best known for its large leaves. There are numerous cultivars, some reaching 8' - 10' tall in a single growing season. Individual leaves can get up to 6' long and 4' - 5' across. Plants grow/spread by rhizomes (underground stems) making them easy to divide/propagate. These plants thrive in a variety of soil conditions making them well adapted to the area. Elephant Ear prefers partial - full shade. Cold injury occurs at temperatures below 25 degrees F. but damaged plants typically come back from the ground.

Sansevieria- Sansevieria trifasciata
Also known as Mother-in-Laws Tongue, this is a somewhat unique plant for use in tropical landscapes. Sansevieria can reach heights approaching 5'. Best know for their upright, variegated leaves - colors range from dark green to bright yellow with numerous shades in between. Plants are often grown in containers. Sansevieria spread by means of rhizomes (underground stems) and in some situations can become weedy. These plants require a well drained soil but are very drought tolerant. They like good light but need some shade during the heat of the summer sun. Surprisingly good cold tolerance and damaged plants often come back from the rhizomes.

Plumeria - Plumeria spp.
Perhaps the most coveted landscape tropical for many home gardeners, the Plumeria, or frangipani as it is sometimes called, is typically grown as an upright shrub or small tree. Plants can get up to 10'- 12' tall but rarely seen at these sizes. The leathery leaves are oblong (10" - 20") and very distinctive. The thick, rounded branches or trunk can be rather delicate and break easily. Plumeria loose their leaves during the winter months and are not particularly attractive during this phase of growth. Many plants are grown in containers and moved to protected areas during cold weather. It's the delicate, fragrant, waxy flowers that make the Plumeria such a valuable landscape tropical. There is no other plant that can rival its wow factor. However, Plumeria are extremely cold sensitive with limited hardiness for the area. Protection is the key to survival and many home gardeners' shuttle plants in and out of garages and storage areas all winter long. Good drainage and full sun with a little afternoon shade are required for optimum growth.

Bananas - Musa x paradisiacal
Few plants create a more "tropical feel" in the landscape than bananas. There are many different cultivars available ranging in size from 25' to dwarf types under 5'. Most edible bananas were developed from two wild species: Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. Flowering banana (Musa ornata) is among the most popular landscape type for the area. Banana leaves can be entire or take on a more fringed appearance from tears along the margin. The flowers and fruit provide added interest. Most bananas need at least 10 to 12 months of warm weather to produce a flower stalk, and another 6 months or so to produce ripe fruit. Since those types of conditions are rare in the area, ripe bananas are unusual. Freezing temperatures will kill the foliage to the ground but the rhizomes, typically send up new shoots when the weather warms in spring. Reports of a cold hardy banana (Texas Star) are unconfirmed and should be evaluated with caution.

Rubber Plant - Ficus elastica
Often thought of more as an indoor house plant, these plants can be found in tropical landscapes throughout the area. Rubber Plants can be grown as a large shrub or small tree and often reach a mature size of over 20' in the absence of cold temperatures. The leathery, oblong leaves (8" - 10") are the plant's most recognizable feature. Both male and female plants are sold and the fruit on female plants is messy and undesirable. Unfortunately there is no way to distinguish sexes until the plants flower - then it's usually too late. The Rubber Plant is extremely tolerant to a wide range of soil and environmental conditions. As a result it is sometimes a bit trashy. But used wisely, this plant is an excellent selection for the tropical landscape. The Rubber Plant has moderate cold hardiness for the area.