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Fairview’s Top 15 Patio and Poolside Tropical Plants for the Summer

Spring is upon us and summer is lurking just around the corner, and we say Bring It On! Our greenhouses are filled to the brim with several varieties of tropical plants that thrive in our hot, humid summer conditions. Beautiful, luscious plants that will add color, texture and interest to your patio or deck area, and are perfect when placed by your refreshing pool. Whether you are looking for an upright plant or a climbing vine, we are sure to have something to please everyone. Not to mention, many of these great plants will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your backyard oasis. With that in mind, read on to see which fifteen tropical plants made our “best of” list..

	15. The Passion Flower (Passiflora) There are over 500 species of this plant, but only one is a tender perennial in our area: the purple passion vine. True, most people use this vine as an ornamental annual, but if our winters are not harsh, you may find it emerging year after year. This woody vine grows anywhere from 10-30 feet, depending where it is placed. You can put this lovely plant in the ground or in a container, just make sure it has something to grow up (fence, trellis, up a tree). When planting, make sure you place it in an area that is somewhat protected: it needs bright light but doesn’t want all day, full sun. Once established, you will enjoy fragrant blooms May through July. You can try to overwinter this plant by cutting it back by 1/3 and bringing in the garage (make sure it is near a window), or simply leave it outdoors and heavily mulch it in the ground. Did You Know? The name of this plant came from Catholic missionaries who believed the flowers symbolized the Passion of Jesus Christ. Features: Fragrant, Attracts Hummingbirds and Bumble Bees, Is Larval Food for Butterflies. Fertilize: Fertilizers with a high middle number should be used every ten to fourteen days.
	14. Allamanda (Allamanda cathartica) This fast-growing Brazilian native that is related to the oleander, has yellow trumpet-shaped flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds. It likes hot, full sun and moist soil (no wet feet), and can be expected to grown anywhere from four to six feet tall. Typically, Allamanda’s are trained to grow as a shrub-like bush, but they can be trained to act as a vine and climb on a trellis. This great tropical will bloom all summer long until the first frost, and can be overwintered if brought indoors and placed in a sunny location. Features: Attracts Hummingbirds Fertilize: Bloom plus fertilizer should be used every ten to fourteen days.
	13. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) Though this plant does not flower, it is a welcome addition to any landscape looking to add a tropical flair and texture. It may also be brought inside and treated as a houseplant (in a very bright room), so make sure you plant it in a container. This plant has the reputation of being a slow grower (which it is), so when shopping, it is wise to purchase a plant that is in an eight or ten inch pot. Tip: The lower leaves on this plant will turn yellow and then brown; this is a healthy process for the sago palm, so do not prune these leaves until the process has completed. Features: Known to be one of the oldest plants on earth. Fertilize: Osmocote is the only fertilizer needed and is applied every four to six months.
	12. Banana Tree (Musa basjoo) Are you looking to add something really different to your yard? If so, opt for a banana tree. Musa basjoo is the only perennial banana tree for the greater Raleigh-area, assuming our winters are not too harsh. This very fast growing tree climbs anywhere from eight to fifteen feet tall and can be used as an annual/houseplant in containers or can act as a perennial, if planted in the ground. If you choose to use it in the ground in your landscape, be sure to heavily mulch it in the fall. However you decide it fits best in your plans, make sure this plant is used as an ornamental feature, as it will definitely stand out. Also make sure it gets at least twelve hours of full, direct sun. Features: Produces Fruit- While this variety does bear fruit, it does not taste like a regular banana you would purchase in the grocery store. Fertilize: Do not let your banana dry out between watering and fertilize weekly with a 5-10-10 or 10-20-30 fertilizer from spring to mid-fall.
	11. Blue Sky Vine (Thunbergia grand flora) Everyone knows how difficult it is to find a plant that produces blue flowers, especially blue flowers that like the sun! Well look no further because this is the plant for you! This sun-loving vine is fast growing and the hummingbirds just love it! Beautiful blue blooms abundantly adorn this vine from late spring throughout fall. Wherever you decide to plant it (in the ground or in a container), make sure it has support/structure to grow upon. Features: Attracts Hummingbirds, Blue Flower that Likes Full Sun Fertilize: Should be fertilized bimonthly with a product like Bloom Plus that contains a high middle number to promote blooms. >>Continue.....

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