If I were to plant a tropical plant in PA how could I help it not freeze outside over the winter?

Question

I am a builder that would like to build a resort like development in Pennsylvania. I would like to plant some resort style plants wondering how I could help them live in PA. Could I install heat tape in the roots to keep them from freezing? How else could I protect them in the winter?

Answer 1

I think it would be more trouble than it's worth to try to wrap and/or cover your plants for winter, then possibliy lose them. Better to grow appropriate plants for your hardiness zone. Then in summer you can supplement the landscaping with tropical annuals.

Pennsylvania's hardiness zones range from 5 to 7.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/zone-5-tropical-looking-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/zone-5-gardening.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/zone-6-tropical-plants.htm