Subtropical Plants for West Coast Landscapes

The broad, evergreen leaves and bright colors of subtropical plants appeal to gardeners, homeowners, landscapers, and designers from British Columbia to San Diego, Phoenix, and Houston. Subtropical plants look tropical but tolerate extended cool winters and frosts ranging from light to severe.

Fast-growing, vigorous Cyathea cooperi (Australian tree ferns) add a subtropical touch to Grubb & Nadler shadehouses.

Located in the Rainbow Valley, in northern San Diego County, Grubb & Nadler grows subtropical plants—like giant birds of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai), Philodendron selloum, and Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica)—that thrive in our warm summer days and cool nights, and that tolerate our chilly winter nights and occasional frosts.

Philodendron selloum grown at Grubb & Nadler in Fallbroook, California: Botanists know this plant as Philodendron bipinnatifidum.

Cussonia spicata from South Africa is popular, easy to grow, rich green, but not thirsty. Grubb & Nadler strives to have a few crops growing of this useful genus of aralias most of the time.

Strelitzia nicolai, the giant bird of paradise, has recently expanded in popularity thanks to its speedy growth, banana-like leaves, and resilience to cold and drought. Grubb & Nadler starts young plants in shadehouses and then hardens them off in a sunnier outdoor exposure.

Take a look at our lists for your favorite subtropicals, and ask us more about names you might be unfamiliar with. You will be surprised at how many hardy, exotic plants we grow.

For more information and inspiration in your inbox subscribe to our newsletter.

---