Hot Plants for Cool Climates: Gardening with Tropical Plants in Temperate Zones

by Susan A. Roth

Passionate gardeners in cooler climates struggle year after year to overwinter their gorgeous tropical plants. Our new paperback edition is the answer to their problem-practical advice for achieving the tropical look in a temperate garden. The authors, who both live and garden on Long Island, New York, reveal the secrets to creating a lush, flamboyant landscape. Separate chapters cover such topics as principles of design and maintenance, proper plant selection, container gardening, and overwintering. Fantastic color photography throughout will inspire gardeners in even the hardiest zones. With the help of this book, an impressive tropical garden is within any gardener's reach.

Genres: Gardening, Nature

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough, helpful index of plants categorized by size. Most useful is that the index is further organized to highlight cold-hardy tropical and tropical-looking plants.

Best tropical garden book I have found for very cold climates.

[Steven Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in Hawaii but now live in the Great Northwest.

I love it here, but I miss the look of Hawaii. I miss the way the rain forests looked on the Pali. But I digress.

In my garden, in Washington State, I grow hibiscus bushes, banana trees, elephant ears, and even ginger. My wife calls me "The Hawaiian version of the Beverly Hillbillies." My neighbors put up with my garden well enough.

There are limitations, but you can grow a zone-denial garden, and Hot Plants for Cool Climates walks you through the process step-by-step. The book is well written, covered with pictures to help you see what you are getting into, and just about always right.

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its one to read after you've read The Jewel Box Garden and are ready to go change everything.:-)