Tropical plants that thrive in the full sun
Author: Marta Hackett Date Posted:28 January 2026
So, you’re interested in bringing tropical vibes to your garden, yet selecting the right plants can be overwhelming as the Australian sun can be a scorcher! That’s why we’ve put this blog post. Here’s our suggestions!
All these plants will brighten your garden and add dimension to your landscaping while also surviving the heat. Read through our picks, and feel free to reach out to our expert horticulture team with any questions.
Palms:
They are truly an iconic and resilient species to include in your tropical garden. We have a great selection of tropical palms that thrive in full sun and can truly tolerate heat once they are established within your garden. Palms do many great things for your garden; provide height, shade and even add texture which will enhance the tropical look that you’re going for.
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (Bangalow Palm)
Hyophorbe lagenicaulis (Bottle Palm)
Wodyetia bifurcata (Foxtail Palm)
Cordylines:
These tropical staples are hardy and add an essential splash of colour through their gorgeous vibrant foliage. Colours range from deep red, orange, plum, bright green and even yellow too! These plants will thrive in full sun so you’ll be able to plant a splash of colour wherever you need!
Cordyline compacta
Cordyline fruticosa 'Waihee Rainbow'
Cordyline fruticosa 'Tartan'
Heliconias:
So, without a doubt you've heard of Heliconias, which are famous for their incredibly stunning bold flowers, architectural leaves, perfect for creating your very own tropical oasis. This genius loves full sun and heat, which can be a great way to add height, and provide shade for ground covers.
Heliconia bihai x caribaea 'Jacquinii'
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (Bangalow Palm)
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (Bangalow Palm)
Torch Gingers:
Designed to take full sun, these erect plants will be a divine addition to your garden paradise. They not only provide great layering due to their range in height, they will also provide incredible flowers which bloom on top of stalks. Native to South East Asia, these plants love humidity.
Conclusion:
By adding these full sun tropical plants to your garden, you’ll be able to cool down your space, create a vibrant mini ecosystem and create a space that truly feels like a permanent tropical holiday - even with the heat. With proper care, these plants can thrive year round. We have plant care guides available here.