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Variegated Ginger, also known as "Shell Ginger" brings a pop of tropical interest to any shade garden. Displaying green and yellow striped leaves and a wide-spreading habit, these are moderately salt-tolerant plants that do best in filtered sun to part shade. The name Shell Ginger comes from the fragrant flowers that appear (infrequently) in warm weather, looking like strands of tiny white seashells. Performs best in Zones 8-10 with watering as needed to keep the soil moist. Has a mature growth habit of 4-6’ tall and 6-8’ wide. Works well beside pools and water features. Also makes a great container plant where growth can be more contained.

The tropical area here at Creekside Nursery is bursting with the dazzling display of Hibiscus in bloom! Dark glossy leaves provide the perfect background for the showiness of wide trumpet-shaped pinks, reds, yellows and peach petals, some even offering double sets in the blooms. Hibiscus prefer to be kept moist but not soaking wet, so they need well-drained soil. They thrive in full sun, but because of their cold sensitivity, should be grown in moveable containers or in a protected area anywhere temperatures can dip into the thirties or below.

Grown mostly for its foliage, the Split Leaf Philodendron is a tropical shrub with large, dark green, deeply lobed leaves. Considered as an evergreen, it thrives best outdoors in Zones 10-11, but can be grown anywhere in moveable containers to capture bright light, slightly humid conditions and no cold drafts. Does best in partial to full shade and can grow 8-12’ tall with a comparable width. Best to water at root level only to prevent leaf rotting. Philodendrons are considered deer resistant and are bothered by very few bugs. These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from curious pets and children. The sap can be irritating to sensitive skin.

The sight of this plant in bloom can transport you instantly to a tropical setting. The large flowers with their brilliant top plumage and blue tongues remind you of an exotic bird in a rainforest. Dense, evergreen bluish leaves form an upright habit that grows well outside in Zones 9-11 and in moveable containers or protected areas in Zones 5-8. Bird of Paradise plants are very deep-rooted and are tolerant of drought, heat and sun, but they do not tolerate freezing temperatures. Plant them in clusters for a dramatic statement or in decorative pots that can be moved around pathways and seating areas. Here at Creekside Nursery we offer both the most commonly seen orange Bird of Paradise and the brilliant yellow Mandela’s Gold varieties in 5 gallon pots. The standard orange variety can achieve a height of 6-7’ and 4-5’ wide while the Mandela’s Gold variety tends to be slightly shorter. In both varieties, the bloom stalk rises above the foliage.

The croton "Petra" is an evergreen shrub-like plant that is boldly marked with bright yellow, orange, red, and even black outlines on multi-colored leaves. They prefer full to partial sun and need bright lighting to produce their boldest colors. It prefers hot, humid weather and grows well outdoors only in Zones 9B-11. Crotons planted outdoors can reach a height of 7-10 feet. Crotons are sensitive to salt spray and must be planted away from saline-prone areas. Grown indoors, they can be maintained to an appropriate height for their setting and container size. Find the sunniest spot in your home with the highest humidity level, and your croton will wow you with its vivid display of variegated leaves.