I am looking for some suggestions for ground plants in zone 9b that can handle cool weather. Preferably ones that give the tropical effect but do not need true tropical temperatures. They only need to be hardy to around 28-30f. 

Bird of Paradise and Firebush (Hamelia Patens) seem to do well in a west coast Fl 9b. 

47 minutes ago, 813PalmsnCycads said:

Bird of Paradise and Firebush (Hamelia Patens) seem to do well in a west coast Fl 9b. 

I have a birds of paradise in the ground but not a firebush, I will look into it. Thanks for the suggestion!

Edited April 20, 20233 yr by Foxpalms

38 minutes ago, Foxpalms said:

I have a birds of paradise in the ground but not a firebush, I will look into it. Thanks for the suggestion!

If you do go with a firebush, you should know that there are at least 2 common varieties of carried in the big box stores. The varieties are not usually identified on the tags but you can tell by looking at the leaves.  I am no expert, but I believe one of the varieties is considered “dwarf” and the leaves are smaller and usually a lighter green.   In my opinion, the more attractive variety has bigger dark green leaves and can get up to about 10’ tall and here’s a picture for reference. 

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis should be ok, especially under canopy.

Ti Plants (Cordyline Fruticosa) - I have 5 different species growing great in central Florida z9b.

Schefflera Arboricola - Dwarf umbrella tree

Philodendron Selloum

Hamelin Patens (Firebush)

Crotons 

Heliconias - some are more cold hardy (Rostrata, Hot Rio Nights) most will regrow in the spring if cold damaged

Clerodendrum speciosissimum

Clerodendrum quadriloculare (starburst clerodendrum) - I prune mine to a shrub

 

And tons more.

Not sure if you're looking for sun or shade plants but Kaempferia are a way under used shady groundcover and have a very tropical look.  There's a lot of Calathea that are cold hardy in 9B as well (Maui Queen, Zebrina, Luoisae, etc).  Monstera Adansonii and Siltepecana and a bunch of Epipnemrum come back for me in ground every year and I'm probably colder than you (south of Houston TX).  Colocasia Fallax and Jenningsii are relatively rare as far as Colocasia go but stay small and will spread to cover beds if given enough moisture.  I'm trying out variegated horseradish now which is in full TX sun and spreading readily but supposedly takes about 3 years to get comfortable before it starts showing variegation.  Not sure I understand the logic there but challenge accepted.