Dreaming of a tropical oasis with lush greenery and big, beautiful, colorful flowers evokes a genuine sense of serenity and relaxation. It can take you back to an amazing tropical island you have visited before or maybe one you have only read about. Tropical imagery soothes both your mind and body as it helps you to mentally get away from the everyday stress of a busy life. Fortunately, you can bring the elements of a tropical oasis straight to your own yard, even if you don’t live in a hot and humid climate. Tropical backyards are no longer exclusive to places like Miami or Hawaii. With a little planning and a few inspirational ideas, you can have a dreamy tropical destination right in your backyard!

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Backyard Makeover: Ideas & Tips on How to Design a Lush Tropical Garden at Home

In this article, we have pulled together a collection of essential design tips and ideas on how to make a picture-perfect tropical escape in your backyard. Whether you have a townhouse patio, small backyard, or a large piece of land, our collection of tropical garden design ideas is guaranteed to inspire you to create a gorgeous dream space just for yourself, regardless of budget.

Obviously local climates are going to be a key driver in what can and cannot be done when creating a tropical escape. But it is our hope that as we explore the basics of tropical landscape and design, that you will be able to create the perfect outdoor getaway for yourself.

We will now explore the primary features of tropical outdoor design, how to plan the layout, and which tropical plants to choose.

We will also talk about hardscape elements like accents, walkways, water features, decks, patios, pools, outdoor furniture, lighting, as well as various materials, and a tropical color palette.

By the time you have read this article and with a bit of thoughtful planning and consideration, you will be able to create your own luxury tropical gateway.

1. What Is Tropical Landscape Design?

When people think of tropical settings, they think of relaxed island living and a true paradise which creates a positive mindset and a sense of calm.

Successful tropical landscaping will evoke similar feelings. Its design should help bring to life those stunning vacation spots you’ve been dreaming of visiting, whether they are the South Pacific, Indonesia, Thailand or the Caribbean.

The primary elements in tropical landscaping include dense green and glossy foliage, such as would be found in a rainforest, and brightly-colored flowers. Decorative accents made from stone, wood, and metal can be incorporated to complete the look. If you have a pool, it will be the focal point of the space. The tranquil blues from the water will only add to the overall tropical look.

A carefully planned combination of textures from natural materials is a must to create the full sensory experience. From the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze to water lapping over stones in a fountain or over a pool’s waterfall, as many authentic tropical elements as possible should be included. A shaded area can allow for a gazebo with outdoor furnishings.

Be sure to include creative uses of subtle outdoor lighting such as strategically placed uplighting behind tree trunks and large rocks. Individual lighting, whether electric or solar, along pathways and walkways also set the mood. Include some tiki torches where possible for a real tropical island touch. Awesome lighting is very important for evening entertainment and nighttime relaxation!

Photo Credit: Cook Islands

Modern tropical garden. Photo Credit: Lush Garden Design.

Coastal Style – evokes a sub-tropical (Southern California), non-tropical (New England), or Mediterranean beach and sea feel. It is characterized by a more soft and natural color palette, wind and drought tolerant plants, and weather that is either cooler or warm but dry. Coastal style can include the use of nautical elements.

Coastal (nautical) garden. Photo Credit: Completely Coastal

STEP 1 – Planning

There are a few things to take into consideration when planning your tropical landscaping:

• Backyard conditions – Consider your climate, type of soil, light (sunlight, shade), and topography (slopes, elevations) to determine which plants will grow well in your area. Use the USDA plant hardiness map for reference. Remember to include water conservation solutions too, where possible.
• How it will be used – Consider who will use this area and how it will be used. For example, planning and designing for a household with children or pets will be different from the design needed for those who plan to use it for adult entertaining (a tiki bar perhaps?) with friends.
• Gardening time – Consider how much time and effort you will have available to maintain your outdoor tropical space. If you are new to caring for plants, consider easy-to-grow and low maintenance options (we will get into those). Or if your budget allows, you can hire a professional gardener to take care of your new oasis.

Photo Credit: Concept Draw

STEP 2  – Include Tropical Plants (a must!)

Tropical gardens are full of vegetation, bursting from every corner, creating cool, relaxing areas with lots of shade. Since tropical plants thrive in warm and humid, it is very easy to create these types of gardens if you live in a warm and humid area.

If you live in a drier or even desert climate, a great yard misting system which is strategically placed for both inground and potted plants will help to keep those plants healthy and happy. However, if you live in cooler areas, plant in large pots so you can move them inside during colder weather.

After checking the plant hardiness map for your area, you can use these suggestions for the more common tropical plants to use in your new backyard paradise. Some of these species include several varieties, some of which are more cold and drought tolerant versus those which required more heat and humidity:

• Ferns
• Palm trees (example: coconut and queen palms in tropical zones, Mediterranean and date palms in colder zones)
• Flowering plants such as plumerias, hibiscus, begonias, bromeliads, birds of paradise
• Large-leaf plants such as monstera and banana
• Ornamental grasses
• Vines such as bougainvillea and passion flower

Plumeria plant. Photo Credit: Easy to grow

STEP 3 – Include Hardscape Elements

While softscape includes vegetation, hardscape is man-made elements, such as pathways, walls, water features, fire pits, pergolas, decks, and so on. Features to consider for your tropical oasis include:

• Water Features – Small fountains, birth baths, tropical ponds, waterfalls, streams, outdoor showers, and custom-designed spas can create a true jungle feel.
• Outdoor Lighting – Dim ambient lighting, moonlighting (lighting trees from above), backlighting, silhouetting, uplighting, string lights, tiki torches, color-changing lights, ornate lamps and shades, etc.
• Walkways – Walkways are a great way of dividing different sections of your yard and adding visual interest. Use mosaic tiles, gravel, flat stones, pebbles, wooden planks, or grass walkways that blend in with the rest of the space.

STEP 4 – Seating Areas

Consider creating entertaining areas in a shaded area or under a pergola or gazebo. Use good quality outdoor furniture so it can stand up to the elements for as many years as possible. Teak is excellent due to its water repelling qualities.

Use your imagination to give seating areas special attention while creating your outdoor tropical space. What you would love to see while seated outside during a vacation at a wonderful exotic resort? Go ahead and create it here!

Outside tropical dining area. Photo Credit: Garden Design

STEP 5 – Add Tropical Decor

Tropical accents which include bamboo fencing, decorative kava bowls, rich woodcarvings and figurines, handmade glassware, authentic serving boards, will add a truly unique character to your outdoor space. You can also include colorful cushions, a hammock and bamboo wind chimes to create a captivating paradise right outside your door. Going even further and including a palapa with tiki masks or even a full on tiki bar really would really complete your tropical escape!

STEP 6 – Attract Wildlife

Flowering plants such as Heliconias (also known as ‘Lobster Claws’ and ‘Toucan Beak’), purple Mexican salvias and Passiflora (passion flower) attract various birds including hummingbirds as well as butterflies and other insects that will add life to your oasis. We really love this colorful hummingbird feeder. A few of these spaced throughout your yard will all a lot of color which these birds are attracted to. They will bring in some really cool activity!

4. 20 Tropical Backyard Ideas: Transform Your Outdoor Space Into A Relaxing Retreat

From budget-friendly DIY ideas to intricate design concepts, there are lots of ways to turn your outside space into a resort-like tropical retreat.

With the right design and a little bit of effort, you can make almost any layout work. Use carefully selected plants and hardscape features to create a tropical piece of paradise to call your own!

Here are 20 ideas for transforming yard spaces into a tropical haven.

1. Tropical-Themed Corner Garden

Being able to enjoy the beauty of a tropical paradise at home doesn’t mean you have to have a huge yard or own  large piece of land. You can spruce up a corner area of a small outdoor patio or yard and turn it into a vibrant, lush space, bursting with colors, scents and the gentle murmur of the fountain.

Photo Credit: Hello Hayley

2. Tropical Walkways

A thoughtfully planned garden walkway can add allure and charm to your outdoor setting.

Linear stone walkways guide you through tropical landscaping from the outdoor firepit to the house.

Photo Credit: Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers and Luxury Portfolio International®

3. Tropical Outdoor Shower

If you have a pool and enough space, consider installing an outdoor shower for your guests. Using the right materials, you can create a stunning addition to your tropical escape!

It will definitely create lively conversation during summer family gatherings. Plus, your tropical plants will love the water and the humidity. If you are not able to find actual lava rock, other dark-colored stone mimics the look of lava rock and pairs perfectly with bright green foliage.

Photo Credit: Elite Pacific

4.  Gazebos and Pergolas

This yard is a great example of how careful planning can lead to the creation of an amazing tropical escape. The gazebo creates the perfect retreat space.

If you love the idea of a covered seating area but don’t have the space for a gazebo, perhaps you can consider a pergola instead. Gazebos and pergolas both add a lot of character and charm to outdoor spaces.

While creating a space like this can seem challenging at first, with careful planning and a little creativity, you can achieve some amazing results.

Photo Credit: Del Rancho Pool & Spa

5. A Secret Spa Escape

Choose a secluded area of your yard to create a secret “spa” just for you! Install a small hot tub and use large tropicals to create privacy. Include lots of flowering plants. Add a teakwood bench or lounge chair for relaxation and include a small side table to hold your book or your drink. Take one more step by adding a wonderful fountain or water feature to complete your escape. The sound of bubbling and falling water is truly medicine for the mind. You have now created the perfect way to relax in your own personal and private space!

Photo Credit: B. Jane Gardens

6. Mini Jungles Under Windows

To achieve this look, place the tallest plants closest to the wall. In this example, Ti plants, which are famous for their brilliant red and purple leaves, are placed closest to the wall since they are the tallest. Next, place leafy plants of a medium height in front and finally add smaller plants and flowers in front of those. You now have a beautiful mini-jungle as a landscape border!

Photo Credit: Thank Your Garden

7. A Tiki Hut or Bar

Dreaming of lying on a beach under swaying palm trees with a tropical cocktail in hand? Here is a wonderful idea for recreating that tropical feel.

If you have the space and the budget, installing a palapa or tiki hut as a seating space is one way to bring a true tropical look to your yard. Thatched palm roofs are an iconic look. You can also create a bar area complete with bar stools and storage space for your favorite mixers, beverages and bar supplies.

To create a complete look which includes landscaping, use the layering technique: taller trees and plants against walls and fences with shorter plants in front. As your tiki hut will be the focal point, you want everything surrounding it to lead your eye to it in a smooth and uninterrupted manner.

Photo Credit: Moon Valley Nurseries

8. Poolside Tropicals

Carefully selected tropical plants and florals bring this poolside area to life. This small tropical space has all the elements needed to make it a breathtaking tropical escape: water, lush colorful foliage, stonework, and filtered sunlight which most tropical plants love. When space is at a premium, find a small spot to include a small bistro table and 2 chairs which can be nestled in somewhere among the plants. It will be like you are sitting in your own little tropical rainforest!

Image credit: Hello Hayley

9. Spaces For Tropical Entertaining

Bring the lush and luxurious appeal of tropical living to your outside space by dividing it into sections with covered and uncovered entertaining areas. You can use stone walkways, floating flowerbeds and a relaxing pool to connect the two spaces.

Use a variety of large palm trees such as Canary Island date palms, queen palms and Washingtonias as space allows. Bring in some large-leaf plants such as banana or bird of paradise and then ground them with flowering bedding plants to create a lot of visual textures and interest.

Photo by: Moon Valley Nurseries

10. Potted Tropicals for Patios

Transform your patio into a wonderland by surrounding yourself with mix of potted vibrant color in various sizes and textures.

If you have the space for pots both on tables and on the ground, all the better for visual interest. Having a variety in height works very well, even in small spaces!

Photo by: Proven Winners

11. Landscaping For Small Spaces

Small spaces can be challenge due to lack of space. Many tropical plants and trees can grow to be quite large and you want to avoid creating a scenario where you are having to frequently cut your landscaping back because there is not enough room for it.

When choosing plants, research their growing patterns and be selective. This small space is a great example of how to create a cozy tropical seating area that allows for greenery which can grow to heights that work.

Calathea lutea (also known as ‘Cigar plant’ or ‘Havana cigar’), philodendrons, and compact versions of Alocasia or “elephant ear” are great choices. Pair these with a small table and a couple of chairs such as with this fun bistro set and you have arrived at your tropical retreat!

Image credit: Thank Your Garden

12.  Create An Oasis

Create lush, exotic landscaping by adding statement plants such as golden cane palms (Dypsis lutescens), snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata), swiss-cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), or taro (Colocasia esculenta).

By using plants of various heights and sizes, you can achieve a truly amazing scene such as this. Again, add a small table and a couple of chairs and be transported to the tropics.

Photo by: Reddit

13. Courtyards and Urban Patios

If you live in the city and have a compact courtyard or patio, you can transform it into an inviting, one-of-a-kind space for relaxation and gatherings with family and friends.

By adding carefully chosen greenery for your local climate, you can beautify the space for years to come. To maximize spaces like this, go vertical. Use climbing vines on trellises or cascading plants perched on top of walls or on shelving. Plants which do not spread out but instead grow tall are perfect for use in  pots.

Photo by: Melanie Jade Design

14. Outdoor Living Areas

Another great idea is to use outdoor square footage for lounging and entertaining. Designing an outdoor living area with tropical vibes is always fun!

By defining your outdoor needs (dining, conversation, children’s play area), you can maximize your space by transforming specifically defined areas according to how they will be used. Keeping things low maintenance will free up time so you can enjoy your outdoor tropical room even more.

Image credit: This Old House

15. Using Plants as Tropical Accents

If you have a large yard but prefer to use only part of it for  a small tropical escape, the quickest and easiest way to recreate the tropics is to bring in a some big tropicals which can act as accent pieces while creating a border for a specifically defined space. With those in place, you can bring in smaller tropicals and flowering plants as additional accents to create a fuller look.

In this example, these large tropicals help to frame the space along with the wicker chairs and their bright blue cushions. This really is a wonderful and serene space in which to hang out!

Image by: Bella Flores Landscaping

16. Tropical Havens For USDA Zone 7 Or Less

Even if you live in lower USDA hardiness zones, you can still have a tropical paradise. Use the USDA plant hardiness map to help guide you with your plant selections.

Here are a few suggestions to help keep things easy:

• Keep things portable. Even if you choose to use larger, heavier pots and containers, make sure you have a good hand truck available so you can move them either into your home, a garage or a sturdy shed for protection from the cold.
• If you do choose to plant in the ground, choose hardy perennials and varieties of tropical plants that can tolerate some colder temps.
•  Use frost cloths, heavier sheets, or light weight blankets to cover plants when temps drop into the 30’s (F) or colder. Damage will occur to outer leaves and branches depending on how cold it gets but many plants will recover and grow back in the spring. Just know that there are some types of tropicals which simply cannot tolerate the cold and won’t grow back.
• Do not use plastic sheeting or tarps as these do not retain any heat.

Photo credit: Gardening Know How

17. Tropical Decks and Balconies

Decks and balconies are perfect spaces for both minimalist and full scale tropical design. Simple, smaller-scale furnishings, potted plants in varying sizes and heights, and some ambient lighting can turn any of these small spaces into wonderful and relaxing escapes. This space works because the hedge wall brings in lots of plant life while keeping the floorspace clear. Of course, additional pots with brightly colored flowering plants would bring even more of a tropical touch to this space.

Image by: Shelterness

18. Contemporary Tropical Retreat

If you prefer a more contemporary style, here is some inspiration: A custom-made, built-in sofa in neutral colors with a portable fire pit is built right above the dark-bottomed pool which is framed with tall palms and tropical foliage.

This is a great example of minimalist look which uses tropicals for color. If you want to brighten things up and add a bit more visual interest, some bold-colored pillows and textured accent pieces will do the job!

Image credit: Adam Robinson Design

19. Industrial Tropical Spaces

For those who prefer a clean industrial look, this example is awesome. The tall, dark grey fencing provides privacy while allowing the large plants to bring in some needed tropical color and tropical texture. This greenery pairs perfectly with the concrete sofa frames and the dark grey cushions. The result is cool, sleek, and very inviting.

Photo by: Shelterness

20. Tropical Hot Tubs

Here’s a fantastic alternative for those who don’t have a swimming pool but who still want to enjoy the water with family and friends. A large hot tub or inground jacuzzi is an excellent solution! You can also create your own tropical rainforest environment by bringing in the right landscaping.

Bamboo is a quick and easy way to create that tropical feel and it will become a beautiful natural screen. Just be sure to read about the different kinds available because some grow very large while others are very invasive. Add some rich wooden pieces and other well-chosen tropical accents to create authenticity and you have the perfect entertaining space.

Photo Credit: Gardening Etc

5. Tips For Saving Water

Wherever you live, you should consider water conservation techniques, both to preserve this natural resource and to lower your water bill. Most tropical plants require a lot of water and unless you live in an area that receives a lot of rain, it can be a problem where water is scare and/or expensive. So you don’t want to be wasteful.

Here are some quick tips to achieve a tropical look without wasting water:

• Group plants with similar water needs together to reduce the need to water across larger areas.
• Surround tropical plant sections with native plants that require less watering.
• Install an irrigation system with rain sensors.
• If you have grassy areas, switch to a low-maintenance option such as artificial grass if possible.
• Introduce more hardscaping such as flagstone or wooden walkways, rock garden areas, and larger accents or sculptural pieces which cover ground space.
• Add plants which look tropical but are in fact drought-tolerant such as hosta, oleander, and desert rose.

Final Thoughts

Tropical backyards offer a perfect retreat for those seeking a visually captivating and mentally relaxing oasis. There are many ways to recreate the look and feel of a tropical locale with the vibes of a rainforest and the true beauty of nature. Remember, it’s not just about the plants you grow. It’s about the ambiance they create and the senses, emotions, and the healing that result. It’s the successful combination of plants and other elements that you use to create your tropical escape that will determine the effect it has on you.

So whether you are planning to change a small outdoor corner or you are looking to renovate your entire backyard, remember that the tropics are there for you to enjoy, no matter where you live. It is our hope that you will thoroughly enjoy the process of creating your own tropical paradise!

For your convenience, here is a list of the products we have recommended in this blog post which can really help to create an amazing and relaxing tropical experience!