Tropicals in Containers, Use Houseplants Outside
Houseplants are essentially tropical plants which means they can actually tolerate and thrive in Washington's heat and humidity.

For part sun to bright locations but not scorching, baking sun, you can put together an attractive container arrangement of tropical plants with a tall centerpiece like bird of paradise accented by colorful bromeliads, croton, anthurium and a trailing plant like asparagus fern.

Plus by using houseplants outside, you get the added bonus to bring the plants inside to enjoy in late fall & winter.