Tropical Michigan: Transforming Outdoor Gardens with Indoor Plants
- Monica Sabella
- Apr 16, 2023
- 3 min read
By Monica Sabella, Master Gardener, Horticulturist, Journalist
Sprays of native grasses, colorful perennials and dazzling annuals are a Midwestern classic. But a pop of citrine or fushia from a tropical coleus, dracena or banana plant is the perfect way to add variety and a unique touch to your summer garden.
Michigan’s humid summers and recent heavy rainfalls are great for a variety of tropical plants. The majority of concern lies deep beneath the surface, it’s the root of the problem, if you will. First, consider the natural habitat of your desired tropical plant. For example, Banana plants, native to parts of South America and our own paradise, Hawaii, do best in mixed soils with lava sand or lava rock. They thrive in organic matter such as peat, compost, coco fiber and manure with a generous sprinkling of perlite or vermiculite. Another important factor is the amount of water needed. Being tropical and from rainforest like habitat, heavy watering is essential to their health. The phosphorous (ph) level should be around 5.5-6.5 and the plant should be heavily mulched. In Michigan, our phosphorous levels tend to be high, so keeping the plant potted may be the easiest option.
Succulents on the other hand are a completely different story. Because of Michigan’s geological history, our soils are too wet for a succulent to adapt well. For that reason, creating a container garden is a popular way to ensure these desert blooms present good results all summer long. When potting, Michigan State University recommends a lean, well draining sandy soil. Unlike the banana plant, these do not require much organic matter and or watering.
The vibrant coleus is another great addition to an America or English style garden. It creates a surprise element which compliments the already wild and lush garden display. The large variety of types within the species is also exciting and workable for both budget and styles and these beauties can grow up to three feet tall and wide. They require well-draining, fertile soil and although most thrive in a partial shaded area, there are varieties that can tolerate full sun.
The luscious South American bougainvillea can also thrive in Michigan, despite it’s off putting home in the zones 9-10. It may not drape rich pink buds across the scaling roof of your porch like it does down south, but the promise of it’s bright origami-like flowers is still there from May to October in the upper midwest. Planted in well-drained soil, the bougainvillea will blossom until the first frost. This vine likes full sun (at least six hours) and like all of our other tropicals should be brought inside once temperatures fall below 55 F.
Ti plants, native to Hawaii, require lots of water and like light filtered shade, but will tolerate anything from full sun to shade in a moist locale. They like deep, fertile, acidic, well-drained soils, high in organic matter and like the banana, prefer a soil PH between 5.5-6.5. Also known as the Cordyline, this tropical can grow up to 10 feet high with a spread of three to four feet. The ti plant offers a variegated option for its leaves and can come in any combination of green with red, pink, purple, maroon, rose, yellow, and orange.
A delicate beauty, the oleander (also known as Nerium and the Jericho Rose) is popular for its versatility. Decorating gardens from southern to coastal landscapes, it prefers full sun, but will grow in partial shade at the cost of thinning foliage. It can tolerate heat, drought, wind and coastal conditions, which is no surprise given it’s native home in Northern Africa and Southwest Asia. Careful, this beauty comes with a bite. Traditionally used in rat poisons, the nerium oleander is toxic if its flowers, leaves or stems are ingested.
My final addition to this series is the lovely Dracena. A tall showy plant with it’s star-like crown will stand out in any crowd. Delightfully drama-free, it only asks for well-draining soil and temperatures between 65 and 95 fahrenheit. Available in over 40 varieties, their light needs vary from partial shade to full sun making them the perfect addition to any garden corner. Another benefit is their natural resistance to pests except for the occasional scale or mealy bug outbreak. A heavy alcohol, dawn and water spray on the foliage should address the mealy and scale bugs.
Although the initial learning curve may seem overwhelming and the needs of these plants are more than your neighborhood hydrangea, there is no reason Michiganders can’t have a tropical garden. Just imagine, the sun setting as you take a seat on your veranda. The hummingbirds buzz around the mirage of colors as you sip a glass of Traverse city wine and drink in the tropical paradise you call home.
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