For 29 years, Lewis Landscape Services has been designing and installing beautiful and practical outdoor environments in the Portland Oregon west side. We work in Portland, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, and surrounding cities in between in the SW Portland/Washington County region. We are familiar with all aspects of landscaping and one of our specialties is designing Tropical Landscapes for customers who want to bring a taste of the sunny tropics to their back yard. We can design and implement many features to add to the tropical look, from Palm Trees, Hardy Banana Trees, Guava Trees, Lush Flowers to even Tiki Huts or a Custom Tiki Bar and Functional Tiki Torch lights to create the perfect outdoor oasis that will make you feel like you’re in Hawaii or the Bahamas. Cue Jimmy Buffet songs and a cold Piña Colada!
There are a variety of different palm trees that are hardy enough to grow in the Northwest. But many of them are somewhat sensitive to colder temperatures and could die if we get a strong cold snap in the winter months. From our experience, the best palm tree to use in the Northwest for long term is the Windmill Palm. Windmill Palm Trees are hardy down to very cold temperatures and can last decades here in the Northwest, if cared for properly. Windmill palms are also very versatile in that they do well in full sun or full shade. They also produce beautiful bright yellow flower pods in the spring and the female trees will also produce beautiful dark purple seeds later in the summer, as they get more established.
Windmill Palms can be attained at sizes ranging from a few feet tall to up to 10’ tall or more, for those who want more established palm trees to start with. Prices for Windmill palms can range from a few hundred for 3-4’ tall trees to a few thousand for much taller trees.
Protection from Wind
Windmill palm trees can die if they are placed in an area where there are heavy winds. So care needs to be taken when considering placement. They’ll do great on their own if placed near a home or structure or with the backdrop of larger arborvitaes or other trees. In areas where they will be exposed to wind they will need to have their trunks wrapped in bubble wrap during the winter months to make sure they survive. See photos within this page for example
Male & Female Palms & Flowers / Seed Pods
Windmill Palm trees come in male and female and it’s important to have at least one of each so that they can pollinate and produce flowers in the spring. The larger more established trees will begin to flower once they are firmly rooted in and established. Flower pods come out in the spring time and produce a large beautiful show! Males show flower pods with bright yellow seeds, where female trees produce flower pods that are lighter yellow, sometimes white looking. Later in the summer, if the female tree is established and very happy you can see some dark purple grape-like seed pods that will form higher up in the tree.
Let’s check out some other tropical trees that grow well here…
There are also several varieties of Hardy Banana trees, but just as with the palm trees, there’s really just one variety that grows well and will last for a long time here in the Northwest – Musa Basjoo – commonly known as simply Hardy Banana. Hardy Bananas have huge long lush leaves that provide a stunning tropical aesthetic to any landscape. Their rapid growth and impressive size create a dramatic focal point, making them a popular choice for those seeking to transform their outdoor space into a lush, exotic retreat. Their ornamental value is undeniable, offering a taste of the tropics right here in the Pacific Northwest. With proper care, these resilient plants can withstand our cooler winters, adding a unique and vibrant touch to your landscape for years to come.
Hardy Bananas are vigorous growers, often reaching impressive heights of 10-15’ or more in a single season. While they typically die back during our Northwest winters, sometimes completely to the ground, they reliably return in spring, each year growing larger and producing new offshoots. This rapid expansion can transform a single plant into a lush clump of 20 or more trees over several years, creating a stunning tropical effect.
Hardy Banana Tree Flowers
Hardy Bananas are vigorous growers, often reaching impressive heights of 10-15’ or more in a single season. While they typically die back during our Northwest winters, sometimes completely to the ground, they reliably return in spring, each year growing larger and producing new offshoots. This rapid expansion can transform a single plant into a lush clump of 20 or more trees over several years, creating a stunning tropical effect.
To enjoy the Hardy Banana’s beautiful, large, and colorful spring flowers, it’s essential to protect the trunk through winter. If allowed to die back completely, flowering probably won’t occur. However, by leaving the trunks standing after removing the leaves, wrapping them in bubble wrap for insulation, and using tree stakes for support, you can significantly increase the chances of overwintering the trunks. With a relatively mild winter, these protected trunks will begin to leaf out in March, and you’ll likely be rewarded with those spectacular blooms, later in the spring.
The Pineapple Guava, or Feijoa, stands out as a remarkably hardy and uniquely rewarding tropical fruit tree for Pacific Northwest gardens. Its resilience to our cooler, wetter climate makes it a rare treasure, offering a taste of the tropics where few other fruiting exotics can thrive. In late spring, the tree bursts into bloom with stunning, bright pink and red flowers, adding a vibrant splash of color to the landscape. As autumn approaches, the Feijoa rewards patient gardeners with its fragrant, oval-shaped fruit. While it may take several years for a young tree to begin producing, the wait is well worth it. The guavas offer a distinctive sweet- tart flavor, reminiscent of pineapple, guava, and strawberry, making them a delightful fall treat.
Beyond its delicious fruit, the Feijoa is also a handsome ornamental tree, making it a versatile addition to the landscape. While it may lose some or all of its leaves during colder Pacific Northwest winters, its generally dense, silvery-green foliage provides substantial visual interest for much of the year and can even be pruned to create a lovely screen. This combination of ornamental appeal and edible fruit makes the Pineapple Guava a particularly valuable choice for gardeners looking to maximize both beauty and productivity in their outdoor spaces. Its relatively low maintenance needs, once established, further contribute to its appeal for both novice and experienced gardeners in the region.
To fully enjoy the unique flavor of Pineapple Guavas, a simple preparation can enhance their natural sweetness. The fruit's slightly tart nature is beautifully balanced by a light sprinkling of sugar or agave syrup. Simply slice the fruit into quarters and savor the entire offering – peel, seeds, and all. The edible peel adds a pleasant texture and a subtle tang, complementing the sweet, aromatic pulp. This no-fuss approach allows you to fully appreciate the distinctive taste of this Northwest-grown tropical gem, a testament to the surprising diversity of flavors that can flourish in our region.
Other Tropical-Esque Plantings
Beyond the striking presence of hardy bananas and pineapple guavas, a tapestry of other flowering shrubs and perennials can weave a rich tropical essence throughout your garden and patio. Yellow re-blooming daylilies and vibrant roses provide bursts of color, while the bold foliage of Japanese Aralia and the soft, feathery texture of Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ add textural depth. Canna Lilies, with their large, showy blooms, and the climbing splendor of Bougainvillea and Mandevilla bring a touch of the exotic. Re-blooming Clematis, Hardy Gardenias, and Hibiscus offer fragrant blooms, and New Zealand Flax adds architectural interest. Complemented by the vibrant hues of annual flowers, the lush, verdant texture of ferns, and the vertical elegance of bamboo, these diverse plantings can create a layered, immersive tropical experience right here in the Northwest.
Outdoor Lighting With Tropical Flare
To truly capture the ambiance of a tropical retreat, consider incorporating distinctive outdoor lighting. Five-foot tall brass Tiki Torch lights not only illuminate pathways and gathering areas with a warm, inviting glow, but also serve as functional Tiki Torches for added ambiance when desired. Complementing these, path lights with a stylized Tiki Torch design can further enhance the tropical aesthetic, casting playful shadows and creating a captivating nighttime atmosphere. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the flickering flames of the Tiki Torches, transforms your outdoor space into an enchanting tropical haven.
Tiki Huts – For That Next Level Tropical Vibe!
For the ultimate tropical backyard experience, consider adding a custom-built Tiki Hut. These unique outdoor structures offer an unparalleled space for entertaining and relaxation, transporting you to a Polynesian paradise. We craft Tiki Huts with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating features such as built-in bars, hidden liquor cabinets, authentic bamboo accents, traditional thatch-roof ceilings, composite roofing and ceiling fans for comfort. Optional enhancements like louvered shutters, integrated speakers, custom lighting, and electrical outlets can further tailor the space to your specific needs. Explore our Covered Structures Page for videos and photos of the Tiki Huts we’ve created, and envision the possibilities for your own tropical escape.
NW Aloha – A Tropical Northwest Oasis
We’re delighted to share photos of the inspiring backyard oasis created by our friend, Chris Crouch, right here in Aloha, Oregon. You can visit her page NW Aloha (@ChrisCrouch) on Instagram here. Her meticulously crafted garden and decor showcase the remarkable potential for tropical-inspired landscapes in the Northwest. Chris has graciously provided photos that serve as a testament to the lush beauty and vibrant atmosphere that can be achieved. We invite you to browse through more photos of her tropical plantings and features, along with examples from our own projects, in the image slider below. Let her story inspire you to create your own personal NW Aloha, a tropical sanctuary tailored to your unique style and preferences
Our mailing address is: 21500 NW Farm Park Dr. Suite A Hillsboro, OR 97124
Office Phone: 503-524-3679 (Call or Text)
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Winter = 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Summer = 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
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LCB #8112 CCB# 231440
Portland Metro Lic.# 9303
