I am redoing our backyard and was wondering what you all felt were the "must have" tropicals? I have started with a section of the yard that is now basically stripped except for mature palms (different types, different sizes), a Eucalyptus tree that is at least 30-40 years old (trimmed and thinned annually so it is well-behaved) and an ancient tropical hibiscus. I was hoping to get some ideas of plants to add to get that "tropical feel". This area wraps around a pool and patio area so deep-rooted trees are out (the Eucalyptus is set far enough behind that it has not been an issue). I have various gingers, cannas, and elephant ears available but was hoping for more suggestions? This area is large enough that it gets both full sun and dappled sun (no deep shade in this section) and I am in zone 10. Any and all suggestions would be most appreciated Oh- and I have some bananas arriving either today or tomorrow. Thank you!

Bird of Paradise is good. A Banana or two (or even just the ornamental kind) which with their big leaves gives a tropical feel, although I amnot sure how they react to your low humidity. Oh - just saw you have bananas arriving . Then I would say (but then I would say that ) a Plumeria or two.......

Gotta to have some Elephant ears and cannas.

Oooh - I like those suggestions but I am bummed about plumeria. Although they definitely make the list of favorite plants and I have tried to grow many over the years, they never really grow for me. Rather, they all have remained sad, stick-like figures for years - sometimes with a branch or 2 - with a small tuft of leaves and, when I was lucky, 3 or 4 flowers per year. The plumeria didn't even grow taller - they just remained frozen in time. When I was in Maui years ago, I saw what they are suppose to look like and, well, I have come to the conclusion that they either don't like me or they don't like our climate. But I sure do admire thosefolks that can grow them!

Bananas actually seem to do okay here. I tried planting a dwarf banana tree as a test plant many years ago and it is still with us. My son had a dog at the time (Sebs, the dog, passed away a few years back) that dug up the banana every single day - without fail. He never bothered any other plant in the yard except for that one banana. We finally had to block the tree off and, once it was allowed to be in the ground for more than a few hours, it did well. That surprised me as, by that time, it looked really, really sad - a limp rag with very little root. We have managed to get a few bunches of bananas over the years - I am sure not as many as other people get as our climate is very hot and we get strong winds off the desert annually - but the tree is quite robust so I am happy.

Thank you so much for the suggestions - I will definitely look in to adding a Bird of Paradise.

TennesseeDave said:Gotta to have some Elephant ears and cannas.

I have set aside both green and black Elephant Ears and several different Cannas

Old Gardener take a look at this relatively new Canna developed by Brians Botanicals. Maui Punch. This is the first flower opening on this baby plant. Makes me think of Mai Tai and sunshine.

That is absolutely stunning! I am also surprised to see such a young plant in bloom. Maui Punch will definitely go on the list - thanks for sharing!

Don't forget some gingers, for gorgeous foliage and flowers nearly all year 'round. Some need shade, such as the Alpinias and Kaemferia (Peacock Ginger, a low growing one) but most can take at least half a day's sun just fine, with adequate water. If you're growing Canna and bananas, you're going to be watering a lot!

This is Alpinia, does best with only morning sun. Next is Hedychium 'Dr. Moy' with wonderful fragrant flowers. Both have tall, lush variegated foliage that gives a very tropical look.

What a great suggestion, Elaine! I have a couple types of ginger already in pots - I don't know why I didn't think of them. I will definitely be planting them in this area.

Thank you all for all of the suggestions - what great motivation

Brugmansia for sure and maybe some Anthuriums.

Calathea? Understory plants.

I actually had a large pair of Brugs removed. A few years back, my elderly mum was admitted to the hospital with what the docs thought was a massive stroke. It turned out that she had been pruning a brug that day and had been inadvertently poisoned. She did recover but I have been wary keeping brugs since due to my grandkids and pets. I am sure it was just a freak accident but... well, I worry.

I am going to have to research the Anthuriums and Calathea. Thank you so much for the suggestions - I am getting quite excited now.

I've been poisoned when working Brugs and Datura .. the key to working with these plants is to wear gloves if you have any cuts on your hands and never ever touch your face or eat anything until you have washed your hands. - with grandkids they are definitely not a good plant to have around.

Variegated Schefflera, drought tolerant, tropical and likes both full sun and dappled location.

So overused here in Florida that I can't stand it anymore but I agree, a nice tropical and easy to care for.

I am thinking too of the present drought conditions here in California, most tropical plants are water needy, at least this one is not.

You've got some great suggestions above, all I wanted to add is to be careful planting under that Eucalyptus. I think it is the sap but nothing grows well under them, they seem to poison the soil for other plants.

I actually cannot plant under the Eucalyptus - the roots are massive - but that is good information to know.

Oddly, I don't often see Schefflera in the landscapes here. I like the drought-tolerant aspect as I don't think that we have even broken the 1 or 2" mark for annual precipitation this year here . It will definitely be on the list.

I would like to thank you all for giving me some great suggestions!

Whereabouts are you in SoCal...are you more inland or nearer the coast?

Schefflera is drought tolerant, but just to let you know..once it starts hitting the onerous triple digit, like any other plant, tips may burn..but they bounce back quite well.

Another suggestion, though I am pretty sure you have seen this plant all over SoCal..Agapanthus. They have that tropical feel, and lovely blooms, and quite drought tolerant too.