I have had no problem growing whipcord in Tennessee Z7.I am not sure what you are looking for meaning tropical but I have a nice pine Hillside creeper on a low standard.I really like the weeping larch's and they grow quite well for me.

Yes, I agree Wipcord can grow here too. I was looking for other examples of cold region conifers that look tropical...which is somewhat subjective but was just curious if the guru's could name any.

Below is a thread with very cool real tropical conifers as an example. Obviously, there is probably nothing that cool and tropical looking that can survive in Z6, but maybe there is....

Here is a link that might be useful: Unique Tropical Conifers

Torreya nucifera is supposed to be hardy to Zone 6.

Cryptomeria japonica 'Araucarioides', it sort of looks like a Norfolk Island pine...

Here is a link that might be useful: Araucarioides

Sciadopitys verticillata?

tj

Tj- Thanks.Sciadopitys verticillata is a good suggestion. I especially like Sciadopitys verticillata 'sternschnuppe'... not only tropical looking but also looks like its from the Jurassic period.

Jfacendola- very cool! didn't even know about that one. Thanks

Bald Cypress (good to zone 5 I believe)--though deciduous.

Long Leaf Pine (good to about 6b/7).

Pseudotaxus (Japanese Plum Yew, down to Zone 7)

Araucaria araucana (zone 7b, but without extreme, summer heat)

Podocarpus macrophyllum (zone 7b)