The Garden Post By Kim Bius
Creating the Tropical Escape As summer approaches, many of us begin dreaming of a tropical escape. Just the thought decreases the stress level, blood pressure, and brings a sense calm. A great way to bring the ambiance of the “islands” to your home is creating your own tropical escape. You can create a tropical look by adding a few beautiful blooming accent plants, such as hibiscus and bougainvillea, or go all the way and create your own “tropical resort look.” Do not be afraid…… go for color and lots of it. A lush queen palm in a large Mexican pot with blooming bougainvillea spilling from the base may just be the one accent you need to lend a “tropical air” to your patio space. If you want the whole deal, outdoor cantina bar, outdoor kitchen, waterfalls, lanai, pool, and lush landscape…get exactly what you want. Professional landscape designers can create amazing outdoor spaces in all ranges of budgets. If you would like to add a few tropical blooms to your patio or outdoor space, consider the following plants for hardiness, heat resistance, and “wow” factor. Chinese hibiscus is a personal favorite. The large colorful blooms only last a day, but the profusion of blooms is amazing. Hibiscus range in size from 2’ max. on the miniatures to 6’, depending on the variety. Hibiscus, like other tropical plants, grow well in containers
that can be easily moved when the threat of hard freezing weather occurs. I prefer to plant in raised beds around the lanai; prune all back to 12” and cover with freeze cloth when temperatures approach 35 on a consistent basis. Leave the freeze cloth in place (it is water and air permeable) until spring, and your plants will be beautiful. Hibiscus are the exception to the phosphorous rule and do best when fertilized with hibiscus food that has a very low phosphorous level. Never use Super Bloom, Miracle- Gro, or other high phosphorous fertilizers on hibiscus….this can prove deadly. If “watering” is not your favorite activity, consider bougainvillea. Bougainvillea are evergreen, thorny vines that redeem themselves in the broiling heat and drought by displaying hundreds of brightly colored brachts that resemble blooms. They love being rootbound with just enough water to keep the leaves from drooping. Overwatering will stop blooming and no amount of fertilizer will force bougainvillea into bloom other than lack of water. Lush evergreen shrubs that bloom large clusters of orange/red blooms throughout the year, ixora make great accent plants, grow well in containers, and can be grown as a great hedge around a pool. Ixora can withstand
75 Off
$
temperatures into the upper 20s, reach 4’ x 3’ at maturity, and grow well in half sun to full sun. Considered deer proof. The hardy sun loving perennial plumbago has all the traits we love. Beautiful blue blooms, deer proof, and super low maintenance, Plumbago grow “free-form” In large arching branches. A splash of sky blue gives any landscape a cool, tropical feel. The large Swiss cheese foliage of monstera philodendron will vine and grow over 20’. More cold tender than other tropical plants, but mulched heavily and covered with freeze cloth can survive many winters. Plant these at the base of arching palms to create a rainforest look. Philodendrons’ will need afternoon shade and will not tolerate direct summer sun after 1:00. The queen of tropicals, plumeria have a cult following (many gardeners have risked customs to smuggle an exotic variety back to their garden). Only a 4” piece of stalk is needed to start your own plant. Plumeria love a sunny location, with good water and plumeria food. They can be fussy, but nothing compares to the fragrance of a plumeria bloom. Summer is well on the way, so have fun and enjoy the lazy days to come. Happy gardening everyone!
3 Piece Sets - Online Only! • Cypress/Cedar Outdoor Furniture • Adirondack Classic/Rocker Designs • Bistro Style Bar Stool Sets
offalyop.com 281-731-6974 14
Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | May 2022
