Tropical Flowers for Color, Shade and Privacy

By Maura Taylor.
Photos by Epitacio

One of the many wonderful characteristics of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is the diversity of flora and fauna that grow bountiful in these fertile grounds. The brilliance and splash of color that tropical flowers lend our ambiance, spilling from balconies and terraces and climbing the sides of just about every building around, can be tamed for use in your garden of just about any shape or size. Take a walk from La Ropa towards downtown and feast your eyes on the myriad amount of color these beauties produce. There are gorgeous varieties of bougainvillea, hibiscus and birds of paradise that grace the open spaces of our warm, tropical setting. These delicate beauties serve to spoil the senses with their brilliant color and exotic shapes, while providing intimacy and privacy for your home or condominium.

Bougainvillea (the wild child)

Bougainvillea, pronounced (boo-gon-bee-ya) can reach outstanding proportions in warm areas. When pruned and pinched regularly, they will scramble up walls and fill an entire garden if allowed to grow freely. There are a great variety of colors you can cultivate and the best conditions for growth can be found in moist fertile soil, but the plant requires little water to flower. Bougainvillea grow best in very bright full sun, but be careful not to water them too often or they will not flower, may lose leaves and wilt or even die from root decay.

Bird of Paradise (exotic beauty)

The Bird of Paradise flower, named for it’s resemblance to a brightly colored tropical bird, is a spectacular blossom. Brilliantly colored, long stemmed flowers emerge from green bracts which are bordered in red or purple. The numerous pointed petals of brilliant orange are contrasted with an arrow-shaped tongue of vivid blue. The flowering plant prefers full sun, moderate humidity and watering at least once a week. Although it’s growth rate doesn’t compare with the bougainvillea, the plant itself can reach up to 5 feet in height with a 2-3 foot spread and can be grown together among other plants add a touch of the exotic to any home garden.

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Hibiscus (au natural)

Known locally as “el flor de tulipanes” the Hibiscus is right at home in the tropics. Originating in Asia and the Pacific islands, it’s well-recognized as the Hawaii state flower and native species exist in just about every tropical climate. Hibiscus do well with a lot of direct light, but under a blazing sun many hybrids will reduce their blooming. Providing a little shade during the heat of the day will produce more and larger blooms. The Hibiscus bush normally grows only about a foot every few years, though some have been known to grow up to 15 feet if left undisturbed. The variation in the tropical hibiscus family is astounding and all kinds of exotic blends of colors can be found.

While these flowers are feast for the senses, they also provide a great deal of shading and privacy for anyone who has an open balcony or terrace. Flowering plants interspersed with a few simple palms are a marvelous way to turn an open area into an intimate colorful setting without having to put up any walls. Generally, most species of tropical flowering plants can coexist, making your choice of garden design practically limitless! You can choose to design your garden on your own or seek the help of a professional landscaper or nursery, of which there are a few in and around town.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Maura Taylor lives in Zihua and serves as intermediary and design consultant for home remodeling, restoration and condo finishing projects in Zihua and the surrounds. She can be reached by phone or email: zihua cell# 755-101-9711 or destinozihua@gmail.com