Sun-loving tropical plants are accustomed to intense sunlight.
Tropical plants live in warm, humid climates where winter temperatures seldom drop below summer averages. The tropical rain forest consists of an overall canopy of trees and understories of plants that compete for the light that trees don't absorb. Although outdoor use of sun-loving tropical plants is limited to a few areas in the United States, they are planted as tender annuals or kept as houseplants in others.
Palms
Most of the hundreds of varieties of tropical trees require the moist, spongy soil of the rain forest and other species nearby to thrive. Many are too large for a backyard. Dozens of varieties of palms, however, grow well in South Florida and Southern California. The University of Florida's IFAS extension recommends seashore palm, picabeen palm, American oil palm, red feather palm, silver palm, ribbon fan palm, thatch and Florida's native palmetto palms. Other palms, including the iconic royal palms of Palm Beach, may need nutrients such as manganese, do not self-clean, grow spiny trunks or are short-lived.
Flowering Perennials
Because rain forest floor sunshine is rare, full-sun perennials often flower in vivid colors. Canna, calla and gloriosa lily are sun-loving tropical perennials used as tender annuals farther north. The African iris stands up to 3 feet tall and flowers in spring in white or yellow. Twinflower has a small purple bloom on an 18-inch plant that grows in clumps. Rain lilies, true to their name, bloom after rain in yellow, pink, red or white on 2- to 4-foot plants. Amaryllis, shrimp plant also work as houseplants. A gaillardia called Indian blanket bears brilliant red and yellow blooms on 1- to 2-foot plants; this salt-tolerant plant grows well along the seashore. Beach elder and beach sunflower are also salt-tolerant. Florida mountainmint and firecracker plant attract butterflies, according to BostonGardens.com.
Shrubs
Many sun-loving shrubs are also salt-tolerant, equipping them for seaside landscapes. Dwarf poinciana, with its bright yellow flowers, matures as a hedge or small tree, depending on pruning. Purple allamanda and desert rose bloom with showy flowers. West Indian sea lavender, coral bean tree and century plant exhibit small flowers or fruit. Bougainvillea, although a vine, when grown against a fence, makes a spectacular hedge. Florida privet is often suggested as a replacement for ficus hedges. Parlor palm and miniature fishtail palms that grow no taller than 3 feet make handsome small trees, shrubs or indoor plants. Cat palm grows in a 3- to 8-foot mound and qualifies as a shrub or tree, depending on pruning.
Ground Covers
Many ground covers, such as croton and ti plants, show their colors in their leaves rather than flowers because light is at such a premium on the forest floor. Desert spoon is an exception, blooming with huge creamy white flowers. Unfortunately, the bloom of a desert spoon plant signals the end of its life. Beech or golden creeper thrives on a beachfront when watered regularly. Monstera vines establish roots as they spread.
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