Spectacular in bloom, Allamanda cathartica (Golden Trumpet) is an evergreen tropical shrubby climber boasting deep golden yellow trumpet flowers, 5 in. across (12 cm), over a long season. Blooming in succession for months throughout the summer to the first frost – all year in tropical conditions, the fragrant blossoms may be single or double. They may display white markings in the throat, and are produced in clusters. Opening from fuzzy brown buds, they shine against the handsome foliage of glossy, leathery, wavy-margined, bright green leaves, 4-6 in. long (10-15 cm), held in whorls along the stems. Grown as a vine or pruned into a bushy shrub, Allamanda blooms on new growth. Since Golden Trumpet does not twine nor have tendrils, if grown as a vine it must be trained onto a trellis or other support structure. It does not tolerate cold and needs heat for adequate growth and flowering. This tropical plant needs warm conditions with day temperatures of 70ºF (21ºC) or higher and night temperatures of 60-65ºF (15-18ºC). Providing quick, long-season color, Allamanda can be planted outdoors in the mildest climates. Elsewhere, it will happily reside in a container to be moved indoors in cold weather.

Tropical plants in the Alocasia genus feature stunning foliage that can become the centerpiece of a garden or room. In the right conditions, they can grow very fast, but they are also sensitive plants. Alocasia grows well in big pots; they can thrive in the summertime and then be brought indoors in the winter.

Tropical plant - Huge upright leaves of green with glossy black stems and black veination. Part Sun to Part Shade with moist soils. Fast growers and heavy feeders throughout the summer.

Tropical plant - Upright very large leaves with wavy margins and golden yellow stems and veins. A rapid grower  - keep the water and food coming!

Huge, critter resistant elephant-ear-type leaves which normally point to the heavens, add lots of focal impact in the tropical garden and summer patio containers; native to tropical S. and S.E. Asia, these great plants sway and ‘sing’ a special song in the warm, mid-late summer breezes; performs best in compost rich soil with adequate moisture; will arrive in ~4″ pots from tissue culture. (These are best grown in 70°+ soil or start indoors ahead of time on a heat mat.)

Tropical plant - Tall arching elephant ear with glossy corregated leaves. Great in the ground or in containers.

The elongated narrow, wavy leaves are deep green with lime veins and purple undersides. This is a large plant with a lot of potential if grown well. Outdoors it can reach up to 4 feet in a warm climate.

Aloe vera, commonly grown as a houseplant, is known for its leaves which contain a soothing gel used on sunburns and other skin irritations. With over 300 species (the most common being Aloe barbadensis miller), this tropical succulent features fleshy lance-shape leaves with jagged edges that grow out from a basal rosette. Given the right growing conditions, spiky flowers will appear on the end of stalks in shades of yellow, red, or orange. Young plants don’t generally flower, and aloe grown as a houseplant can take years to produce flower stalks.

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10 where it is best grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Some nurseries currently claim that shell ginger can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA Zone 7 with winter protection. Plants appreciate some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Soils must not be allowed to dry out. In St. Louis, this plant is often grown as a houseplant or in the greenhouse. As a houseplant, it must have bright light and humid conditions. Prune as needed to control plant size. It may also be grown outdoors in the garden, but rhizomes should be dug and stored indoors for winter in a dry medium (as vermiculite) in a cool room. Plants will not flower until the second year (flower on old growth), so if grown outdoors, either as annuals or for overwintering indoors, they generally will not flower and must be enjoyed only for their attractive foliage.

Pineapple is a shallow rooted tropical fruit that is grown outdoors in frost free areas where temperatures typically range from 65 to 95°F. It is best grown in acidic, loose, sandy, organically rich, well-drained soils. Pineapple plants are primarily propagated by crowns (leafy clumps atop mature fruits), slips (on peduncles below the fruit), suckers (along the stem) or to a lesser degree by old stems. In temperate regions, pineapples are grown indoors in warm greenhouses or in containers as houseplants. Indoor plants require a consistently moist soil, bright sun, high humidity and an air temperature that does not dip below 65°F. Fruits may not appear on indoor plants during the first few years. Indoor fruits are usually quite small and not particularly tasty, but are ornamentally attractive. For home gardening, (a) remove the leafy crown (by twisting or cutting) from a commercial pineapple, (b) remove any remaining yellow fruit attached to the crown, (c) dry the crown for one or two days, (d) place the crown in a moist potting soil mix or in water until roots appear and (e) plant the crown in a container of well-draining bromeliad-type potting soil. Containers may be taken outside in summer and placed in full sun locations, but should be brought back indoors when night temperatures begin to dip below 60°F.