What would hold a special place in the hearts of flower lovers?

The tropical flower is the obvious choice, because of their breathtaking fragrance and exquisite beauty; and because they thrive naturally in tropical climatic conditions. Orchids, Gingers, Rhizomes and Heliconias are all popular with flower lovers world-wide.

One of the largest of the tropical flowers is the Titan Arum (Amorphophallus Titanum) of South-East Asian origin, and in its native lands, the flower blooms can grow over 30 metres in height.

In regions other than the tropics, the tropical flowers are known as ‘exotic flowers’; although, because they are termed ‘exotic’ in the Americas and Europe, not all exotic flowers are tropical flowers!

It is so well-known that few flowers provide the exotic beauty of tropical flowers. They grow naturally in warm, humid areas, so are incapable of surviving freezing temperatures. However, they can flourish indoors as houseplants and outdoors in greenhouses with regulated environments.
The flowers originated in the rain forests and other climates that maintain warm temperatures all year round. Early settlers then introduced some of these varieties into the southern, humid climate of Florida, where several now develop naturally in these areas.

The blossoms of the flowers are brightly-coloured and at times provide food in the form of nectar to the many varieties of insects and hummingbirds. Some of the tropical flowers grow from the root-systems in the soil, while others grow up in trees. These air plants live off water and air. Then you have some orchids that flower and grow non-parasitically in this manner. The beautiful tropical blooms add interest to landscapes during warm summer months, but require to be relocated indoors during the cold seasons.

With such, tropical gardens are no longer exclusive to tropical environments. Several gardeners in cooler climates are implementing the tropical garden design, which is entirely possible through careful choice of plants and flowers. Some of the key features include plants with very big leaves, and foliage that forms in stature in the direction of the rear of the garden, creating a dense garden, while some have large plants and small trees hang over the garden, leaving sunlight to strike the ground directly.

Below are specimens of tropical plants that can be used in tropical gardens or as indoor plants:

• Hoyas are recognised as ‘Wax Flowers’ due to their texture and almost unreal appearance.
  
• Banana plants are not difficult to grow and allow you to enjoy your own bananas!
  
• The Bird of Paradise has many species including the Strelitzia Reginae, which is indigenous to South Africa and South America.
  
• Ferns are commonly used to give gardens large foliage.
  
• The Payaya Tree should be planted where it can be kept warm and free from wind and cold temperatures.
  
• Orchids require a night temperature of between 12 – 18 degrees Celsius, and day temperatures between 23 – 26 degrees.
  

A tropical garden is quite difficult to build and maintain and becomes more difficult if your local environment differs from the natural habitat of your plants.

The most popular gift world-wide would have to be the gift of flowers, and Lily’s Florist is renowned world-wide to cater for any floral arrangement.