Located in Zone 9a of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map , Houston , Texas is the complete spot for growing tropical plants . The city and environs have hot , humid summertime and modest winters during which temperatures may sometimes drop to 20 degree Fahrenheit . The area seldom experiences freezes .
Like St. Augustine , Florida or central Louisiana , Houston fuck off ample rainfall in the summertime and has many luxuriant bayous .
Common Ginger
Common Ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) , also known as Cooking Ginger and Canton Ginger , originated in the tropical parts of Asia , but is well - suit for the climate in Houston . This herbaceous plant grows in single , upright stalks or stems and foresightful , narrow , shining dark-green leaves are arrange in rows on either side . The plant may bring out little , chicken - green flowers .
Common Ginger grows from a rhizome that may be uprooted and used in cooking . The rhizome may be dried and lay in for late consumption . It is also used for medicinal aim .
This ginger should be planted in full sun , prefers flaxen stain and requires regular water .
Oak-Leaved Papaya
A fast - grow herbaceous tree that produces a small , sweet fruit , the Oak - Leaved Papaya ( Carica quercifolia ) can develop to 20 pes and expand in full sunshine . This Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , which is native to the Andes sight , has guide , oblong leaves and may be covered in snowy blooms in springiness . The tree will not stand fruit until mature .
Soil around the Oak - Leafed Papaya should be continue moist , except during cooler winters , as wet soil may cause root word rot .
Fuschia
Often hard to grow in tropical clime due to water needs , the Bolivian ( Fuchsia boliviana ) and Honeysuckle ( Fuchsia triphylla ) fuschias thrive in Houston . Unlike traditional Fuschia , these varieties are trees that produce a profuseness of drooping , tubular flowers in sensational reds and purples . Both trees can grow to 25 foot .
The Bolivian and Honeysuckle Fuschias opt part sunshine to part shade and should be protect from unmediated sunshine . These Tree , which keep their flower nearly year around , may be fertilized with atomic number 7 to promote outgrowth . Both produce comestible fruit , though are used more often as ornamental tree .
