Ordering plants in winter is often easier than people expect - and for
many plants, it is actually better. Lush foliage plants like philodendrons
and medinilla,
fine-leaved trees such as moringa, jacaranda,
and poinciana,
and even sensitive fruit trees like papaya, jackfruit
or starfruit
ship more safely in cool weather without
overheating stress.
Winter is also ideal for subtropical and cold-tolerant plants, dormant or
deciduous plants like plumeria and adenium, orchids - including ground
orchids and vanilla
orchids, and winter bloomers that flower their best right now. Winter
care is simple: water less, use gentle liquid amino-acid fertilizers like Sunshine
Boosters, and monitor insects.
In mild climates, many tropicals can be planted anytime, while
extra-tender plants can stay potted until spring. Winter is a
perfect time to bring tropical warmth indoors and enjoy greenery when you
need it most.
When northern gardens fade into gray, our tropicals wake up. Winter is
color season here - and even if you live up north, you can still enjoy these
same flowering trees indoors or on a sunny patio.
From the fiery Royal
Poinciana to the golden Tabebuia and
violet Jacaranda,
these eight trees prove that winter can bloom anywhere
How to Care for Winter-Flowering Trees
We're often asked, at Top Tropicals, “Can I really grow tropical
trees in winter?”
Yes — with the right light and care, you can.
Here’s what works best both outdoors and indoors, according to our
expert, Tatiana Anderson.
🌡️ Fall Planting Guide
Let’s talk about timing, because that’s the part most people
get nervous about.
Everyone asks: “Isn’t it too cool to plant now?” —
and the answer is no!
Fall and early winter are actually the best months for tropicals in Zones 9
to 11.
Here’s why: the air has cooled off, but the soil is still warm.
Roots love that combination. They quietly spread underground while the rest
of
the plant takes a break.
By spring, those roots are ready to feed a burst of new growth — and
that’s when you’ll see the first big flush of flowers.
Pick a sunny spot that gets plenty of light — six to eight hours
if you can.
Loosen the soil and mix in compost or pine bark so it drains well.
Dig a hole about twice as wide as the pot and just as deep.
Set the plant level with the ground, backfill, and water it deeply to
settle everything in.
Then add mulch — two or three inches is plenty — but keep it
away from the trunk so it can breathe.
Tatiana’s tip: “Fall planting builds roots while everyone
else is resting. By spring, your tree wakes up ready to grow.”
🌳 Outdoor Care (Warm Climates Zones 9–11)
Now, let’s talk about what happens after planting — because
real gardening starts once the plant is yours. Tropical trees thrive on
routine: steady sunlight, deep watering, and just a bit of attention.
Water them about once a week when the weather is mild, more often if
it’s dry or windy.
Always check the soil first — if it feels dry two inches down, go
ahead and water.
Mulch helps more than most people realize — it keeps roots cool in
summer and warm in winter, and it saves you from watering as often.
Now, for those of you in Zone 9, here’s the truth: your trees can
take a chill, but they don’t love surprises.
A quick night in the upper 20s F won’t hurt mature plants, but young
ones appreciate a little help — a frost cloth or being planted at the
south side.
And don’t underestimate the wind. Cold, dry gusts can burn leaves
faster than frost.
Use fences, hedges, or taller shrubs as windbreaks, and take advantage of
microclimates — those warm pockets next to the house, brick patios, or
corners that get extra afternoon sun.
Tatiana’s tip: “A tropical garden in Zone 9 isn’t
about fighting nature — it’s about cooperating with it. Find the
warm corners, protect from the cold wind, and your trees will thank you with
flowers all winter.”
🏚️ Indoor & Patio Care (Cooler Climates)
For our northern friends — yes, you can grow tropicals indoors!
You just need good light, warm air, and a little attention.
Pick a large pot, with drainage holes and a light tropical soil mix.
Place it in a bright window — south or southwest if you can —
or under grow lights for about 12–14 hours a day.
Keep temperatures between 65 and 85 F, and water when the top inch of soil
dries out.
Misting helps keep leaves clean and adds humidity.
Rotate the pot every couple of weeks so all sides get sun. In summer, move
your plant outdoors gradually so it can enjoy real sunlight — then
bring it back in before nights drop below 40 F.
Tatiana’s tip: “Don’t be afraid of growing trees in
pots. They adapt beautifully — just select the right trees and pay
attention to their needs.”
7 best exotic dwarf trees for maximum impact in small tropical landscapes 🏡
For a yard that feels like a tropical escape but doesn't have the space for a massive jungle, these seven selections from TopTropicals are game-changers, chosen for their compact size, high "curb appeal," and unique tropical flair.
1. Dwarf Pink Princess Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba hybrid)
🌳 A spectacular grafted hybrid of the famous Silk Floss tree, but in a much smaller package: a unique, often "fat" or bottle-shaped trunk and large, showy pink flowers with white centers. 🏡 Unlike the standard Ceiba which can become a giant, the 'Pink Princess' is grafted to stay compact (usually under 10 - 12 feet), allowing you to enjoy those exotic, orchid-like blooms even in a tiny garden.
Ceiba Plant Facts
Botanical name: Ceiba sp. Also known as: Ceiba, Floss Silk Tree, Kapok Tree
🌳 Known as the "Golden Trumpet Tree," this dwarf selection puts on one of the most brilliant displays in the plant kingdom. Before the leaves emerge in spring, the entire tree is covered in bright, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers. 🏡 This specific dwarf form stays much smaller and more manageable than the standard Tabebuias seen on city streets. Its silver-green foliage and rounded canopy make it an ideal "specimen" tree that acts as a focal point for your front yard.
Dwarf Golden Tabebuia Plant Facts
Botanical name: Handroanthus chrysotrichus, Tabebuia chrysotricha, Tabebuia chrysantha Also known as: Dwarf Golden Tabebuia
3. Little Gem Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
🌳 All the elegance of a classic Southern Magnolia but in a miniaturized version. It has the iconic waxy white, lemon-scented flowers and glossy leaves with fuzzy bronze undersides. 🏡 'Little Gem' is narrow and columnar, typically reaching only 15-20 feet (half the size of the standard species). It starts blooming at a very young age, so you don't have to wait years for those famous fragrant flowers.
Southern Magnolia Plant Facts
Botanical name: Magnolia grandiflora Also known as: Southern Magnolia, Bull Bay
🌳 This "ever-blooming" small tree is a butterfly magnet. It features clusters of bright, cherry-red star flowers against glossy, fiddle-shaped leaves. 🏡 The Compacta variety is specifically bred to stay bushy and small. It blooms almost 365 days a year in warm climates, providing a constant splash of red that draws in hummingbirds and pollinators.
Peregrina Plant Facts
Botanical name: Jatropha integerrima, Jatropha pandurata Also known as: Peregrina, Spicy Jatropha, Coral Plant, Physic Nut
🌳 Known as the "Wood of Life," this is one of the slowest-growing trees in the world. It has fine-textured, dark green foliage and produce stunning, small blue flowers that fade to white, followed by bright orange seed pods. 🏡 Because it grows so slowly, it will never outgrow its space. It is extremely hardy, salt-tolerant, and hurricane-resistant, making it a "plant it and forget it" heirloom tree for coastal or small urban lots.
Lignum Vitae Plant Facts
Botanical name: Guaiacum sanctum Also known as: Lignum Vitae, Tree of Life, Gaiac tree
🌳 A visual firework display. The leaves are deep green on top and rich purple underneath. In late winter, it produces massive, 8-inch wide clusters of tubular pink-and-white flowers that look like an exploding star. 🏡 It is easily pruned to a single-trunk tree form. The purple foliage provides "curb appeal" year-round, while the winter blooms provide a much-needed pop of color when other plants are dormant.
Winter Starburst Plant Facts
Botanical name: Clerodendrum quadriloculare Also known as: Winter Starburst, Fireworks, Clerodendron
🌳 This is a rare, small evergreen tree with glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of highly fragrant, star-shaped white flowers with a red "eye." 🏡 It has an naturally architectural, upright habit. The fragrance is incredible - sweet and heavy - making it a perfect "sensory" tree to plant near a patio where you can enjoy the scent on summer evenings.
👉 more
Plumeria
Orange KLS stands out with a rare mix of five colors - peach, yellow,
orange, white, and crimson - all blending into one vivid bloom. Fragrant and
eye-catching, it’s a truly unique plumeria.
Plumeria Plant Facts
Botanical name: Plumeria sp. Also known as: Plumeria, Frangipani
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths
Practical Growing Tips (Keep It Simple)
Sun: Full sun is key. 6+ hours daily for best
blooms.
Soil: Fast-draining mix. In pots, use cactus mix or add
perlite and sand. The best soil for Plumerias is a
50:50 mix of
Abundance potting soil with coarse sand.
Watering: Water well, then let soil dry out before
watering again.
Containers: Excellent for pots. Easier control and
mobility.
Airflow: Good airflow keeps plants healthy and
clean.
Spacing: Give each plant room - better shape and more
flowers.
Blooming plumeria plants in pots after rain.
Winter Care (Very Important)
Temperature: Protect from freeze. Below 40F they need
protection.
Dormancy: Leaves drop in winter. This is normal.
Watering: Almost dry during dormancy.
Indoors: Move containers inside if frost is
expected.
Light: Bright spot is enough. No need for full sun in
dormancy.
No feeding: Do not fertilize during winter rest.
Restart: Resume watering when new growth appears in
spring.
Potted plumeria in bloom.
About Plumeria Rust (Florida Reality)
If you are growing plumerias in Florida, you will likely see plumeria rust
at some point. It shows up as orange powdery spots on the
underside of leaves and can cause leaves to yellow and drop early. It is
driven by high humidity and is most common in the fall, right before the
plant naturally starts dropping its leaves.
It looks alarming, but it is mostly a cosmetic issue and does not harm the
plant long term. Good airflow, full sun, and avoiding overhead watering help
reduce it. If needed, you can remove affected leaves or use a simple
fungicide (in our experience, the most effective one for Plumeria rust is
Southern Ag Garden Friendly Fungicide), but in most cases the plant
grows
right through it and comes back clean with fresh growth.
White and
Yellow Plumerias are the most fragrant.
Plumeria Fragrance - Bring It Anywhere
That scent does not have to stay in the garden. Fresh plumeria flowers can
be brought inside and placed in a small bowl of water they will float and
gently perfume the room. You can make a simple lei, keep a few blooms
on a table, or even place a flower in your car on a hot day - the warmth
releases the fragrance.
Bowl with Plumeria flowers
creates a scented space anywhere
Red Plumeria is not just fragrant, it is one of the
most spectacular trees when in full bloom
Build Your Plumeria Paradise - Save
10%
Get 10% off with coupon code PLUMERIA2026
on plumeria trees.
Offer valid through 04/15/2026.
Discount applies to plumeria plants only. Not valid on previous purchases
and cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. Offer
subject to change without notice.
Date: 26 Jan 2026
Why Turmeric was named the 2026 Herb of the Year
Turmeric - Curcuma
🌷 Why Turmeric was named the 2026 Herb of the Year
🌷 Turmeric was named the 2026 Herb of the Year by the International Herb Association, and it is easy to see why gardeners are paying attention. This tropical plant from the ginger family is best known for its bright orange underground rhizomes, used for centuries as a spice, natural dye, and traditional remedy.
🌷Native to India, Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is closely related to Ginger and Cardamom. Its rhizomes are a staple in curry and widely used in Asian, African, and Caribbean cuisines. In recent years, turmeric has also gained attention for potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Spice Turmeric Plant Facts
Botanical name: Curcuma longa Also known as: Spice Turmeric, Longevity Spice, Indian Saffron, Tumeric
USDA Zone: 8 - 11
Highligths
🌷 Herb, spice or flower?
• Botanically, turmeric is a spice, since it comes from the plant’s rhizomes rather than its leaves. In the kitchen, however, it often functions like an herb. Fresh turmeric can replace powdered turmeric in most recipes and delivers brighter flavor and color. • Beyond edible Turmeric, there are many Curcuma hybrids grown purely for ornament. These selections produce striking, long-lasting flower spikes in shades of pink, white, orange, red, and purple, rising above lush tropical foliage. Ornamental curcumas are popular as patio plants and indoor accents, adding dramatic color and texture even where they are grown strictly in containers.
🌷 Growing turmeric anywhere - even in cool climates
Although Turmeric is a tropical perennial, it grows very well in containers, making it suitable for gardeners everywhere. When grown in pots, turmeric is treated as a warm-season plant that can be moved indoors as temperatures cool.
🌷 How to grow Turmeric
Turmeric is a compact, but bold plant, reaching 3-4 feet tall and wide, so it needs a roomy container. It prefers:
The plant produces flowers that do not set seed, so turmeric is grown entirely from rhizomes.
🌷 Harvesting and using Turmeric
As the season ends, turmeric naturally goes dormant and the leaves yellow and dry. This signals harvest time. Dig the rhizomes, clean them, and dry them in a cool, shaded place.
Rhizomes can be: • Boiled, dried, and ground into powder • Frozen whole and grated as needed • Pickled for long-term storage
Some healthy rhizomes can also be saved and replanted the following season, making turmeric both productive and renewable.
Compact, bold, and useful, turmeric proves that tropical plants can thrive well beyond the tropics - especially when grown in pots.
How to Care for Winter-Flowering Trees
Winter Care (Very Important)
Build Your Plumeria Paradise - Save
10%
