How to create a beautiful tropical patio for relaxing and entertaining

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A tropical patio offers the perfect escape—a space where you can relax, entertain guests, and feel like you’re on holiday without leaving home. With the right plants, materials, and layout, you can create a lush retreat full of colour, texture, and comfort.

It doesn’t really matter if you have a large garden space or a compact urban patio, a tropical-style outdoor area is achievable.

Here’s how to put together a beautiful tropical patio that’s functional, inviting, and bursting with atmosphere.

1. Choose the Right Location

The first step is deciding where to place your tropical patio. Ideally, choose a spot that gets plenty of light but also offers some shade, either naturally from trees or from structures like fences or walls.

Tropical plants thrive in warm, sheltered environments, so placing your patio against a south- or west-facing wall can help create the microclimate you need, especially in cooler UK climates.

If your patio is in full sun, you’ll need to plan for shade—more on that below.

2. Build with Natural, Warm Materials

To create a relaxed and cohesive tropical feel, focus on using natural materials for your tropical patio that reflect the tropics.

For flooring, consider:

Timber decking: Ideal for warmth and texture. Use hardwoods like teak or iroko, or softwoods that have been pressure-treated.
Natural stone: Sandstone, slate, or limestone in warm tones works beautifully.
Textured concrete pavers: Opt for large-format slabs in earthy shades.

Avoid overly modern or industrial materials. The aim is to create a space that feels earthy, soft, and connected to nature.

3. Define the Space with Structure and Shade

A true tropical patio feels private and enclosed, with a sense of intimacy. Use structures like:

Pergolas or arbors to frame the space and add height.
Bamboo or rattan screens for a natural barrier.
Outdoor curtains or canopies to soften the space and add shade.

Shade is essential—not just for comfort but also to protect tender tropical-style plants. You can also grow climbers like passionflower, bougainvillea (in warm areas), or jasmine over pergolas for a lush ceiling of green and blooms.

4. Fill It with Lush Tropical Plants

Non-Frost-Prone Climate

In a warm, frost-free climate, you can embrace a truly tropical plant palette. This allows for a wide selection of lush, exotic species that offer bold foliage, vibrant colour, and year-round presence.

Focus on plants with large leaves, dramatic form, and striking flowers. Group them closely for a dense, jungle-like effect, layering heights and textures to build depth and atmosphere.

Here are some top choices for tropical patios in warmer climates:

🌴 Statement Foliage Plants:

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird of Paradise) – Tall, upright plant with banana-like leaves. Ideal for structural height in corners or borders.
Alpinia zerumbet ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Shell Ginger) – Stunning gold-striped foliage with an exotic shape. Perfect for mid-height structure and colour.
Philodendron selloum (Tree Philodendron) – Deeply lobed leaves and architectural form. Works well in shade or filtered sun.
Colocasia esculenta – Huge, heart-shaped leaves in green, purple, or black. Best in moist soil or large containers.

🌸 Flowering Tropical Favourites:

Heliconia rostrata – Known for its lobster claw flowers and banana-like leaves. A showstopper in beds or large pots.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis – Classic tropical shrub with large, vividly coloured blooms. Needs full sun and regular watering.
Bougainvillea – Vibrant bracts in magenta, orange, or white. Thrives in hot, sunny spots and looks stunning against walls or fences.
Plumeria (Frangipani) – Iconic tropical scent and flower. Grows well in containers and needs a sunny, sheltered position.

🌿 Tropical Groundcovers and Texture Plants:

Tradescantia zebrina – Low-growing with purple and silver-striped foliage. Great for ground cover or spilling from pots.
Caladiums – Heart-shaped leaves in bright pinks, reds, and whites. Adds vibrant colour to shaded areas.
Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas) – Fast-growing trailer with lime or deep purple leaves. Ideal for hanging baskets or the front of beds.

🌿 Tropical Grasses and Spiky Accents:

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Red Sister’ – Glossy burgundy foliage with a striking upright habit. Adds colour and contrast.
Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ – Red fountain grass with graceful movement and texture.

Create height variation by planting taller species like Strelitzia or Heliconia at the back, mid-sized plants like Alpinia and Cordyline in the middle, and trailing or low-growing plants like Caladiums and Ipomoea at the front or in containers. Mix leaf shapes—from broad and rounded to strappy and spiky—for a dynamic, naturalistic feel.

In frost-free areas, many of these plants can be grown directly in the ground, which means faster growth and a more established tropical look. Group plants closely to mimic rainforest layering, and don’t be afraid to let them spill out into pathways or seating areas for that immersive, overgrown charm.

Frost Prone Climate

If you live in an area that is prone to frost, you can still get a great tropical look (see, for example, our feature on hardy exotic plants).

Remember, plants are the stars of the tropical style patio. You want abundant, layered planting with plenty of bold foliage and pops of colour. Choose plants with large leaves, bright flowers, or an architectural shape.

Some great tropical-looking plants for UK gardens and equivalents (eg, USDA Zones 7-9) include:

Bold foliage plants:

Canna lilies – Dramatic leaves and bright flowers
Colocasia (Elephant’s Ear) – Huge, heart-shaped leaves
Tetrapanax papyrifer – Large, exotic foliage (hardy down to -5°C)
Fatsia japonica – Evergreen with glossy leaves, shade-tolerant

Grasses and strappy plants:

Phormium – Spiky leaves in striking colours
Cordyline australis – Palm-like structure
Bamboo – For height and movement (choose clumping varieties like Fargesia to avoid spread)

Flowering plants:

Hibiscus syriacus – Hardy shrub with tropical-looking blooms
Crocosmia – Arching stems of bright orange or red flowers
Agapanthus – Blue or white flower heads on tall stems
Dahlia – Vibrant summer flowers in many shapes and sizes

Group plants closely in pots or raised beds to create a sense of jungle density. Mix leaf shapes, heights, and colours for a layered effect.

There is more on planting in our post on tropical patio planting plans.

5. Use Containers to Add Flexibility

If you’re short on planting space, use large containers to build up your tropical patio. Choose pots in natural materials like terracotta, ceramic, or woven baskets.

Go for tall containers to lift smaller plants to eye level. Cluster pots in groups of three or more for impact. For example:

A tall Canna in the back
A mid-sized fern in front
A trailing ivy or sweet potato vine spilling over the edge

Use pot feet or wheeled bases to help with drainage and moveability in colder months.

6. Add Water for Sound and Ambience

Water adds a cooling, soothing element to your patio. A small water feature—like a bubbling fountain or a pond bowl—brings sound and movement.

Choose a low-maintenance design that doesn’t need much power or plumbing. Solar-powered water features are a great eco-friendly choice and ideal for patios with good sun exposure.

You might also incorporate a bird bath or a small wildlife pond to increase biodiversity and give your tropical oasis an eco-friendly edge.

7. Select Comfortable and Inviting Furniture

Your tropical patio should feel like a retreat. Choose furniture that invites you to relax, lounge, and linger.

Good patio furniture choices include:

Wicker or rattan seating with soft cushions
Teak or acacia wood furniture, which ages well outdoors
Hammocks or hanging chairs for a resort-style feel

Add comfort with textiles: waterproof cushions, patterned outdoor rugs, and throws for cooler evenings. Use fabrics with tropical patterns—ferns, palms, birds—for a visual tie-in to the theme.

Make sure to provide a dining area if entertaining is a priority. A circular table with seating for four to six often feels most social and space-efficient.

8. Layer in Tropical Lighting

Lighting is key to making your tropical patio functional and inviting in the evening.

Use a mix of:

Solar lanterns or festoon lights strung overhead
Stake lights tucked into planters
LED candles or battery-operated lanterns

Avoid harsh, cool lighting. Choose warm white bulbs or flame-effect options to keep the vibe soft and atmospheric.

For a real tropical touch, place lighting under plants to highlight foliage and create striking nighttime shadows.

9. Decorate with Tropical Accessories

Finish the space with accessories that reinforce the tropical theme. Ideas include:

Carved wooden statues or Buddha heads
Ceramic parrots or other tropical animals
Tropical print cushions and tablecloths
Shells, driftwood, and natural ornaments

Keep the colour palette grounded in nature: think greens, earthy browns, ocean blues, and pops of coral or yellow.

Remember: less is often more. A few well-chosen accessories are more effective than clutter.

10. Create Zones for Relaxation and Entertainment

Divide your patio into zones to suit different needs:

A lounging area with sofas or chairs for quiet time and reading
A dining area for meals and socialising
A fire pit corner or chiminea for warmth on cooler nights

Use planters, rugs, or screens to visually define each area. This helps a small patio feel more spacious and purposeful.

11. Consider Maintenance and Seasonal Care

While many tropical-style plants can thrive in the UK, you’ll need to make some seasonal adjustments.

Tender plants like Colocasia, banana (Musa basjoo), and Cannas may need lifting or protection in winter.
Use fleece, mulch, or bubble wrap to insulate containers.
Group pots together near a wall or cover with a mini greenhouse if frost is expected.

Watering can also be a challenge in summer. Use self-watering containers, mulch, and drip irrigation to help reduce the workload.

Final Thoughts

Creating a tropical patio is about blending comfort, atmosphere, and nature. It’s not just about appearances—it’s about crafting a space where you want to spend time.

By combining lush plants, natural materials, soft lighting, and inviting furniture, you can turn even a modest patio into a leafy paradise. Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or enjoying a quiet coffee, your tropical patio will be a peaceful sanctuary full of life and colour.

Our other tropical garden resources

Martin Cole( Head Gardener and Founder )

Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.

He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.

Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.