Tropical plants can thrive even in a climate like ours.(Home & Garden)(The art of gardening)

Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), May, 2007

Byline: Maureen Safarik The Planter's Palette Just because we live in a cold-winter climate doesn't mean we can't enjoy a taste of the tropics for at least part of the year. Many tropical plants grow very well in containers and are adaptable to a wide range of light conditions. What's more, unlike some of their more northerly relatives, they can take whatever heat and humidity our climate has to offer, flourishing and prospering even through summer's "dog days." They contribute brilliant color and bold leaf shapes that are rare among our typical Zone 5 plants, adding vibrancy and contrast to container or landscape plantings.

As an added bonus, many of these exotic beauties can be enjoyed as houseplants or dug up and stored to keep through several seasons....