
Designing a tropical garden by the sea is a wonderful way to create an exotic and relaxing outdoor space. The combination of lush foliage, vibrant flowers, and the coastal backdrop can evoke the feeling of being in a holiday paradise all year round. A tropical garden by the sea can include various features that enhance its beauty and functionality.
However, designing a tropical garden by the sea comes with some unique challenges, including exposure to salty air, high winds, and sandy soils. Nevertheless, many people successfully create a stunning tropical garden by the sea by carefully selecting plants that thrive in these conditions.

Nevertheless, with careful planning, plant selection, and design techniques, you can transform your tropical garden by the sea into a stunning tropical oasis that showcases beautiful flora and provides a serene environment.
In this article, with the magic of AI providing us with some inspiring tropical garden ideas, we go through some of the key design principles that will help you make your coastal garden dream a reality
A well-planned tropical garden by the sea should also consider incorporating native plants that can withstand coastal conditions, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Start with a plan for your tropical garden by the sea

By selecting the right plants, you can ensure your tropical garden by the sea will endure and thrive through the seasons.
Before you start planting, it is essential to develop a clear plan for your tropical garden. Consider the size and shape of your space, the existing conditions, and how you want to use the garden. Think about seating areas, pathways, changing levels, water features, and how these elements can create a relaxing atmosphere.
It’s also important to assess your garden’s microclimate. Coastal areas tend to have high winds and saline conditions, so selecting plants and materials that can withstand these challenges is key.
Use natural windbreaks, like hedges or strategically placed screens, to protect your garden and create sheltered spaces for more delicate plants.
Choose coastal-tolerant tropical plants

Not all tropical plants will thrive in a seaside garden, so it’s important to select varieties that are tolerant of salt spray, sandy soils, and high winds. Focus on hardy tropical plants that still provide the bold colours and lush foliage typical of a tropical garden.
Some excellent options include:
Whether you choose to highlight a tropical garden by the sea with bright flowers or lush greenery, there are endless possibilities for creativity.
- Cordylines: With their spiky, architectural leaves in shades of green, red, or bronze, cordylines add height and drama to any tropical garden.
- Palms: Species such as the European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis) and jelly palm (Butia capitata) are ideal for coastal areas and provide that quintessential tropical feel.
- Agaves: These hardy succulents offer striking foliage and tolerate dry, salty conditions.
- Hibiscus: Known for their large, colourful flowers, hibiscus plants can thrive in coastal gardens if given some shelter from strong winds.
- Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae): This plant’s vibrant orange and blue flowers bring a tropical flair while tolerating coastal conditions.
Mix these structural plants with ground covers like Carpobrotus (ice plant) and Lippia nodiflora (frog fruit), both of which are salt-tolerant and help stabilise sandy soils.
Consider sculptures or other decorative elements that reflect the theme of a tropical garden by the sea, adding character and charm.
Create layers for a jungle effect

Tropical gardens are all about creating a sense of lushness and abundance. Achieve this by layering plants in different heights, from tall palms and trees to medium-height shrubs and low-growing ground covers.
In a coastal setting, layering can also help protect sensitive plants by placing taller, wind-tolerant species at the front to act as natural windbreaks. For example, use hardy plants like New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) or pittosporum to shield more delicate tropical varieties.
When designing the layers, think about texture as well as height. Combine broad-leaved plants, like banana plants (Musa spp.), with finer-textured grasses, such as miscanthus, to create visual interest.
But beware, the broad leaf plants, especially the bananas will need to be sheltered as their leaves can be shredded by high winds.
Utilizing natural materials in your tropical garden by the sea will enhance its overall aesthetic and blend with the environment.

Add vibrant tropical flowers
Bright, bold flowers are a hallmark of tropical gardens. In a seaside setting, you can still achieve this look with tropical plants that are tolerant of salty air. Consider adding the following flowering plants to your tropical garden:
- Bougainvillea: This climbing plant produces cascades of vibrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and orange and thrives in coastal conditions.
- Plumeria (frangipani): With its fragrant, star-shaped flowers, plumeria is perfect for creating a tropical vibe in sheltered areas.
- Cannas: Their bold, colourful blooms and lush leaves make cannas an excellent choice for adding height and drama.
- Heliconias: Known for their exotic, brightly coloured bracts, heliconias make a striking focal point in tropical gardens.
An inviting tropical garden by the sea can also be equipped with comfortable seating areas to enjoy the beautiful views.
To extend the flowering season, choose a mix of plants that bloom at different times of the year.

Use natural materials
Incorporating natural materials into your garden design will help enhance its tropical and seaside aesthetic. Use driftwood, pebbles, or shells for decorative features or as edging for garden beds.
Bamboo and rattan are excellent choices for furniture and fencing, adding a rustic, tropical feel. For a more modern look, use light wood timber.
For pathways, consider using gravel, stepping stones, or timber decking to create a natural and relaxed look. Sandstone or slate can also be used for paving to complement the coastal setting.
Creating cozy spaces within your tropical garden by the sea will make it a delightful escape for family and friends.
Incorporate water features

Water is a key element in tropical garden design, helping to create a tranquil atmosphere. A water feature such as a small pond, fountain, or cascading waterfall can provide a focal point and enhance the overall tropical feel.
In a seaside garden, you can also make use of the ocean view as a natural water feature. Arrange seating or plantings to frame the view and create a seamless connection between your garden and the surrounding landscape.
For the most luxurious garden by the sea, incorporate a swimming pool and and surround it with soft sheltering planting. Here are some pool ideas.




Create shady retreats
Tropical gardens are known for their lush canopies and shaded nooks, providing relief from the sun. In a coastal setting, consider adding pergolas, shade sails, or thatched umbrellas to create shaded areas.
Climbing plants like passionflower or jasmine can be trained over pergolas to provide dappled shade and add fragrance to your garden. These shaded spots are ideal for placing outdoor seating or dining areas, allowing you to enjoy your tropical paradise in comfort.
Use windbreaks to protect your plants
Seaside gardens are often exposed to strong winds, which can damage plants and dry out the soil. To protect your tropical garden, use windbreaks such as hedges, fences, or trellises.
Planting dense, wind-tolerant hedges like escallonia, oleander, or tamarisk can create a natural barrier while adding to the lush, green backdrop of your garden. Alternatively, use louvred screens or woven panels to provide shelter while maintaining a light and airy feel.
Incorporating sustainable practices in your tropical garden by the sea can make a positive impact on the local ecosystem.

Improve soil quality
An eco-friendly tropical garden by the sea not only enhances the landscape but also promotes biodiversity.
Coastal gardens often have sandy or poor-quality soil, which can struggle to retain nutrients and moisture. Improving your soil is essential to support the lush growth of tropical plants.
Start by adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to increase the soil’s fertility and water-holding capacity. Mulching with bark chips or coconut coir can also help retain moisture and reduce evaporation in windy conditions.
For plants that prefer more acidic conditions, such as hibiscus or gardenias, consider using a soil acidifier or planting them in containers with ericaceous compost.

Add tropical garden accessories
The finishing touches to your tropical garden are just as important as the plants themselves. Accessories like lanterns, colourful cushions, and patterned outdoor rugs can help reinforce the tropical theme and make the space feel inviting.
Consider placing garden sculptures, like Buddha statues or carved wooden figures, to add an exotic touch. Large pots in vibrant colours or natural materials, such as terracotta or stone, can be used to grow tropical plants while adding visual interest.
For evening enjoyment, install soft outdoor lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. String lights, solar lanterns, or uplighting for trees and palms can all enhance the tropical ambience after dark.

Embrace sustainability
When designing your tropical seaside garden, consider using sustainable practices to minimise your environmental impact. Opt for drought-tolerant plants to reduce water use, and collect rainwater for irrigation where possible. Choose local or sustainably sourced materials for hardscaping and furniture, and avoid using plastic decorations.
By embracing sustainable gardening practices, you can create a tropical garden that not only looks beautiful but also supports the local environment.

Conclusion
A tropical garden by the sea can be a stunning and serene outdoor space, combining the lushness of the tropics with the natural beauty of the coast. By selecting hardy, salt-tolerant plants, using natural materials, and incorporating elements like water features and windbreaks, your tropical garden by the sea can thrive and provide a relaxing retreat for enjoying nature.

Our other tropical garden resources
- Transform your garden with tropical garden design: 15 excellent expert tips
- Tropical garden style and the harmony with modern architecture
- The 15 most exotic-looking lush tropical garden plants
- How to create an indoor jungle with tropical house plants
- The 20 best hardy exotic plants for a tropical look in your garden
- 8 Brilliant home gardening ideas to transform your outdoor entertaining spaces
- Transform your outdoor space: 15 stunning modern outdoor patio ideas
- Principles of tropical landscape design for a stunning tropical garden
- Designing small tropical gardens: transform your space into a lush paradise
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.