With their bold foliage, exuberant colors, and luscious scents, exotic plants ignite curiosity and thrill the senses. Fortunately for gardeners in the world's temperate regions, it's not necessary to live in the tropics to experience spiky agaves and brilliant cannas. With some 1500 species and cultivars described, the Encyclopedia of Exotic Plants for Temperate Climates covers many plant groups, including aroids, bananas, gingers, bromeliads, cacti, yuccas, ferns, and palms. Detailed cultivation advice enables gardeners of all levels to make informed choices from an expansive plant palette. Over 500 color photos enhance this inspirational and authoritative resource.