Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 16 Jun 2026

This Hibiscus is called President for a reason

Hibiscus President

Hibiscus President

🌺 This Hibiscus is called President for a reason


By Tatiana Anderson, Top Tropicals plant expert

Almost 30 years ago, I arrived in Hawaii from a very non-tropical part of the world. Everything seemed exotic - fragrant plumerias, colorful bougainvilleas, palms swaying in the trade winds. But one plant captured my attention more than any other: Hibiscus President Red.

The flowers were enormous - literally the size of a hand. Bold, brilliant red. Impossible to ignore. It made such an impression that it became the very first tropical plant I ever bought from a nursery on Oahu.

Fast forward nearly three decades, and President Red surprised me again.

During Florida's historic February 2026 freeze, temperatures at our farm dropped to 25F for two nights, followed by nearly two weeks of unusually cold weather with temperatures lingering in the 40s. Many tropical hibiscus varieties were killed back to the ground. Some eventually returned from the roots, but looked rough for months.

President Red? It didn't blink an eye. No dieback. No visible damage. As soon as spring sunshine returned, it was growing and flowering as if nothing had happened.

I wouldn't call any tropical hibiscus "cold hardy," but President Red is clearly tougher than most. If you garden in a subtropical area where winter surprises occasionally happen, this variety has earned my respect.

And those giant, hand-sized red flowers are just as spectacular today as they were when I first saw them in Hawaii all those years ago.
👉 More...


Exciting Tropical Hibiscus varieties:
☄️ Hibiscus President Red - Giant Red Tropical Hibiscus
☄️ Hibiscus Apricot Brandy - Double Rose of Sharon
☄️ Hibiscus Double Red - Double Rose of Sharon
☄️ Hibiscus El Capitolio Tequila Sunrise
☄️ Hibiscus El Capitolio Bloody Mary
☄️ Hibiscus schizopetalus, Coral Hibiscus

🛒 Explore Hibiscus species and varieties

📚 Learn more:

Hibiscus Plant Facts

Botanical name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Also known as: Hibiscus, Chinese Rose, Japanese Rose, Tropical Hibiscus, Shoe Flower
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSemi-shadeFull sunKeep soil moistYellow, orange flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersBlue, lavender, purple flowersWhite, off-white flowersPink flowersPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsSeaside, salt tolerant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

· Hibiscus in Plant Encyclopedia
· Many faces of hibiscus
· Much more than fancy flowers: discover the many faces of hibiscus
· Tequila Sunrise Hibiscus breaks the rules
· Hibiscus El Capitolio Bloody Mary
· How to get rid of pests on Hibiscus?
· Skeleton Hibiscus with "crazy petals" - flower will blow your mind
· How to make your Hibiscus plants thrive and bloom
· How hibiscus plant acts like a chameleon
· Why this Hibiscus is changing color?
· You need this Cotton Candy
· The Tips of Hibiscus Flowers

#Hedges_with_benefits

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Date: 15 Jun 2026

Passion fruit baked yogurt

Passion fruit baked yogurt

Passion fruit baked yogurt

Passion fruit Passiflora edulis red fruit

Passion fruit Passiflora edulis red fruit

🍴 Passion fruit baked yogurt: quick-n-fun exotic recipes

🟡Stir fresh passion fruit pulp and a drizzle of honey into plain yogurt until evenly combined.
🟡Spoon the mixture into small ramekins and place them in a baking dish.
🟡Bake gently until the yogurt is just set but still slightly creamy in the center.
🟡Allow to cool, then chill for at least an hour to develop a smooth, custard-like texture.
🟡Top with a spoonful of fresh passion fruit pulp before serving for an extra burst of tropical flavor.

🌿 About the plant:


Passion fruit belongs to the genus Passiflora, known for its intricate, almost architectural flowers with layered filaments and bold central structures. The fruit develops after pollination, forming a tough rind around fragrant pulp.

🏡 In the garden:


Vines can grow aggressively in warm climates and quickly cover trellises or fences. Regular pruning after fruiting keeps the plant manageable and encourages new flowering growth.

🛒 Plant Passionfruit Vine - fast growing and rewarding

📚 Learn more:

Passion Fruit Plant Facts

Botanical name: Passiflora edulis
Also known as: Passion Fruit, Parcha, Maracuya, Granadilla
USDA Zone: 8 - 11
Highligths Vine or creeper plantFull sunWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryBlue, lavender, purple flowersWhite, off-white flowersEdible plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Get personalized tips for your region

Passiflora edulis in Plant Encyclopedia
Passion fruit butter glaze: quick-n-fun exotic recipes
The truth about Passion flower and Passion fruit.

#Food_Forest #Recipes

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Date: 14 Jun 2026

Tamarind Agua Fresca: quick-n-fun exotic recipes

Tamarind Agua Fresca

Tamarind Agua Fresca

Tamarindus indica - Tamarind

Tamarindus indica - Tamarind

🍴 Tamarind Agua Fresca: quick-n-fun exotic recipes



🟡Soak tamarind pulp in warm water, mash and strain.
🟡Add sugar to taste and serve over ice.
🟡Refreshing and bold.

🌿 About the plant:


In Mexico, tamarind drinks are incredibly popular. The pulp dissolves easily in water, creating a naturally tangy beverage without needing citrus.

🏡 In the garden:


Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) prefers full sun and good drainage. It is relatively low maintenance once established and rarely troubled by pests.

🛒 Plant a Tamarind tree for summers drinks

📚 Learn more:

Tamarind Plant Facts

Botanical name: Tamarindus indica
Also known as: Tamarind, Sampalok
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Large tree taller than 20 ftFull sunWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryEdible plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeFlood tolerant plantSeaside, salt tolerant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

Tamarindus indica in Plant Encyclopedia

#Food_Forest #Recipes

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Date: 20 Jun 2026

Fathers Day and Summer Solstice Discount

Father's Day & Summer Solstice Discount

Father's Day & Summer Solstice Discount

Father's Day gift card

Father's Day gift card

🌞 Father's Day & Summer Solstice Discount 🌞

Still looking for a Father's Day gift?
Skip the tie and give Dad something that grows.

Top Tropicals Gift Certificate makes a perfect last-minute gift and can be emailed instantly. Let Dad choose the tropical plants, fruit trees, or collectibles he really wants.

And while you're shopping, celebrate the longest day of the year with us! Use coupon code:

🎁 FATHERS2026 🎁

Save on tropical plants, fruit trees, flowering shrubs, vines, succulents, and more.
Whether you're shopping for Dad, adding to your own garden, or planting something special to mark the Summer Solstice, this is a great weekend to bring home something new.

✅ Some customer favorites include:



🍑 Fruit trees and food forest plants
🌸 Plumerias and adeniums
Fragrant plants
🥭 Mangoes and avocados 🌳
Flowering and fast growing shade trees

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, grandfathers, stepdads, and plant dads who help things grow.
Happy Summer Solstice - may your gardens be lush, your fruit trees productive, and your days full of sunshine. 🌞🌴

Min order $100. Excluding S/H. Exp. 6-23-2026
Use our FREE and DISCOUNTED SHIPPING for qualified orders
Feel free to use code FATHERS2026 yourself or share it with your friend.

🛒 Shop tropical plants

#Discounts

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Date: 20 Jun 2026

Last minute gift shopping: Gift Card with 15% BONUS VALUE for Fathers Day!

Smokey and Sunshine ordering a Gift Card

Smokey and Sunshine ordering a Gift Card

🎁 Last minute gift shopping: Gift Card with 15% BONUS VALUE for Father's Day!



Smokey: What happened? Lost your ridiculous pants?
Sunshine: They're not ridiculous. They're a statement. Besides, I have a problem. Bigger than those pants. My dad's Father's Day gift plants won't arrive before Father's Day.
Smokey: When did you order them?
Sunshine: Five minutes ago.
Smokey: Use a gift certificate.
Sunshine: Will that save my fat orange ass?
Smokey: Yes. It's sent by email. Assuming you remember your dad's email address. Plus, it has 15% extra value.
Sunshine: Perfect. Dad gets what he wants. And I keep the donuts.

🎁 Live plants make perfect gifts! Let Dad choose the plants he likes.



Order now and the gift card automatically will be 15% larger face value, for example:
- You pay $100, we'll issue a $115 gift card
- You pay $200, the card will be of $230 value.
Make sure to use words "Happy Fathers Day" in message field to qualify for the bonus value

Offer valid through 6/23/2026.
The Gift Card has no expiration date.
The Gift Card can be used to buy plants, seeds, and garden supplies.


🎁 Feel free to use this code yourself or share it with your friend.

🛒 Buy Gift Card with Bonus Value

📚 Learn more:


·  About Smokey & Sunshine

#Discounts #Smokey_Sunshine

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