It’s no secret that garden centers across the country are seeing a serious shift in what plants people are looking to buy. Less adults’ own homes with traditional yard-space than any point in recent history. This leaves would-be gardeners with less options, and we’re seeing them turn to indoor plants at as a result. This trend makes a ton of sense, but I’m afraid many plant-enthusiasts will miss out on the tropical / annual plant experience. When I am talking to newer customers, they have a much different outlook on plants they prefer than regulars. All of them are wanting indoor plants, and the ones with outdoor space are looking for perennials. So, why buy tropical plants at all?
First and foremost, there are definitely tropical plants that can survive indoors. Tropical doesn’t necessarily mean full sun, as many tropical plants survive on the forest floor under the shade of trees. Man
y of these are big-leafed plants – usually green – that don’t flower and are quite easy to maintain. However, when I think tropical, I always imagine the blooming varieties. Tropical Hibiscus, Mandevilla Dipladenia, and more produce huge, vibrant blooms in a variety of growth patterns (shrub, dwarf shrub, vining, and tree-form). Blooming tropicals are the showiest of any flowering shrub and will be the plant that guest’s eyes are drawn to. They’re great for highlighting the parts of your garden you want people to see: Next to your new statue, on the outside of main entrances, etc.
“What about perennials? Why would I want to buy a plant that must be replaced versus one I can grow for years to come?”
That’s a great question, and the answer is not absolute. I could definitely find evergreen, deciduous, and perennial shrubs that produce flowers and survive the frost of winters. The downside of going long-term with the main color of your garden is that the extra cost and maintenance is not always outweighed by the end product. Perennials usually have a set period of blooms. These blooms are regulated by the plant and will die down accordingly. That rhythm can sometimes leave you without color right when you’d want to have the most. Tropical plants grown in Louisiana are like soldiers on a one-way mission. They produce their signature blooms from early spring till the bitter end (first frost) and thus give you much more time to show off your color. Once gone, there’s no headache, no pruning, no chemicals to spray, and no bugs or diseases to worry about. You’ll sleep easy knowing you can get right back to those show-piece quality plants the moment spring rolls around.
