Hardy Tropical Plants for Cold Climates (Zones 6–8)
At TN Tropics, we grow and test a wide range of hardy tropical plants right here in Zone 7B Tennessee to prove what’s truly possible in colder climates. From bold foliage plants like Musa basjoo, cannas, and elephant ears, to structural plants like bamboo, windmill palms, and fatsia, we have actively used all of the plants featured on this page in real garden conditions. These aren’t just recommendations—they’re proven performers that have been grown, observed, and refined through real winters, freezes, and seasonal cycles. Our goal is to show that with the right plant selection and placement, you can create a lush, tropical landscape even in Zones 6–8.
What Are Hardy Tropical Plants?
Hardy tropical plants are cold-tolerant species that mimic the lush, exotic aesthetic of the tropics while surviving freezing temperatures in regions as cold as Zones 6–8. Unlike their delicate equatorial cousins, these resilient plants are adapted to withstand winter frosts, often dying back to the ground only to return with vigorous, jungly growth as soon as the spring soil warms up. This unique ability allows gardeners in seasonal climates to create permanent, lush landscapes that return year after year without the need for intensive winter storage.
Featured Hardy Tropical Plants
Musa basjoo (Hardy Banana)
The Hardy Banana is the gold standard for adding massive tropical foliage to northern gardens, reliably returning even after negative temperatures. Its giant green leaves can reach up to 10 feet in a single season. This plant is a true showstopper that commands attention in any landscape.
Cold Hardiness: Zones 5–11 (with mulch)
Landscape Use: Majestic focal point or tropical backdrop
Colocasia (Elephant Ear)
Elephant Ears are grown for their spectacular, architectural heart-shaped foliage. They love heat, moisture, and rich soil, making them perfect for damp garden spots. These bulbs can be heavily mulched to overwinter in Zone 7 and higher.
Cold Hardiness: Zones 7–11
Landscape Use: Bold accent near water features or shade gardens
Calla Lily
Calla Lilies offer an elegant tropical look with their unique trumpet-shaped flowers and often speckled foliage. They perform best in moderately damp soils and part-shade. With proper deep planting, they return reliably in Zone 7.
Cold Hardiness: Zones 7–10
Landscape Use: Delicate focal points or exquisite cut flowers
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Laurel)
Aucuba is a tough evergreen shrub that brings color to the deepest shade corners. Its leather-like leaves are speckled with yellow, mimicking sunlight where few other plants thrive. It maintains its vibrant color throughout the cold winter months.
Cold Hardiness: Zones 6–10
Landscape Use: Brightening deep shade or as winter interest
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Cast Iron Plant is one of the toughest plants for low light conditions. While often kept indoors, it is actually quite hardy in northern shade gardens. It provides evergreen, sword-like texture that remains lush throughout the winter seasons.
Cold Hardiness: Zones 7–11
Landscape Use: Low-maintenance groundcover for shaded borders
Canna Lily
Cannas bring vibrant, tropical flowers and lush, banana-like foliage to summer borders in various colors. They are vigorous growers that thrive in summer heat and moisture. Many cultivars perform well as perennials in Zone 6 and above.
Cold Hardiness: Zones 6+, mulch and microclimate zone 6
Landscape Use: Vertical height in borders or large containers
Bamboo (Cold Hardy Types)
Certain bamboo species provide year-round vertical interest and a classic tropical look. They are unmatched for creating fast-growing natural screens and privacy borders. These hardy types are resilient against heavy snow and sharp freezes.
Cold Hardiness: Zones 5–10
Landscape Use: Evergreen privacy screening or vertical accent
Pineapple Lily (Eucomis)
Eucomis is a quirky, conversation-starter plant with flower spikes that resemble miniature pineapples. The waxy foliage provides early interest before the late summer blooms appear. It is surprisingly hardy in well-drained winter soil.
Cold Hardiness: Zones 6–10
Landscape Use: Unique accent in pots or mixed sunny borders
Fatsia japonica
Fatsia is a stunning architectural plant with hand-sized glossy leaves that look purely tropical. It thrives in shaded areas where other plants struggle, adding bold texture to the landscape. It also produces cool snowball-like white flowers in late autumn.
Cold Hardiness: Zones 7–10
Landscape Use: Bold architectural interest in shade gardens
Hardy Hibiscus (Rose Mallow)
Hardy Hibiscus offers the ultimate tropical flower look with massive blooms in shades of red, pink, and white. They die back in winter and return vigorously in late spring. They are exceptionally cold-hardy and thrive in wet sunny spots.
Cold Hardiness: Zones 5–9
Landscape Use: Bold late-summer color in sunny borders
Tips for Growing Tropical Plants in Cold Climates
01. Plant in Spring
Giving your exotic plants a full growing season allows them to establish a deep, resilient root system before facing their first winter frost.
02. Use Microclimates
Position tropical plants near south-facing walls or sheltered nooks that retain heat and block cold winter winds, effectively creating warmer pockets in your garden.
03. Mulch for Winter Protection
Apply a thick layer of mulch, between 6 and 12 inches, over dormant crowns to insulate roots and prevent the freeze-thaw cycle from damaging plant tissue.
04. Expect Seasonal Dieback
Many hardy tropicals are designed to die back to the ground in winter. Don't worry—they will vigorously emerge from the root system once the soil warms up in spring.
05. Fertilize During Active Growth
Feed your plants during the spring and summer to fuel their rapid growth, but stop fertilizing in late summer to allow the new growth to harden before frost.