Question
Hi I am writing a novel. I am  basing it in Locust NJ which is in Middletown Twsp. One of the homes I am creating has tropical landscaping. I would like to know which style of trees and [plants will live in the cold winters. Just names of them then I can locate pics. I am trying to get as close to the facts as I can. Thank you, Alyson

Answer
Alyson,

I'm a little confused by your question. True tropical plants will not live through a NJ winter so I'm not exactly sure what you're looking for. There are shrubs and trees such crape myrtles, southern magnolias and camellias that will grow in NJ but they are not considered "tropical" in the true sense of the word. They are just southern plants that can take a fair amount of cold.

Bulbs like cannas and elephant ears give a tropical feel but again these are not hardy over winter and must be replanted each year.


Hope this helps somewhat.

Vito