The Bougainvillea - Ti Plant - Powderpuff Three Tropical Beauties

The Bougainvillea, Ti, and Powderpuff plants are three very unique tropical beauties. These three plant specimens are found in tropical paradises throughout South America, Europe as well as the sub - tropical climates in the United States. A warm climate plant is considered tropical where there is no frost and temperatures are in the 70's and 80's during the day and high humidity. The nights range in the 60's to near 70 degrees. Many tropical plants thrive in rain forests and will do well indoors with higher humidity.

Most of these tropical specimens will grow and mature in zones nine through twelve. Some of them can survive in zones seven and eight if brought indoors in the colder months. The ginger plant is one plant that needs to be brought indoors in zones seven and eight. I will be introducing several different tropical plants over the next month and I hope this information will help you when planting a tropical landscape or garden.

Bougainvillea

Red Flowers

The Bougainvillea is a very popular plant in zones ten and eleven and native to South America, particularly Brazil. This plant is considered an evergreen and one of its features is being drought tolerant. Many tropical locations have long periods without rain. Many locations also have a rainy season where the monsoons or tropical rainstorms will be prevalent. The Bougainvillea can handle both dry and wet conditions. It will mature anywhere from fourteen to thirty five to forty feet tall and also as wide. You can prune the plant into a shrub form or let it grow naturally as a vine. It is great on a trellis or decorative wall. The dwarf form will do well in a container garden. The flowers range in color of red, orange yellow, purple tones, white and fuchsia. In a garden, the Bougainvillea can create a splendid look as a border or hedge row. It looks great combined with some varieties of palms. In a subtropical location you can plant a Lorpetalum in the same garden as a Bougainvillea to enhance color. The Bougainvillea plant needs full sun and will do well in sandy and well drained soil. There are some varieties that have thorns and I don't recommend planting this plant near walkways or entrance ways.

Ti Plant

Close Up

The Ti Plant is native to Eastern Asia and is a popular plant specimen for a container garden as well as foundation planting. The Ti plant is great for zones ten and eleven and will survive in zones nine. This plant specimen has many varieties and the size will vary. It can mature anywhere from three feet to fourteen feet high and three to eight feet wide. The Ti likes part sun to partial shade and is medium drought tolerant. This is considered an upright plant and is noted for its long and full leaves. The leaves are rich in color and can be a ruby red tone or variegated yellow and green. This is also considered an evergreen in tropical locations. A great accent plant in any style garden and striking with the Silver Buttonwood. Pruning the Ti will help produce new branches. These branches can be planting in soil for multiple plants. The Ti does well in most soil conditions.

Powderpuff Plant

Red Powderpuff

The Powderpuff plant is one of my favorite tropical specimens. One of the reasons I like the Powderpuff is this plant attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. It loves full sun and will also grow in most soil conditions. The Powderpuff thrives in zones nine through eleven and is native to Brazil and other South American countries. This plant will do well in warmer climates in Europe as well as the United States. The Powderpuff can grow eight to ten feet high as well as eight to ten feet wide. It is an evergreen and also a fast grower. The flowers on a Powderpuff present a unique appearance. This is another great plant specimen to accent around solid evergreens and Palm trees. The Powderpuff can be planted as a hedge row, privacy screen, along a bank or slope and also mass planting in a particular garden area. The flowers also have a nice aroma. Putting a bench near the the Powderpuff will add hours of enjoyment all year long.

The Bougainvillea, Ti, and Powderpuff are only three examples of colorful accent plants in a tropical garden. I look forward to sharing more tropical beauties in the near future.