A superb reference for anyone interested in the world's tropical flora.

Survey of 3,000 tropical plant species arranged in phylogenic order using the latest nomenclature and systematics. Each species entry has a detailed botanical description, zone information, distribution and ecology. Additional information includes propagation and cultivation notes. --

Meant primarily for gardeners in USDA zones 8–10, The Tropical Look encompasses most of the southern U.S. and the West Coast. This groundbreaking encyclopedia of lush plants will also be useful to gardeners in other zones who are interested in growing tropical-looking plants (as opposed to strictly tropical plants, which cannot endure a frost) as half-hardy, annual, or conservatory plants. This book is only available through print on demand. All interior art is black and white.

"With more than 1500 species and cultivars described, the Encyclopedia of Exotic Plants for Temperate Climates covers many plant groups, including aroids, bananas, gingers, bromeliads, cacti, yuccas, ferns and palms. Detailed cultivation advice enables gardeners of all levels to make informed choices from an expansive plant palette." --NHBS Environment Bookstore.

Adventurous Gardener seeks relationship with Tropical Plant… Tropical plants are energizing. They awaken a tired summer garden with lush, sensuous foliage and fascinating flowers and turn a suburban patio into a sophisticated, late-night paradise. But if you garden in a temperate climate and have been reluctant to commit to what you’re sure will be too much work, it’s time to let Tropical Plants and How to Love Them author Marianne Willburn act as your tropical matchmaker. Using five relationship types to help you understand the different levels of care required for many common (and uncommon!) tropicals, Marianne introduces you to an impressive array of outstanding tropical plants by providing care instructions, easy tips for seeing these tropical beauties safely through the winter, and advice for designing a tropical paradise of your own. Tropical Plants and How to Love Them gives you permission to jump headfirst into: A summer romance that ends with the first frost. A long-term commitment to beautify indoor and outdoor spaces. A friends-with-benefits relationship that yields exotic flavors and fragrances. A breakup with that high-maintenance beauty. A best friend relationship that lasts a lifetime. From the striking red leaves of the Abyssinian banana to the unusual flowers and healing powers of turmeric, there are hundreds of tropical plants worth loving. Find your new sweetheart in the pages of Tropical Plants and How to Love Them.

The idea of mixing tropical plants with perennials and hardy annuals has been around since Victorian times. It is now enjoying a newfound popularity because tropical plants are more widely available. Gardeners who want to bring the lush beauty of tropicals to an existing garden, or who want to create an authentic vintage garden, will delight in The Exotic Garden. Although tropicals are novelties in temperate climates, they can successfully be grown anywhere. Iversen shows how tropicals can easily be used as annuals to perk up a garden with color during non-blooming seasons. The author's expert advice shows how to grow tropicals in beds, borders, and containers, select and combine plants, and use the tools of color, texture, and form. Plus, there are special overwintering tips and a full color glossary of more than 100 plants.