32 Stunning Tropical Flowers to Grow Inside or Outside

Hibiscus

The tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) brings a flamenco vibe to the patio and container garden even for beginners. If you provide ample sunshine and generous water, you will receive nonstop blooms up to 8 inches in diameter throughout the growing season. Like many tropical flowers, the brilliant colors of the hibiscus are a beacon to butterflies. Blooms come in hot shades like yellow, orange, and red, and cool tones like pink, white, and purple.

• Name: Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-12
• Flower Colors: White, red, pink, orange, yellow, purple
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained, slightly acidic
• Mature Size: 4-10 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Bromeliads

Despite their unusual appearance, bromeliads (Guzmania spp.) are surprisingly unfussy tropical plants that tolerate a wide range of temperatures from near-freezing to triple digits. Bromeliads for beginners include those found in the Guzmania genus. Humidity is an important part of watering, as bromeliad leaves have special scales that absorb water from the air.

• Name: Bromeliads (Guzmania spp.)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
• Flower Colors: Orange, yellow, pink, white
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic
• Mature Size: 3 feet tall, 2 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Clivia

Also called natal lily, clivia (Clivia miniata) is coveted by many gardeners as a tough houseplant that thrives in low-light areas. Not only will clivia grow in your previously barren north-facing windowsill, but it also likes to be on the dry side, grows best with minimal fertilizer, and is happiest when root-bound in a crowded pot. It is the perfect tropical plant for those with a slightly brownish thumb. This plant is toxic to humans and animals.

• Name: Clivia (Clivia miniata)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
• Flower Colors: Orange, yellow, pink
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Rich well-drained soil
• Mature Size: 2 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Deer- Resistant: Yes

Chenille Plant

The chenille plant (Acalypha hispida) will grow for any gardener if given ample water and sunlight. Also known as red-hot cattail, it may need supplementary lighting with a grow light to overwinter successfully indoors.

• Name: Chenille plant (Acalypha hispida)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
• Flower Colors: Red
• Light: Full sun to partial shade (outdoors), bright direct light (indoors)
• Soil Needs: Sandy, clay, loamy
• Mature Size: 4-6 feet tall, 5-8 feet wide, much smaller when grown in containers and indoors
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Orchid

One of the most popular tropical orchids is the cattleya orchid. Choosing the right growing medium is critical for orchids, which do not grow well in standing water. A chunky, bark-based growing mix for orchids will give your plant a healthy start. Choose a pot with many drainage holes to ensure the plant will not be overwatered. Add filtered light, a humid environment (bathroom or kitchen window), and moderate temperatures to keep your orchid going.

• Name: Orchid (Orchidaceae)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
• Flower Colors: Many depending on the variety
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Chunky, bark-based growing mix
• Mature Size: Depends on species
• Deer-Resistant: No

Jasmine

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) adds fragrance and height to any garden, producing flowers from late spring through early fall. It is a slender but vigorous vine that you can keep under control with frequent pruning. Humidity is just as important as watering is for healthy plants. While indoors (especially during cold winters), give jasmine bright but indirect light and a cool location. 

• Name: Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
• Flower Colors: Pink, white, ivory, yellow
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile
• Mature Size: 15-20 feet tall, 5 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Ginger

As aromatic as they are beautiful, flowering ginger plants (Zingiber neglectum) are an excellent alternative for gardeners who have little or no direct sun in their landscapes. However, as with most tropicals, hot and humid conditions are required for thriving plants. The popular cultivar 'Pagoda Jewel' looks like an alien life form but grows easily in moist, well-drained soil. Bring your ginger plants indoors when temperatures dip below 50 degrees to prevent leaf tips from browning. 

• Name: Ginger (Zingiber neglectum)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
• Flower Colors: Red, pink, orange
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Loamy
• Mature Size: 4-5 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Protea

What looks like a cross between an artichoke and a thistle, protea flowers (Protea cynaroides) are a staple in tropical flower arrangements due to their very long-lasting cut blooms. The blossoms are fuzzy, leathery, and quite drought-tolerant. Protea is native to Africa yet more frost-tolerant than most tropical flowers; the plant is winter-hardy in zone 8. Plant proteas in a sandy potting mix and water once or twice a week. A half-day of sun adequately coaxes the plant to bloom in late winter through spring. 

• Name: Protea (Protea cynaroides)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
• Flower Colors: Wide range
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Slightly acidic
• Mature Size: 6-26 feet tall depending on the variety
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Bougainvillea

Anyone who has visited a Mediterranean country will conjure memories of their trip by cultivating this vigorous vine, which grows throughout sunny, dry climates. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra) demands a full day of sunshine so don't plan on overwintering these plants in your home. However, the cheerful magenta or red bracts will appear quickly on new transplants you install in the spring. Bougainvillea blooming may taper off during summer but will peak in the fall, as it thrives when the length of day and night are equal or nearly so. 

• Name: Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
• Flower Colors: Various depending on the variety
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Humus-rich, acidic
• Mature Size: 15-40 feet tall and wide
• Deer-Resistant: Sometimes

Anthurium

Anthurium or flamingo flowers (Anthurium andraeanum) are most happy when their environment is humid bordering on muggy. The flowers are bracts in red, pink, white, and dramatic burgundy hues. The shiny surface of the bracts lends a lacquered appearance, which stands out in dappled sunlight conditions. Provide flamingo flowers with rich, moist soil and protect them from temperatures below 40 degrees. This plant is toxic to humans and pets.

• Name: Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 11-12
• Flower Colors: Red, pink, white, burgundy
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Rich, moist soil
• Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall, 9-12 inches wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Medinilla

Medinilla (Medinilla magnifica), also known as pink maiden or rose grape, is a departure from many tropical flowers in that it prefers a shady site in the garden. If you have successfully cared for an orchid, treat your medinilla the same way—it grows as an epiphyte in the wild. Pot it in orchid bark and water sparingly. Provide the plant with dappled sunlight and moderate temperatures. A daily misting will keep your medinilla going through the dry environs of a winter windowsill. 

• Name: Medinilla (Medinilla magnifica)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
• Flower Colors: Pink
• Light: Shade
• Soil Needs: Orchid bark
• Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Pentas

There is nothing like a few pots of pink, purple, and red pentas (Pentas lanceolata) to bring the butterflies and hummingbirds flocking to your deck or patio. Clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers appear throughout the summer on 12-inch tall plants that want nothing more than full sun, well-drained soil, and average water. 

• Name: Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
• Flower Colors: Pink, purple, red
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• Mature Size: 24-36 inches
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Canna

The widespread availability and rapid growth habit of cannas (Canna indica) make them popular tropical plants in home gardens. Even if you are plagued by soggy or boggy soil, cannas will grow in standing water. It is nearly impossible for these hungry giants to have too much sunshine or nutrients. Amending the soil with compost or manure helps taller varieties such as 'Phasion' reach their potential.

• Name: Canna (Canna indica)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
• Flower Colors: Red, orange, gold
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Rich, acidic soil
• Mature Size: 1 1/2 -10 feet tall, 1 1/2-6 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Angel's Trumpet

The show-stopping hanging trumpet-shaped flowers of the angel's trumpet (Brugmansia spp.) make this plant a delight for any garden. A variegated cultivar such as 'Snowbank' will make plants interesting even out of bloom. Provide these shrubs with a large container, partial shade, and regular water. Prune hard in the fall when you bring it inside for the winter. This plant is toxic to humans and animals.

• Name: Angel's trumpet (Brugmansia spp.)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
• Flower Colors: White, peach, pink, orange, yellow
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Moist, but well-drained, acidic
• Mature Size: 6-35 feet tall, 3-10 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Bird-of-Paradise

The bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is an iconic name for an eye-catching flower. This particular variety is native to South Africa, and its stunning bloom has vivid shades of orange and blue. If you plant this favorite tropical plant outdoors in a hot region or cooler climate, enjoy a never-ending blooming season, up to 25 times throughout the year. Note that it is toxic to animals.

• Name: Bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
• Flower Colors: Yellow, orange, blue
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy
• Mature Size: 40–48 inches
  
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Plumeria

When you think of the soft, five-petaled flowers that cascade off Hawaiian leis, you're thinking of plumeria (Plumeria spp.) These cheerful small flowers with a sweet fragrance are slow-growing but large plants that add a colorful element to a tropical garden. They grow well in pots and can be overwintered indoors in cooler climates.

• Name: Plumeria (Plumeria spp.)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
• Flower Colors: White, yellow, pink, red, orange, red
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Loamy, sandy, well-drained
• Mature Size: 10-30 feet tall, 20-25 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Cape Plumbago

The darling blue flowers of cape plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), also known as cape leadwort, have an iconic shape reminiscent of periwinkle or phlox. Its branches grow in a cascading pattern, adding color and greenery to gardens in warmer clients. With cape plumbago, you won't get just one growing season, you'll have blooms all year.

• Name: Cape plumbago (Plumbago auriculata)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
• Flower Colors: Blue, white
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Fertile, well-drained
• Mature Size: 6-10 feet tall, 8-10 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Parrot Heliconia

The long-lasting flowers of this evergreen perennial are truly unusual, the flowers of parrot heliconia (Heliconia psittacorum) fan out as they mature, resembling the plumage of a parrot. The flowers of the species are greenish-yellow with red bracts but there are cultivars in other colors, including red and orange, which bloom on and off throughout the year. A popular variety is 'Parrot's Beak'.

• Name: Parrot heliconia (Heliconia psittacorum)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
• Flower Colors: Red, orange, yellow 
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained, acidic
• Mature Size: 3-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Hanging Lobster Claw

Each tall stem of this showy ornamental features lush, dark green, paddle-shaped foliage topped with a drooping inflorescence with bright red flowering bracts. The small, hanging yellow flower clusters of the hanging lobster claw (Heliconia rostrata) stay around for weeks when in bloom. While it is possible to grow heliconia indoors, it is tricky. The plants are very particular about evenly warm temperatures, humidity levels, and sunlight, in addition, they need plenty of space.

• Name: Hanging lobster claw (Heliconia rostrata)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
• Flower Colors: Yellow
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Moist, fertile
• Mature Size: 4-6 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Urn Plant

Also known as silver vase (Aechmea fasciata), this bromeliad has elegantly arcing leaves striped with silvery gray and its showy pink bract, which resembles a large flower. The bract holds many small purple, red, or blue flowers that will appear at the height of the plant's bloom. Native to the warm, humid climate of Brazil. it makes an excellent indoor plant in temperate regions. Provide the plant with partial sunlight, moist but well-drained soil, and temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees.

• Name: Urn plant (Aechmea fasciata)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
• Flower Colors: Pink bract with blue, purple, or red flowers
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained
• Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Stephanotis

This flowering vine with small and fragrant white blooms and glossy, oval green leaves is also known as Madagascar jasmine or bridal flower (Marsdenia floribunda). Because of its humidity requirements, it is finicky to grow. It grows best in humid, tropical conditions with warm winters and temperatures consistently between 65 to 90 degrees but can also be grown as a houseplant. Stephanotis needs a trellis, wire round, or fencing for the vine to support the tendrils.

• Name: Stephanotis (Marsdenia floribunda)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-13
• Flower Colors: White
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic
• Mature Size: 10-20 feet tall outdoors, 3-4 feet tall indoors
• Deer-Resistant: No

Blue Passionflower

One of the most attractive passionflowers is the blue passionflower (Passiflora caerulea), also known as bluecrown passionflower. It blooms from early summer to early fall, followed by hollow fruits in late summer. In climates with warm winters, it is an evergreen. Its tendrils cling to brick walls, arbors, and fences, but unlike other vines, it is not a heavy plant, and won't cause damage. Passionflower thrives in high humidity. however, it also needs good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases so make sure not to plant it in a confined space.

• Name: Blue passionflower (Passiflora caerulea)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
• Flower Colors: Blue
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained
• Mature Size: 10-30 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Moonflower

You don't need to live in a tropical and subtropical climate to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the moonflower (Ipomoea alba) during the summer, as it is a fast-growing annual. Sometimes regarded as a night-blooming species of morning glory, the trumpet-shaped white flowers begin blooming in mid-summer and last until fall. The blooms unfurl as the sun goes down and even on cloudy days. They stay open all night, exuding their sweet fragrance into the air, before closing up again the next morning. Moonflower is best planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. This form of morning glory may be toxic to pets.

• Name: Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
• Flower Colors: White
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained
• Mature Size: 10–15 feet tall, 3–6 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: No

Hoya

It may take two to three years for this evergreen vine to bloom, but once it does, expect spring, summer, or fall flowers and watch hummingbirds visit the blooms to enjoy the sweet nectar. Also called wax plants, porcelain flowers, or honey plants, hoya (Hoya carnosa) is a plant species native to Asia and related to milkweed. The fragrant flowers grow in a ball-shaped cluster. Train a hoya plant as a vine, or allow it to trail over the side of a hanging basket. Indoors, the plant remains much smaller than outdoors.

• Name: Hoya (Hoya carnosa)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
• Flower Colors: Yellow, orange, pink, white, purple
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• Mature Size: 12-18 feet tall (outdoors), 2-4 tall (indoors)
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Amaryllis

There is no reason to confine amaryllis (Hippeastrum) to indoor spaces if you live where winters are mild. Plant these tropical bulbs in the ground or pots and leave them outdoors year-round. Amaryllis require very little moisture and do poorly in wet, soggy soil so ensure good drainage, especially during the winter. In mid- to late fall, the foliage dies back when they enter their dormancy period. This plant is toxic to humans and animals.

• Name: Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
• Flower Colors: Red, pink, white
• Light:b Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• Mature Size: 1–2 feet tall, 9–12 inches wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

African Violet

For a repeatedly blooming tropical plant that does well as a houseplant and won't take up much space, it's hard to beat the African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha). These compact, low-growing plants with thick, fuzzy leaves are available in many leaf forms and colors. Their reputation for being difficult to grow is unfounded if you follow a few simple rules about light exposure, moisture, and temperature.

• Name: African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 11-12
• Flower Colors: White, pink, red, blue, purple
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained
• Mature Size: 6-9 inches tall, 6-9 inches wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Mandevilla

Also known as rocktrumpet, mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.) is a genus of tropical flowering vines native to North America, Central America, and South America. The five-petal trumpet-shaped flowers are often showy and fragrant. When grown outdoors in a warm climate, mandevilla may bloom year-round. Some species within the genus have smaller, more plentiful blooms while others have fewer, larger blooms. Brazilian jasmine (Mandevilla sanderi) has large pink-red blooms whereas white mandevilla (Mandevilla boliviensis) has delicate white flowers.

• Name: Mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
• Flower Colors: Pink, red, white
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained
• Mature Size: 3–10 ft. tall, 3–4 ft. wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Ti Plant

Most people grow the ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa) as a houseplant but this broadleaf evergreen also makes an excellent addition to a landscape in a tropical climate. The large (1 to 2 1/2 feet long) colorful leaves are fast-growing and long-lasting. When grown outdoors the plant may produce small six-petaled star-shaped florets on a dropping branched stem or panicle. Ti is toxic to humans and animals.

• Name: Ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10–12
• Flower Colors: White, pink, yellow, purple
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy
• Mature Size: 2-10 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Poinsettia

If you like the cheery look of poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) and the winter temperatures in your location never drop below 50 degrees, grow it as a perennial shrub. In addition to the popular species with scarlet-red floral bracts, there are white, cream, salmon, yellow, and pink hybrid varieties to choose from.

Poinsettias require darkness at night so don't plant them in an area with outdoor spotlights or lamps. To maintain a bushy and compact shape, pinch the tips of the poinsettia in late spring or early summer to encourage branching and more vibrant color in the following winter. This plant is mildly toxic to animals.

• Name: Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
• Flower Colors: Yellow
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained, slightly acidic
• Mature Size: 3–10 feet tall, 3–7 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Black Bat Flower

The black bat flower (Tacca chantrieri), also called tiger beard or cat's whiskers, has the reputation of being difficult to grow. It's rewarding to grow if you are up for the challenge because of its unusual shape, texture, and color. In its native Asia and Australia, this is an understory plant that grows best in semi-tropical conditions. The bat flower blooms from late spring through early fall with new blooms appearing repeatedly throughout the season. While the flowers are dramatic on the plant, they don't survive long in a vase and don't do well as cut flowers.

• Name: Black bat flower (Tacca chantrieri)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
• Flower Colors: Black (dark purple)
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Fertile, well-drained
• Mature Size: 36 inches tall, 12 inches wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Princess Flower

This evergreen shrub or small ornamental tree is named after its large purple flowers that add bursts of color to a tropical landscape. The flowers are 3 to 5 inches wide and a deep, vibrant purple. In the right climate, the princess flower (Tibouchina urvilleana) produces blooms year-round, especially if it is deadheaded to encourage the formation of more flower buds. Princess flower has a natural round or vase-shaped growth habit and is quite tall when mature. Many gardeners prefer to prune it to control its size and shape it into a more compact form. Indoors, it remains much smaller.

• Name: Princess flower (Tibouchina urvilleana)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
• Flower Colors: Purple with red edges
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Rich, moist but well-drained
• Mature Size: 6-8 feet tall outdoors, 2-3 feet tall indoors
• Deer-Resistant: Yes

Torch Ginger

This plant got its name from the shape of the bloom and bare flower stalk, which resembles a torch. The cone-shaped flowerheads of torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) are surrounded by large, slightly drooping bracts. The leaves are large too, growing almost 3 feet long. The flowers of torch ginger are used for floral arrangements, as well as in cooking for their sour-sweet flavor. Torch ginger grows fairly quickly when grown in a warm, humid climate.

• Name: Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
• Flower Colors: Red, pink, white
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Loamy, moist, well-drained
• Mature Size: 6–15 feet tall, 4–10 feet wide
• Deer-Resistant: Yes