Another interesting exotic plant I've enjoyed and had some success with during the Summer months has been the nocturnal moonflower vine.
Late in the season these massive white flowers (about 6 inches across) begin blooming in the middle of the night...usually before midnight. The flower lasts no later than mid morning of the next day and then the show is over.
Fleeting as they are, I still think it's worth the effort to see these beauties grace my garden fence.