In this article, we will introduce you to 21 shallow-rooted plants that thrive in tropical gardens, specifically in full sun conditions. These plants will bring vibrancy and visual interest to your outdoor space. From vibrant blooming flowers to lush green foliage, there is a wide variety of shallow-rooted plants to choose from. Some popular options include hibiscus, plumeria, bougainvillea, and croton.
Each plant has its own unique characteristics and care requirements, so you can mix and match to create your own personal oasis. So, if you’re ready to transform your full sun tropical garden into a paradise of colors and textures, keep reading! We will provide you with all the information you need to select the perfect shallow-rooted plants for your space, as well as tips and tricks for their successful growth and maintenance.
Tropical plants with shallow roots
When it comes to creating a tropical oasis in your garden, choosing the right plants is essential. Luckily, there are plenty of tropical plants with shallow roots that can thrive in full sun conditions. One great option is the Bird of Paradise plant. With its vibrant orange and blue flowers that resemble the head of a bird, this plant adds a unique touch to any garden. It prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, making it perfect for full sun conditions.
Another good choice is the Plumeria plant, also known as the Frangipani. This plant is famous for its fragrant and colorful flowers, which come in a range of colors from white and yellow to pink and red. Plumeria plants prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, making them perfect for full sun conditions. Plus, their shallow roots make them easy to grow in pots or garden beds. If you choose to sweep up the flowers when they drop then they do take a little work to maintain.
While many tropical trees have deep roots to anchor them in the soil and access water, there are some that can thrive in shallow soil. These include the Dwarf Cavendish Banana, the Mango tree, and the Avocado tree. These trees can add a tropical feel to your garden while also providing delicious fruit. However, it’s important to note that these trees may require more frequent watering and fertilization to compensate for their shallow root systems. There is a risk that the Jacaranda and Royal Poinciana trees can be uprooted in heavy storms. Beware that their roots may disrupt paths as they extend well beyond the canopy of the tree.
Cool climate plants with tropical appearance
Creating a tropical garden in colder climates can be a bit more challenging. However, there are plenty of plants with a tropical appearance that can help you achieve your desired look.
One great option is succulents. These low-maintenance plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Their tolerance of dry soils means that they can grow happily in shallow flower beds. Consider adding aloes and agaves to your garden. With their unique shapes and textures, these plants can add a sculptural and modern vibe to your tropical garden. Plus, they are incredibly easy to maintain and require very little water.
For tropical color you can’t beat the Canna lily. Not only does it have glorious flowers but the foliage comes in shades from cream to yellow through to purple! It will die back over winter in cold areas but quickly recovers again in the spring growing season.
By choosing the right non-tropical plants with a tropical appearance and considering their sun and water requirements, you can create a beautiful and unique tropical garden, no matter where you live.
21 Shallow-rooted plants for full sun in tropical gardens are:
Mexican Heather
Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) is a low-growing perennial plant that produces tiny, lavender-pink flowers. It is a great choice for rock gardens, ground covers, and container gardens. Mexican Heather prefers full sun to partial shade and good drainage. It is suitable for USDA zones 9-11. The root system is less than 20 in/ 50 cm deep.
Cast Iron Plant
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is known for its hardy, deep green leaves. It prefers well-drained soil and full shade to partial sun. It is suitable for USDA zones 7 to 11. The rhizomatous roots spread horizontally rather than vertically.
Firecracker plant
Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis) is a fast-growing shrub that produces beautiful, red, tube-shaped flowers. It is an excellent choice for adding color to hanging baskets, container gardens, and rock gardens. Firecracker Plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is suitable for USDA zones 9-11. Roots are mostly in the top 24 in/ 60 cm of soil.
Natal plum
Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) is an evergreen shrub that produces star-shaped flowers and small, edible fruit. The white flowers appear from early spring through to fall. The plant prefers full sun and tolerates salty winds and sandy soil. Natal plum is suitable for USDA zones 9-11.
Ginger
Red ginger (Alpinia purpurata) is an ornamental plant that produces beautiful, red flowers that resemble a torch. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Red ginger is suitable for USDA zones 10-12.
Aloe
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that makes an ideal shallow-rooted ground cover plant. It has fleshy, green leaves that grow in a rosette pattern and produce yellow or orange flowers in the summer. It tolerates poor soil and drought conditions and is suitable for USDA zones 9-11.
Agave
Agave is a popular succulent that is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is a low maintenance plant that is well-suited for full sun and well-draining soil. Agave plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small rosettes to large, architectural specimens. Agave is a drought-tolerant plant and suitable for USDA zones 8-11.
Bird of Paradise
Bird of paradise is a stunning tropical plant with unique flowers that resemble the head of a bird. The flowers are orange and blue and bloom in late spring to early summer. Bird of paradise prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is drought-tolerant and can be grown in USDA zones 9-11.
Canna Lily
Canna lilies are tropical plants that produce large, showy flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow. The flowers bloom from late spring to early fall and are a perfect choice for full sun locations. Colorful foliage and flowers make them great plants for tropical gardens. They are drought-tolerant and suitable for USDA zones 8-11.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a tropical shrub that produces large, showy flowers in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange and yellow. The flowers bloom from late spring to late summer and are a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies. Hibiscus prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is suitable for USDA zones 9-11.
Croton
Croton is a tropical plant that is known for its colorful foliage. The leaves come in shades of green, red, orange, yellow, and pink, and they often have interesting patterns and markings. Croton prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is suitable for USDA zones 10-12.
Cordyline
Cordyline australis is a tropical plant that is prized for its colorful foliage. It has long, narrow leaves that come in a variety of colors, including green, red, and purple, even black. Cordyline prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and suitable for USDA zones 9-11.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a tropical plant with shallow roots that is known for its bright, showy blooms and ability to thrive in full sun. It is a great choice for rock gardens, retaining walls, and other areas with shallow soil, as it can grow well in just a few inches of soil. Bougainvillea prefers well-drained soil and regular watering, but can also tolerate periods of drought. It is suitable for USDA zones 9 to 11.
Mandevilla
Brazilian Jasmine (Mandevilla sanderi) is a tropical evergreen vine vine that produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Mandevilla is suitable for USDA zones 9-11. Don’t be afraid to try it in a shadier position or a pot under a patio. Flowering might be delayed but you’ll still get that gorgeous tropical look.
Allamanda
Allamanda is a tropical vine that produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of yellow or pink. The flowers bloom in late spring to early fall and have a sweet, fruity fragrance. Allamanda prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is suitable for USDA zones 9-11.
Dwarf Banana
The dwarf Cavendish banana (Musa acuminata) is a small banana plant that produces sweet, seedless fruit. It is a popular houseplant and can also be grown outdoors in tropical and subtropical climates. The plant grows up to 6 feet tall and produces large, green leaves. It requires full sun or partial shade and well-draining but moist soil. It is generally hardy in USDA zones 9-11, but will also grow in zone 8 with extra care. The plant is sensitive to cold temperatures so you’ll need to protect it from frost.
Avocado
Avocado (Persea americana) is a tropical fruit tree that is native to Central and South America. It can grow up to 30-40 feet tall and has large, glossy, dark green leaves. The fruit is a pear-shaped berry with a single large seed. Avocado trees require full sun and free draining soil types. It is prone to root rot in clay soil. They are hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and need protection from frost and cold winds. Most of the roots are in the top 3 ft/ 1 m of soil.
Mango
The mango tree (Mangifera indica) requires full sun and well-draining soil. It is generally hardy in USDA zones 9-11, but worth a try in zone 8 with some protection. The tree tolerates dry spells, but will produce a higher yield with regular watering. Pruning will keep the tree at a manageable size and to promote fruit production. Most of the roots are in the top 3 ft/ 1 m of soil.
Plumeria
Plumeria, or Frangipani, is a tropical tree that produces fragrant flowers in a wide range of colors, including pink, yellow, and red. Frangipani is drought tolerant and easy to grow in full sun and well-draining soil. Plumeria is suitable for USDA zones 9-11. Plumerias have a shallow root system with most roots in the top 18 to 36 inches (0.5-1m) of soil.
Jacaranda
The Jacaranda tree, native to South America, is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide. In late spring or early summer, the tree produces clusters of showy, lavender-blue flowers that cover the tree’s branches and create a stunning display. The tree also has fern-like, compound leaves that provide a light, airy texture. Jacarandas require full sun and well-draining soil, and they are drought-tolerant once established. They are hardy in USDA zones 9-11. The root system is shallow but wide, extending twice the radius of the tree.
Royal Poinciana
The Royal Poinciana tree, also known as the Flamboyant tree, is a tropical tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall and 60 feet wide. It has a broad, spreading crown with fern-like, bipinnate leaves. In late spring or early summer, the tree produces clusters of large, showy red-orange flowers that cover the tree’s branches and create a striking display. Royal Poinciana prefers full sun and well-draining soil, and it is drought-tolerant once established. It is hardy in USDA zones 10-12. It can be grown as a specimen tree or used in tropical landscapes as a shade tree.
Factors to consider when choosing shallow-rooted plants for full sun
When choosing plants for full sun positions it’s essential to consider a variety of factors. These include the type of soil in your garden, how many hours of direct sunlight the plants will receive, and the water requirements of the plants.
Shallow-rooted plants have a compact root system that allows them to thrive in areas with shallow soil or limited space, such as a rock garden or retaining wall. Because they don’t have deep root systems you’ll need to make sure they get regular water. Alternatively you’ll need to choose drought tolerant plants that don’t mind periods of dryness.
For example, plants that are native to dry climates with low rainfall, like succulents and cacti, will thrive in full sun and require very little water. On the other hand, plants that are native to moist, humid climates, like ferns and mosses, will require frequent water to avoid drying out.
Similarly, soil conditions can play a big role in the success of shallow rooted plants in full sun. Most plants prefer a well-drained, loamy soil and will grow easily in these conditions. It’s more difficult to find plants that can tolerate the more challenging sandy soil, dry soil or heavy clay soil. Rocky soils can also present challenges as they are low in water and nutrients. It is important to choose plants that are well-suited to the soil type in the planting area.
Shallow-rooted plants are more sensitive to frost because their roots aren’t as protected from the cold as deep-rooted plants. Be mindful of this if you are in a cooler climate.
Maintenance and care of shallow-rooted plants
Maintaining and caring for shallow-rooted plants in full sun conditions takes some extra time and effort. One critical factor to consider is water. Shallow-rooted plants are more susceptible to drying out, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during hot summer months. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
Another essential factor to consider is fertilization. Shallow-rooted plants have less soil to draw nutrients from, so it’s important to provide them with the proper nutrients through fertilization. Be sure to add plenty of organic matter or choose a fertilizer that is appropriate for the specific plants in your garden and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Pruning is also important for maintaining healthy and beautiful shallow-rooted plants. Regular pruning can help prevent overgrowth and promote healthy new growth. At least twice a year get out your secateurs and pruning shears to prune dead or damaged leaves and stems, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. The best time to prune is in late winter and again in late summer.
Overall, maintaining and caring for shallow rooted plants in full sun conditions requires attention to detail and a bit of TLC. However, your plants will reward you with their healthy foliage and vibrant colors. By following these simple tips and guidelines, you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy garden filled with thriving shallow-rooted plants.
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