How to Design a Tropical Garden in Your Backyard

Do you dream of retiring to the Bahamas, where pristine sand beaches and glittering turquoise oceans await? That’s a fine goal to have, but why not jumpstart your retirement efforts by transforming your backyard into a veritable tropical paradise? 

In the sun-drenched alleys of Texas, where the punishing rays of the sun can feel like laser beams, gardeners may feel like their backs are on fire, but they can rejoice in one thing: the hot sun allows for some of the most scenic, exotic plants to thrive. 

Those up North, besieged with barren wastelands of snow, will have far more difficulty in getting their tropical flora to thrive, but with effort, even they can dedicate a portion of their yard to a serene tropical oasis. Here’s how you can make your yard resemble more like Cancun and less like Scranton, Pennsylvania. 

1. Curate Tropical Looking Plants          

Characterized by dagger-bright fronds and opulent displays, a tropical garden features dramatic, architectural foliage that mirrors the kaleidoscopic explosion of color along the equatorial line – bound by the Tropic of Cancer to the North and the Tropic of Capricorn to the South. However, it’s common for exotic blooms that take refuge in tropical gardens to have a provincial origin. In a garden where vitality and vibrancy are key, homegrown hollyhocks, morning glories, and azaleas are all tropical transplants at heart. If it resembles the cover of a children’s fantasy book, chances are it’ll feel right at home in a tropical garden. 

Color: Curate a dazzling assortment of tropical plants in fire-engine reds, intense magentas, and lapis blues for an effect as lush as the Costa Rican rainforest. Hibiscus, passionflower, tibouchina and other flowering shrubs command an imperial presence while variegated foliage and leafy ferns will ensure that your garden will never be barren. 

Drought-Tolerance: Palm trees are seen as the default standby for a tropical setting, but they aren’t suited for all climates. More practical gardeners can employ desert-faring species like the drought-tolerant yucca (able to withstand zones 4 – 11) to emulate the spiky fronds of palm trees. Passionflower is another drought-tolerant plant that imbues a magical, alien-like feel to the landscape. 

Texture: Layer plants densely together to create a rhythmic jungle zone: floppy banana trees wreathed with tall strands of calla lilies, bold placements of flowering plants strewn on the deck, and large, flowering cacti for a paleolithic look. Elephant ears and other large-leafed plants are an effective way to foster a tropical ambiance without much effort. Interplant with silver spear and magnificent dahlias for a lush, layered effect.

Tropical Plants to Add:

• Foliage – Crotons, agave, variegated yucca, shrimp plant, lobster claw 
• Flowers – Hibiscus, angel’s trumpets, tropical jasmine, plumeria, eucomis
• Fruiting Shrubs – Citrus fruits, dragon fruit, persimmons 

2. Add Tropical Inspired Décor  

There are certain things that can help add a tropical atmosphere to yard, not including a massive prehistoric tortoise (though that might certainly help). An arched trellis festooned with luxurious vines creates a cozy, yet whimsical walkway that invites others to traipse about in a carefree manner, as if on an oceanside vacation. A patio space purposed as an outdoor kitchen, lined with minimalist planters, mimics the clean aesthetic of a tropical resort; heighten the appeal with tropical prints, oriental furnishings and gold-toned lanterns. 

3. Include Outdoor Lightning

Outdoor lightning adds an appealing accent that also serves a practical purpose. Whether you seek a subtle oriental feel or a sultry island vibe, tiki torches are the perfect supplemental lightning to allow you to experience the ambiance of the night. Solar lights, twinkling in the dark like the night stars off the coast of the Mediterranean, are another great option. 

4. Add Enchanting Water Features 

Don’t be afraid to make a splash with hypnotic water features. From elemental grottos sublimated with steamy exotics to mesmerizing lotus-strewn ponds, waterways have always added both beauty and sustainability to the garden, elevating the atmosphere while providing water for amphibious creatures and small critters. A fear that inevitably comes up is a swarm of mosquitos, but they shouldn’t be an issue if you have good water circulation – they can also be alleviated with mosquito dunks.   

5. Grow Fragile Plants in Raised Rolling Planters   

Keep your exotic flowers alive longer with a tropical container garden – a great alternative for those living in compressed urban spaces or growing on a budget. These rolling planters will allow a grouping of exotic plants to romp freely in their spaces when they are at their height, then wheeled in safely for the winter. 

6. Pave the Way with Old-World Garden Paths 

A variation of a tropical garden, a Mediterranean garden is among the most magnificent of gardening themes: an ancient walkway consisting of tiered fountains and white stone balustrades brings to mind the glory of Rome at its imperial zenith. Delineate your garden space with warm colors and natural stone terraces to really bring out a sense of serenity. 

If you really want to splurge, deck your patio with terracotta urns and statues and serenade them with a Mediterranean plant palette – lavender, silvery foliage, and ornamental grasses. Finally, a tropical garden wouldn’t be complete without a water feature – even a petite solar fountain will add a measure of excitement. 

7. Deck your Deck with Colorful Potted Plants 

While browsing through all these glossy home and garden magazines, it can seem that you’ll need a French provincial mansion to make your garden feel like the tropics, but that’s not the case. With a few decorative plants, you can transform a plain deck into a mini relaxation destination.

Strategically placed large-leaf plants can provide an immersive screen of shade while simulating the dense forest canopy of the tropics. Ferns, succulents, and fast-growing vines can be added as fillers to create movement and soften the space. And don’t forget to add tropical decor to complete the overall look, which can be as simple as an artistic planter glazed in earthen colors.