Canna Lily Tropicana
A tropical-looking, rhizomatous perennial prized for bold, multicolored striped leaves and bright orange flowers. Tropicanna is commonly sold as Canna ‘Phasion’, a hybrid rather than a pure Canna indica. Special Features Dramatic striped foliage; tropical texture; hummingbird-attracting flowers; vigorous growth in warm weather. Not drought tolerant. Problems & Solutions Leaf scorch and brown edges: provide […]
Purple Sky Flower
A fast-growing tropical shrub with arching branches, cascading purple-blue flowers, and ornamental golden berries; best in a sheltered Phoenix garden. Special Features Attracts butterflies and other pollinators; showy golden berries follow flowers. Established plants tolerate heat with adequate irrigation. Problems & Solutions Frost can damage foliage and stems; plant in a protected location, cover during […]
Royal Palm
Majestic tropical palm with a smooth, pale-gray trunk, prominent green crownshaft, and large, arching featherlike fronds. Marginal and generally unreliable outdoors in Phoenix Zone 9b because of frost, extreme dry heat, and low humidity. Special Features Striking architectural trunk and crownshaft; tropical appearance; self-cleaning canopy; flowers attract pollinators and fruits feed birds. Problems & Solutions […]
Sri Kembangan Starfruit
Sri Kembangan is a Malaysian starfruit cultivar producing large, sweet, golden-yellow fruit with five ribs that form star-shaped slices. A frost-sensitive tropical tree requiring substantial protection in Phoenix Zone 9b. Special Features Sweet, juicy fruit with attractive star-shaped slices; edible skin and ornamental tropical foliage. Generally self-fruitful, although cross-pollination can improve production. Problems & Solutions […]
Tabernaemontana ‘Double Crepe’
Tabernaemontana divaricata ‘Double Crepe’ is a tropical shrub with glossy foliage and double, ruffled white flowers resembling miniature gardenias. In Phoenix, it requires protection from intense sun and winter freezes. Special Features Lush tropical foliage, elegant double flowers, and light fragrance; suitable for sheltered patios. Not drought tolerant. Problems & Solutions Marginal outdoors in Zone […]