Your guide to growing tropical plants in Australia

There are many tropical plants that thrive in Australia’s warm climate – as well as some that do surprisingly well in more temperate regions – and look great in any garden.

Here we take a look at the best tropical plants to grow, as well as where to plant them and how to care for them.

What tropical plants to grow

Before we look at the best tropical plants to grow in your neck of the woods, you might like to know that a tropical plant is one that’s native to a tropical region. That means some of the plants in our list below are in fact native to Australia – which is great if you’re wanting to incorporate more local species in your garden.

Before you start plant shopping, consider whether you want tropical trees, flowering tropical plants, or a mix of both. A good rule of thumb is to start with larger trees and plants to create a canopy (like palms, bamboo, avocado and frangipani), before choosing mid-level tropical varieties (like hibiscus and gardenias) that will grow well in the shade beneath it, and finally a few lower level species (like ferns and philodendrons) to fill in the gaps.

Also keep in mind that not all tropical or tropical-looking plants are big drinkers – saving you time and water.

Palms

If you live in a cooler part of Australia, palms provide a lush and exotic canopy without necessarily needing tropical conditions. Pope’s picks include the European Fan Palm, the American Cotton Palm, and the Australian Cabbage Tree Palm.

You can then add in some mid-level species that do well in the shade provided by your new tropical canopy.

Kangaroo Paw

The floral emblem of Western Australia, Kangaroo Paw is a unique and colourful tropical plant that loves full sun, is fairly drought-tolerant, and needs to be pruned to keep it strong and healthy.

Hibiscus

This bright, colourful and hardy tropical plant is another sunseeker that prefers warm, frost-free climates like Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and northern areas of Australia. But with over 40 hibiscus species to choose from, you’re likely to find a variety that will thrive in your garden.

Sydney Rock Orchid

Dainty yet robust, the Sydney Rock Orchid makes a beautiful addition to any garden. It only needs a little sun to flourish, is drought-tolerant and can be planted in a pot or in the ground.

Bromeliads

The perfect plants to fill any gaps in your garden, bromeliads are easy to grow and add a vibrant splash of colour. They aren’t fans of frost, so you might want to plant them in a pot to bring inside on colder days.

These are just a few of our favourite tropical plants, but a visit to your local nursery will present you with endless options for your own slice of paradise.

The right environment for tropical plants

Every tropical plant species will have its own needs. But in general, you’ll need rich, well-drained soil, some shade (your canopy layer or a shade sail can provide this) and humidity.

Pope’s irrigation systems and products can help create the perfect conditions for your tropical garden. Then simply add some organic mulch to keep moisture in the soil.

Pope’s DIY tip

Use the mist setting on your hand spray gun to easily add humidity to your tropical garden.

Sources

Your guide to growing tropical plants in Australia

There are many tropical plants that thrive in Australia’s warm climate – as well as some that do surprisingly well in more temperate regions – and look great in any garden.

Here we take a look at the best tropical plants to grow, as well as where to plant them and how to care for them.