Thursday, 29 January 2015

Tropical Plants That Will Grow In North Texas

The term tropical plants is applied to plants that are native to the areas around the equator and thrive in hot and humid climates. The climate of north Texas is humid and sub-tropical with hot summers and regular rain throughout the year, which is conducive to growing tropical plants. The north Texas region of Texas lie about 250 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico with Dallas Forth-Worth as one of its major cities. The region has mild winters with occasional, short-lived extreme winters. Does this Spark an idea?

Texas Sabal Palm


Texas sabal palm (Sabal texana) is a tropical tree found in north Texas. The tree has a slow growth habit and is also referred to as Mexican palmetto. Texas sabal palm is a cold-tolerant palm with medium water requirements. The relatively high tolerance of cold makes it one of the best palms for north Texas areas. The tree is tolerant of salty soil with a soil alkalinity of 7.5, poorly drained ground and drought. The trees' fruits and seeds are eaten by a variety of wildlife. Texas sabal palm has fan shaped, large, blue-green leaves and rounded crown. The tree grows to a mature height of 20 to 48 feet.


Hibiscus


Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a tropical native of China and Southeast Asia. Hibiscus plants bloom with flowers 3 to 10 inches across in vibrant shades of orange, pink, red, yellow, lavender, gold, gray, blue and gold. Hibiscus thrives in north Texas as the plants prefer warm temperatures of 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Hibiscus is extremely tolerant of heat and humidity, and blooms prolifically from early summer to frost with minimal care. Hibiscus plants are large shrubs with heights of up to 8 feet depending on variety. The plants prefer areas of full sun and rich, fertile soil.


Plumeria


Plumeria (Frangipani) are popular large shrubs or small-sized tropical trees that thrive in north Texas weather. The trees are grown for their highly fragrant, attractive flowers. Plumeria is a native of the Pacific Islands, Caribbean and South America and can grow up to 30 or 40 feet high in the hot and humid tropical weather of north Texas. Plumeria has leathery foliage on thick, succulent stems and blooms from the start of summer to early fall with 2- to 4-inch flowers in all shades of red, white, yellow and pink. Plumeria grows in areas of full sun or light shade and well-drained ground.

Tags: north Texas, sabal palm, Texas sabal palm, areas full, Hibiscus Hibiscus