Turn your patio or deck into a tropical retreat easily with wonderful plant options. Many houseplants choices will thrive outside during the warmer months and even surprise you with their growth and vigor.

Palms love the outdoors - Majesty Palms, Bamboo Palms, Ponytail Palms and others give your back yard an instant tropical look. Dracaenas also perform well outside during the summer. Limelight and Lemon Lime bring bright green splashes of color to your outdoor setting.

For a dramatic look, Crotons and Cordylines add bright color pockets. Croton Petra gives you shades of yellow and orange. Cordyline Red Sister adds a beautiful bright red color and a summer outside makes these plants thrive. The pure white flowers of the Peace Lily will brighten up shady areas - especially in the evening.

For a wonderful fragrance on your deck or patio, try the Lakeview Jasmine. Its scent will delight you while the white blooms add brightness. It is also a great plant indoors and ‘tough as nails’.

During the cooler months, all of these plants can be brought inside the home. They are terrific houseplants and offer a taste of summer to enjoy during the winter.