20 Tropical Flowers to Create Beautiful, Exotic Garden

Envying the warm, beautiful nature of Pacific Island, South America, or Southeast Asia? Planting tropical flowers in your house will bring colorful exotic charm. They have brilliant colors, and some have unique shapes that spice up any gardens.

Here are 20 flowers you can have in the garden and containers.

Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia)

Angel’s Trumpet has long, tubular flowers shaped like downward trumpets. They have bright colors such as yellow, white, orange, or marbled red. Angel’s Trumpet flowers bloom from spring to fall. Indigenous people in South America use them for medicines and religious rituals. They are hardy and deer-resistant.

Canna

Canna consists of 10 flower species, with colors such as pink, orange, white, and yellow. Canna flowers may bloom from late spring to early fall. They need regular moisture to thrive, especially when planted in hot regions. Canna flowers are not frost-resistant.

Egyptian Stars (Pentas lanceolata)

Egyptian stars have delicate, colorful flowers atop lance-shaped foliage. The colors consist of red, purple, pink, white, and lavender. They bloom during summer and attract bees and butterflies. Egyptian stars are low-maintenance and can be planted in small pots. They don’t require too much watering once established.

Medinilla

Medinilla consists of several species with flower clusters that resemble lanterns. The plant is native to Southeast Asia. Medinilla thrives on slightly acidic soil, with constant but indirect sun. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Medinilla is a shrub plant, ideal for a cottage garden.

Painter’s Palette (Anthurium andraenum)

Painter’s Palette originated from Pacific Island, and one of the iconic Hawaiian flowers. The red, wide “flower” is actually enlarged bract (spathes). The real flower is a tiny, tubular part that extends from the curved side of the bract. Anthurium loves humidity and sun, but the foliage is toxic. Keep it away from pets and kids.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)

Amaryllis consists of several species that have large, impressive, star-like or trumpet-like flowers. The colors range from white and peach to red and yellow. They are low-maintenance that show off flowers even when the winter starts. They are ideal for landscape garden, border, and vase.

Begonia

Begonias are classic favorites for summer. Their layered flowers have bright colors and showy appearances. Begonias are popular as garden, planter, and greenhouse plants. Some begonias have beautiful foliage, which becomes the main “show” along with the flowers.

Bromeliad

Bromeliad’s exotic flowers require little maintenance. They can be planted with a regular orchid mix, without any soil. Bromeliads can thrive in a gravel-filled pot with water. Replace the water every week to prevent rot and bad smell.

Hibiscus ‘Brilliant’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Hibiscus is one of the most famous exotic flowers, with large, showy flowers growing from evergreen shrubs. They are perfect as hedge plants, but the showy flowers are also ideal as a single specimen planting. Hibiscus flowers are great as the points of arrangements, surrounded by smaller buds.

Goldfish (Columnea)

Goldfish plants have extending flowers shapes with circular ends, resembling goldfish or lipstick. Originated from Mexico, goldfish is a vine-type plant perfect for hanging pots. They don’t have memorable scents, but the bright colors make up for it. Most goldfish flowers have warm colors, such as red, yellow, and orange.

Protea

Protea flowers hail from South Africa and can be traced to prehistoric times. All the varieties have impressive blooms, including the ones with layered, sun-like petals. There are also dwarf varieties that serve as companions for larger flowers.

Jasmine

Jasmines hail from Oceania, Australasia, and Eurasia, but now are popular around the world. Jasmine’s delicate flowers emit a unique fragrance, especially in the evening. They are popular as decorations, hair ornaments, tea, fragrances, and aromatic oil in many countries.

Orchid

Orchid’s numerous varieties have unique characteristics. Some are low-maintenance and perfect for beginners, while others require special attention. Orchids have a wide range of colors, and their exotic shapes exude elegance and grace. They are perfect as gifts.

Bush Lily (Clivia miniata)

Bush lily has flower clumps that grow from fleshy foliage. These plants are endemic plants in several African regions, such as Swaziland and Eastern Cape. They usually have bright orange or yellow colors. Bush lilies love hummus-rich soil with full sun.

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

The bird-like bloom of the Bird of Paradise holds special meaning. It symbolizes success, optimism, and faith. The regal bloom is perfect as an anniversary gift or birthday present for a successful, mature adult. This plant can bloom all year round if kept in the greenhouse.

Paperflower (Bougainvillea glabra)

Also known as “lesser bougainvillea”, this climbing plant has bract that resembles flower petals. The bract often has bright colors, such as orange and pink. Paperflower needs full sun and enough watering, and not ideal for indoor planting.

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)

Cyclamen flowers have delicate-looking blooms with red, pink, or white colors. They are popular as potted or container plants. The leaves are also attractive, with white markings and dark green color. Cyclamen is an annual plant that is often discarded after blooming.

Morning Glory ‘Lavender Moonvine’ (Ipomoea muricata)

‘Lavender Moonvine’ is a relative of morning glory that blooms from summer to fall. This plant is annual, which means you can discard it after blooming season. The flowers are large, showy, and emitting sweet scent. They are perfect as groundcover or cottage garden. The flowers attract bees and butterflies.

Cosmos ‘Sonata Series’ (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Cosmos ‘Sonata Series’ offers various pink shades. They can grow from live plants or seeds, but they must be planted after the last frost. Cosmos blooms are small but showy, perfect to be paired with larger summer flowers. They are low-maintenance and hardy, able to thrive on slightly poor soil.

Frangipani (Plumeria rubra)

Frangipani is a tropical American plant famous for its distinctive fragrance. Frangipani flowers are small but attractive, peeking from wide foliage and fleshy branches. Frangipani usually blooms almost all year long. However, when the season becomes colder, it stops flowering. They are drought-tolerant and hardy.

These tropical flowers present bright colors, attractive appearances, and sweet fragrances. Plant them in your garden to invite the warmth and exotic beauty of tropical regions.