Hi picklegarden,
You didn't mention where you live which would help in determining the ideal conditions for growing these "tropical" plants. It appears that all of these plants are growing in direct sun and the soil appears extremely dry, which could be the issue of why the plants don't seem to be thriving. I do see
Cannas (Canna) in your photo which do very well in full sun. I don't see the plant I know as "Creeping Myrtle"
Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor) or the plant I know as
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) in your photo. I also do not see any
Hostas (Hosta) which by the way will fry if grown in full sun. Hosta is a shade loving plant.
It's a really pretty planter area and I'd suggest a thorough watering as well as adding mulch to help keep the ground cool and to conserve moisture.
