Black leaf Elephant Ear growing like a weed!
Yes, that’s right. You can have a tropical garden in New Jersey in Zone 7.
After a lot of research I discovered there are cold tolerant tropical plants as well as tropical plants that will grow during the summer but need to be overwintered.
I started my tropical paradise last season, 2014, and it was more than I could have imagined. Sitting in my yard with Banana Plants, Elephant Ears, Canna Lillies, and other tropical plants was wonderful. Everyone was shocked at what I accomplished. Neighbors constantly asking “what is that growing in your yard”. Banana Plants 12-13′ tall, Cannas with beautiful flowers, and Elephant Ears with leaves 2-3′ long. I know its out of character to see these here, in New Jersey but it can happen.
See my tropical plants from last season and the start of this season here
VegOut-Gardening 