Tropical Maroon-Colored Leafy Plants

Gardeners who love tropical plants can enjoy an extra touch of exoticism by cultivating tropical plants with maroon leaves. Most tropical plants require warm, frost-free climates, surviving winters only in regions with mild winters. Tropical species that won't make it through a winter in U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 8 can be brought indoors until the following spring, or enjoyed during the spring and summer as annuals.

Fountain Grass

Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is an ornamental grass native to tropical Africa, southwest Asia and the Middle East. Numerous cultivars have maroon leaves, including "Rubrum" and "Purpureum", both of which can grow up to 5 feet tall, and "Eaton Canyon," a variety that grows up to 15 inches tall. The grass is quite durable, thriving in alkaline soils, and windy, hot, humid conditions. Fountain grass prefers bright, full sun, and grows well in USDA zones 8 to 11.

Canna Lily

A member of the canna family, canna lily "Intrigue" (Canna X generalis) is a tuberous perennial that grows to a height of between 6 and 8 feet. Though not a true lily, canna lily blooms with delicate, lily-like orange flowers in the summer and fall. The lance-shaped leaves are a darkish purple maroon. Canna lily "Intrigue" will grow in sunny conditions or light shady conditions, and is somewhat drought tolerant once established. Water regularly after planting to ensure a deep, healthy root system.


Also called triostar, tricolor (Stromanthe sanguinea) is a tropical plant native to Brazil. Tricolor is characterized by thick leaves variegated with maroon, white and green. The plant generally prefers shady conditions, though it will grow in full sunlight if given plenty of water. The plant may be grown year round in the garden in USDA zones 10 and 11, and it may be overwintered indoors in cooler climates. When growing tricolor indoors, place it in bright, indirect sunlight.


Cockscomb is a flowering, warm weather annual that hails from the tropics of Asia, Africa and South America. The plant may grow to a height of 6 feet, producing brightly colored flowers and lance-shaped, veined leaves that are 2 to 6 inches long. The cultivar "New Look," which belongs to the Plumosa group of cultivars, boasts purplish maroon leaves and feathery, crimson red flower heads. The plant prefers a full sun location with moist, well draining soil.

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