Giant Bird Of Paradise is prized for its tree-like bold clumps of lush, long stalks supporting huge blue-green leaves that grow to 6 feet long, held in a fan-like formation. The extremely large bird-like flowers have white heads and blue tongues. Zone 9-11

Royal Hawaiian® Hawaiian Punch Elephant Ear has striking bright green leaves with bright red stems that add bold color and tropical flair to any garden. A wonderful choice for the edge of a pond or water garden. Spreads freely in rich, wet soils, more slowly in heavier soil or dry conditions. Herbaceous perennial. Zone 7-10

Hardy Fiber Banana can survive in Zones 5-11, and considered the most cold hardy banana! Its lush green foliage provides outstanding tropical effect yet its roots survive much colder temperatures than other bananas. A fast grower, with huge leaves that may reach 2 feet wide and 6 feet long. Produces attractive golden cream flowers and small, somewhat seedy fruit.

The reds and purple

Red Darling® Hibiscus is one of the best red hibiscus ever! A profuse bloomer, with velvety red flowers that have a creamy-coral reverse, accented by bright gold pollen. Glossy deep green foliage covers a vigorous upright form. Bred by Hiroshi "Hiro" Kuwabara. A frost-tender evergreen. Zone 10-11

Each leaf of the Camouflage™ Variegated Japanese Aralia shrub/small tree possesses an exquisite melding of yellow, lime and green, providing an illuminating effect in a dappled shade setting. Prized for its unique, highly textural foliage, it often blooms fall to winter, producing showy panicles of white flower clusters. Evergreen. Zone 7-10

Tropicanna® Canna's tall stems are crowned by large bright orange flower heads. Exotic foliage adds interest, with emerging bright burgundy leaves maturing with stripes of red, pink, yellow, and green. This dramatic specimen provides bold color and lush texture to garden beds, or as a featured container specimen. Herbaceous perennial. Zone 7-11

Excitement. Heat. Intensity. Passion. Red makes a statement in small doses or big, bringing the drama to gardens whether it's just a touch in a border, a

Even if you live well north of the equator and no where near the jungle, you can have the essense of the tropics in your own backyard. A few ground rules: First

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You don't need to live in the tropics to create a lush retreat. HGTV.com shows you how to create your own leafy getaway in your own backyard.

This isn’t Bali; this is your backyard—or it could be if you follow these steps to creating a lush setting

Tabu, one of the finest tropical gardens in the country, is tucked into a hillside at Freshwater, Cairns. Thirty years ago when owner Mark Vowles sat in the nearby Flecker Botanic gardens he thought…