One outstanding feature of tropical shrubs lies in their leaf and flower colors. Shrubs grown for their ornamental leaves usually grow brightly colored leaves with numerous color variations, resembling an outstanding piece of art. Flowers are also usually huge and possess showy colors.
Tropical climatic conditions are characterized by temperatures above 180C which make tropical areas hot and humid during most part of the year, with seasons having no serious temperature variations between them, unless high altitude areas are put into consideration. Winds, high rainfall, pests and diseases are common in these areas, but these shrubs are adapted to thrive in them.
Here are some ornamental shrubs which when added to tropical landscapes will add beauty and elegance.
- Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis)
If you love a shrub that blooms all year round in the tropics, then bougainvillea is the perfect choice for you, moreover, it requires little maintenance and is drought resistant. Other than a shrub, it can also grow as a vine, so always inquire about the variety you want when you go to purchase at the nursery.
Bougainvillea grows woody, often prickly stems and heart shaped leaves. Its flowers are white and tiny but are surrounded by brightly colored modified leaves called bracts that vary in color, ranging from purple to white to red to orange.
Bougainvillea can be planted in a container or designed with other plants in a flower bed. Many people love to use it as a floral hedge.
2. Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla)
Fairy Duster is a low growing shrub that is capable of withstanding desert conditions. Its name comes from its showy look of large flowers having dense clusters of pink stamens.
3. Dwarf Snowbush (Breynia disticha)
With striking leaf color, snowbush is a beauty to have in one’s tropical plant collection. Much of the upper plant leaves look like they were dusted in snow and blended with red, pink and green hues. It is better if you leave the shrub to grow fluffy by not pruning at all.
4. Copper plant (Ocimum centraliafricanum)
Also called copper leaf, the copper plant is famous for its variegated foliage that includes hues of copper, purple, pink, white, green or red. It makes a beautiful plant in garden beds, containers and backgrounds. For best variegated leaf color, grow your copper plant in a spot that receives full sun.
5. Golden Dewdrop (Duranta erecta)
Golden Dewdrop grows as a sprawling shrub or small tree producing green leaves and large clusters of showy flowers which are either lavender or light blue in color. The flowers are an attraction to insects and hummingbirds which come to suck their nectar. They also produce showy berries in colors of yellow or orange.
6. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Crotons can be shrubs, herbs or trees. Croton plants are loved because of their glossy leaves that occur in combination or single-color shades with leaves of the same plant usually having different color combinations. Leaf colors include red, yellow, green, orange and pink. They can be grown in gardens or containers and prefer to grow in areas that receive full sun.
7. Firebush (Hamelia patens)
Firebush is grown for its beautiful bright red flowers which bloom for months, while attracting birds and butterflies. The plant is able to withstand very hot temperatures and grow in many soil types, making it perfect for tropical landscapes. Firebush can be planted as a border plant, accent plant or as a hedge plant.
8. Caricature (Graptophyllum pictum)
The Caricature plant is stunning because of its large, variegated foliage in shades of lustrous green, pink, white or chocolate and is renowned for its excellent ability to complement other ornamental plants. You can grow the plant in part shade or full sun but ensure to water it as it is not drought resistant. Grow caricature in a pot or garden bed.
9. Blue Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata)
Blue Plumbago is an evergreen shrub grown for its gorgeous flower clusters that grow on a large irregular mound of foliage. The flowers attract butterflies and are usually blue, but others have shades of deep blue or white. The plant can be grown in full sun or part shade as a border plant, in a garden bed or a container.
10.Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosasinensis)
Tropical Hibiscus is prized for its large, showy flowers and the tea made from them, called hibiscus tea. It produces tender, trumpet shaped flowers in colors of red, pink, white or peach. It can be located anywhere in the landscape or in a container.
11. Brunfelsia (Brunfelsia spp)
Also called Lady of The Night, brunfelsia shrub produces large inflorescences of dainty flowers remarkable for their fragrant scent. Flowers can be white, deep purple or light purple borne on the same bush. It is prized for its ability to withstand drought conditions and is normally grown in garden beds or used as a hedge plant.
12. Variegated Tapioca (Manihot esculenta)
The multicolored compound leaves of variegated Tapioca are a stunning attraction to the eyes. They stand out when viewed from a distance and can be planted in garden beds or containers. Their foliage is in shades of green, cream, pink, white and yellow.
13 Firecracker (Russelia equisetiformis)
Firecracker is grown for its dense shrub and showy red flowers which attract insects and birds. It also grows fast; therefore, it can be used to cover up unattractive backgrounds or unestablished plants. You can grow firecracker in full sun or part shade.
14. Poinsettia (Eurphobia pulcherrima)
Flame-red leaves of most poinsettia plants are often mistaken for flowers because of their dazzling floral appearance. The plant is an endeared ornamental having a combination of green and red leaves. Some cultivars occur in colors including cream, pink, white and orange. For strong color, ensure that the plant receives enough sunlight.
15 Flame of The Woods (Ixora coccinea)
This plant forms a dense, brunched shrub in bulbous form. It produces beautiful inflorescences of long tubular flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink and red which are usually in bloom all year round. It can be grown in a flower bed, used as a hedge plant or screen.
