While Michigan winters have their charm – the serene snowfalls and cozy nights at home – we can’t help but daydream about warm, summer days filled with sunshine, color, and life. That’s why we’re thrilled to highlight some absolutely stunning tropical plants in this year’s Proven Winners collection.
From dramatic foliage to vibrant blooms, these plants bring an exotic touch to your outdoor spaces, turning your garden into a personal paradise. So, let’s shake off the winter blues and start planning for a summer that’s bursting with beauty. Here are the must-have tropical plants you won’t want to miss – and how you can reserve yours at Bay Landscaping’s Annuals Event.
Key Takeaways:
- Bay Landscaping is your local go-to for Proven Winners plants that are perfectly suited for Great Lakes Bay Region gardens.
- This year’s Proven Winners collection features exciting new tropicals alongside trusted favorites you’ll love.
- Tropical plants like alocasia, caladium, and mangave are bold, show-stopping stars that will take your garden to the next level.
- Many tropical plants, such as croton and mangave, can provide year-round enjoyment by thriving outdoors in summer and transitioning indoors as houseplants during winter.
- Pre-order your plants now and pick them up in mid May – just in time to kick off your summer garden.
Why Choose Your Local Garden Center for Proven Winners Plants?
When it comes to creating a garden that truly thrives, where you shop and who you trust matters. Here’s why choosing a local Proven Winners Certified Garden Center like ours is the best decision for your garden:
- Exclusivity That Ensures Quality: We don’t buy annuals from just anyone. In fact, we exclusively offer Proven Winners annuals because we believe in their exceptional quality. Every plant they create has earned its “proven” performance status, delivering vibrant blooms, stunning foliage, and reliable performance year after year.
- Locally Grown for Local Gardens: We’re proud to work closely with Four Star Greenhouse, our local Proven Winners grower, to ensure you get exactly the plants you want. By partnering with a Michigan-based grower who knows the importance of planting at exactly the right time, we provide annuals that are at peak performance to take root, setting your garden up for success from day one.
- Quick Turnaround for Healthier Plants: When our Four Star Greenhouse orders arrive in mid-May, just in time to avoid those late frosts, customers can pick them up within a few days. This fast turnaround means that plants stay at their peak with no underdeveloped or root-bound issues. Often, your plant is in the ground within a week of leaving Four Star Greenhouse, ensuring optimum health and vitality.
- Transparency You Can Trust: We know how important it is for our customers to understand what they’re getting. That’s why we provide clear information about plant availability and what to expect when your pre-orders arrive near the middle of May. With us, there are no surprises – just exceptional plants ready to flourish in your garden.
- Certified Expertise and Support: As a Proven Winners Certified Garden Center, we’re here to offer more than just plants. We provide expert guidance on care, design, and selecting the right varieties for your needs. Our team is passionate about helping you grow a garden that brings you joy all season long.
- Commitment to Excellence: At Bay Landscaping, we’re not just here to sell plants but to ensure your garden thrives. That’s why we take the time to understand your needs, space, and vision. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, our team is dedicated to providing personalized recommendations and support.
Elevate Your Outdoor Space with These Tropical “Thrillers”
We’re thrilled to showcase some of the most striking tropical plants from the Proven Winners lineup, including a few exciting new additions to their collection. These plants are more than just beautiful – they’re bold, dramatic, and designed to take center stage in your garden.
When it comes to annuals, we often think of them as “fillers, spillers, or thrillers.” Tropical plants, with their vibrant blooms and eye-catching foliage, fall firmly into the “thriller” category. They’re the showstoppers that make your neighbors stop and stare (in the best way possible).
If you’re ready to elevate your garden game, these tropical plants are the must-have additions you don’t want to miss. Get inspired to transform your outdoor space with the latest Proven Winners tropicals that promise to make your summer garden unforgettable.
1. Alocasia
If you’re looking to make a statement, emerald isle elephant ears are your answer. Their massive, beach-ball-sized leaves have a striking, almost prehistoric look that commands attention and instantly adds tropical vibes to any space. They’re particularly happy in our AquaPots, where they can get the consistent moisture they crave. Just give them a spot protected from strong winds, and they’ll reward you with that mega-flora feel that transforms your patio into a tropical retreat.
2. Caladium
Who says you need flowers for color? These stunning foliage plants come in such a variety of patterns and colors that you’re bound to find your perfect match. The best part? They’re incredibly versatile, thriving anywhere from full sun to full shade. Think of them as the Swiss Army knife of tropical plants – they look amazing in containers, borders, or as accent plants.
3. Canna
Cannas are the perfect way to bring bold tropical flair to your garden, and this year, we’re thrilled to offer a variety of stunning options. With favorites like the fiery red ‘Toucan Scarlet,’ the sunny ‘Toucan Yellow,’ the warm ‘Toucan Coral,’ and the dramatic, striped ‘Pretoria,’ these cannas create a show-stopping display.
Want to know a secret? These have been a favorite of Jerry and Wanda’s for years! These impressive plants thrive in garden beds or AquaPots and reward you with lush foliage and vibrant blooms all summer long. Whether you choose one variety or mix and match, toucan cannas are sure to make a bold statement in your garden.
4. Croton
Here’s something special – a tropical plant that can be both your summer star and winter houseplant! With their funky foliage and bold colors, these plants are like living art pieces. Jerry and Wanda have been nurturing one for over 8 years that has grown to be 5’ tall, moving it indoors and out with the seasons. Talk about getting your money’s worth!
5. Tropical Hibiscus
New to our collection this year, these hibiscus varieties are ready for their close-up! Growing up to 60 inches tall and covered in massive blooms, they’re definitely ready for their starring role in your garden. With varieties like ‘America’s Sweetheart,’ ‘Disco Diva,’ ‘Earth Angel,’ ‘First Lady,’ ‘Hot Shot,’ ‘Rico Suave,’ and ‘Sunset Boulevard,’ there’s a color for every style. Just give them full sun, and they’ll give you a performance worth an Oscar.
6. Mandevilla
We’re excited to include mandevilla in our lineup again this summer! These continuous bloomers come in classic colors like coral pink, red, and white, plus a sunny yellow that’ll brighten any spot. The best part? No deadheading is required – they just keep blooming and climbing all season long.
7. Mangave
Looking for something truly unique? These North American natives combine the best of agave and manfreda for a succulent-like plant that’s full of personality. With varieties like ‘Bad Hair Day, ‘Catch a Wave,’ ‘Lavender Lady,’ ‘Night Owl,’ ‘Thunderbird,’ and ‘Tooth Fairy,’ they’re guaranteed to get people talking. Plus, they’re another superstar that can vacation indoors during winter if given enough light.
8. Lydia Banana
Another staple that thrills in Jerry & Wanda’s yard summer to summer is the mammoth Musa. Every year this gorgeous giant grows fronds up to 8’. While this variety doesn’t produce fruit, it’s consistently large size and stunning shades make for a showstopper every time.
Plant Smarter with Eco+ Containers
At Bay Landscaping, we believe in creating beautiful gardens while being kind to the planet. That’s why we’re thrilled to use Eco+ containers with any Proven Winners plant we can.
These innovative containers are made from a plant-based resin that’s not only durable but also compostable. You can plant your flowers and annuals directly into the soil, container and all – no need to fuss with removing the pot. Over time, the container naturally breaks down, enriching the soil and reducing waste.
We’re especially proud to say that we’re the only local garden center in the area offering Eco+ containers. It’s just one more way we’re working to make gardening more sustainable for everyone.
How to Order Your Proven Winners Annuals
Ready to add some of these stunning tropical plants to your garden? Join us at our upcoming Annuals Event to pre-order your favorites and get a head start on creating your
dream outdoor space. Can’t make it in person? No problem! You can also pre-order through our online catalog.
By preordering, you can guarantee you’ll get exactly the plants you’re looking for. However, if you decide not to preorder, don’t worry – we’ll still have an amazing selection of plants available for you to browse and pick out once our shipment arrives.
Whether you visit us in person or order online, your plants will be ready for pick-up in the middle of May – just in time to kick off your spring gardening season with ease and confidence.
Don’t miss your chance to transform your outdoor space into a tropical paradise this summer. Give us a call at 989-893-0000 to learn more about our Annuals Event and pre-order program.
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