I am an avid gardener, and this year I am determined tohave a tropical garden! I live at latitude 42 degrees N, so it will be a challenge. Anyway, I am planting passionflower vines, colasis, castor-bean plant, and many tropical flowers (like New Guinea impatents, fuschi, etc.). I’m told that it is possible to get passionflower to product fruit in temperate climats…anybody have any luck with this?
Also, colasis (giant taro) what are my chances? Here, I have until mid-October (for the first killing frost). I’m tempted to try miniature banana…but that would be really pushing it.
Have any of you been able to have tropical garden in northern latitudes? 
Latitude doesn’t help me – what’s your hardiness zone?
Fuschia and New Guinea impatiens are very hanging plants here (also 42N) although I haven’t had much luck with either of them. They don’t really like hot, dry weather, so you have to be meticulous with watering them. Even once a day watering doesn’t seem to be enough to guarantee happy fuschias – maybe misting them would help.
Anyway, you’re certainly not going to be dealing with drought or wilt resistant, so be prepared to water a lot.
I’m in ZONE 7…I also planted some Pampas Grass-hope it makes it through next winter!
Also, I have a garden pool…I’d like to try some water lotus…any info on a good variety?