Top 10 Perennials Thriving in Subtropical and Tropical Climates

Amelia Hogarth
Jan 22
3 min read

Gardening in subtropical and tropical climates offers unique opportunities and challenges. The warm temperatures, high humidity, and distinct wet and dry seasons create an environment where certain perennials flourish. Choosing the right plants can transform your garden into a lush, colorful oasis that requires less maintenance and thrives year after year. This guide highlights ten perennials that grow best in these climates, helping you select plants that bring beauty and resilience to your outdoor space.

Close-up view of vibrant yellow Allamanda flowers in a tropical garden — Bright yellow Allamanda flowers thriving in subtropical climate

1. Allamanda (Allamanda cathartica)

Allamanda, also known as golden trumpet, is a fast-growing vine or shrub that produces large, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for subtropical and tropical gardens. This plant is drought-tolerant once established and attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees.

Growth habit: Vine or shrub up to 10 feet
Flowering: Year-round in warm climates
Care tips: Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage blooms

2. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Hibiscus is a classic tropical perennial known for its large, showy flowers in a variety of colors including red, pink, orange, and white. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Hibiscus plants can be grown as shrubs or small trees and add a tropical flair to any garden.

Growth habit: Shrub or small tree, 4 to 15 feet tall
Flowering: Continuous in warm weather
Care tips: Protect from strong winds and provide regular watering during dry spells

3. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra)

Bougainvillea is a hardy, drought-tolerant vine that produces vibrant bracts in shades of magenta, purple, red, orange, or white. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. This plant is perfect for trellises, fences, or as a ground cover in tropical gardens.

Growth habit: Climbing vine up to 30 feet
Flowering: Most of the year with proper care
Care tips: Minimal watering once established; prune to control size

4. Lantana (Lantana camara)

Lantana is a tough perennial shrub that blooms profusely with clusters of small flowers in mixed colors such as yellow, orange, pink, and red. It attracts butterflies and tolerates heat, drought, and poor soil conditions, making it a reliable choice for tropical gardens.

Growth habit: Shrub, 3 to 6 feet tall
Flowering: Year-round in warm climates
Care tips: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming

Eye-level view of colorful Lantana flowers attracting butterflies in a subtropical garden — Colorful Lantana flowers attracting butterflies in subtropical garden

5. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Bird of Paradise is a striking perennial with large banana-like leaves and unique flowers resembling a bird in flight. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. This plant adds an exotic touch and grows well in tropical and subtropical zones.

Growth habit: Clumping perennial up to 5 feet tall
Flowering: Year-round in warm climates
Care tips: Water regularly but avoid waterlogging; protect from frost

6. Ginger Lily (Hedychium spp.)

Ginger lilies are fragrant perennials with tall spikes of colorful flowers ranging from white to orange and red. They thrive in moist, rich soil and partial shade to full sun. These plants add height and scent to tropical gardens.

Growth habit: Clumping perennial, 3 to 6 feet tall
Flowering: Summer to fall
Care tips: Keep soil moist and mulch to retain moisture

7. Ixora (Ixora coccinea)

Ixora is a dense shrub with clusters of small, tubular flowers in red, orange, yellow, or pink. It grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Ixora is often used as a hedge or border plant in tropical landscapes.

Growth habit: Shrub, 3 to 6 feet tall
Flowering: Year-round in warm climates
Care tips: Fertilize regularly for best flowering; prune to shape

8. Plumeria (Plumeria spp.)

Plumeria, also known as frangipani, is a small tree or shrub famous for its fragrant, waxy flowers used in leis. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plumeria is drought-tolerant and thrives in tropical and subtropical gardens.

Growth habit: Small tree or shrub, 6 to 25 feet tall
Flowering: Spring through fall
Care tips: Avoid overwatering; protect from cold temperatures

9. Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)

Pentas is a compact perennial with star-shaped flowers in red, pink, white, or purple. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies and grows well in full sun to partial shade. Pentas is heat and drought tolerant, making it suitable for tropical gardens.

Growth habit: Bushy perennial, 1 to 3 feet tall
Flowering: Continuous in warm weather
Care tips: Deadhead to promote more blooms; water moderately

10. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

Croton is a colorful foliage plant with leaves in bright shades of yellow, orange, red, and green. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Croton adds dramatic color and texture to tropical gardens.