
Creating a tropical garden oasis can transport you to an exotic paradise without ever leaving your backyard. The lush foliage, vibrant colours, and dramatic textures of tropical plants can turn any outdoor space into a stunning retreat.
Whether you live in a tropical climate or simply want to bring a touch of the tropics to your temperate garden, understanding the key elements of tropical garden design will help you achieve that coveted tropical look.
I’ve used the power of AI to create the images to illustrate these design principles.
1. Lush, layered planting
The foundation of any tropical garden is dense, layered planting that mimics the structure of a tropical forest. To achieve this:
- Start with a canopy layer: Use tall trees like palms, bamboo, or banana plants to create height and shade.
- Add a middle layer: Fill in with smaller trees and large shrubs to create a sense of enclosure.
- Include an understory: Plant lower-growing shrubs, ferns, and ground covers to fill in gaps and create a lush feel.
- Embrace verticality: Use climbing plants and vines to add vertical interest and further enhance the layered effect.
There is more on tropical planting here:
- The 15 most exotic-looking lush tropical garden plants
- The beauty of Hawaiian Hibiscus: Add a tropical touch to your garden
- The 20 best hardy exotic plants for a tropical look in your garden

2. Bold foliage
Tropical plants are known for their large, dramatic leaves. Incorporate plants with oversized, unusual, or textured foliage to capture the tropical essence:
- Elephant ears (Colocasia and Alocasia)
- Bird of paradise (Strelitzia)
- Monstera deliciosa
- Cordyline
- Philodendron
- Fatsia japonica
- Canna lilies
- Bananas – Musa or Enseste species
- Gingers – Hedychiums and Aplinias
- Heliconias
Mix plants with different leaf shapes, sizes, and textures to create visual interest and depth. See our detailed guides to tropical and hardy exotic looking plants:

3. Vibrant colours
While lush green foliage forms the backdrop of a tropical landscape design, splashes of bright colour are essential for capturing the vibrant tropical feel:
- Use flowering plants like hibiscus, bird of paradise, heliconia, and ginger for bold splashes of colour.
- Incorporate bromeliads for their colourful foliage and long-lasting blooms.
- Add colourful foliage plants like coleus, caladiums, and crotons for year-round interest.
- Don’t be afraid to use “hot” colours like reds, oranges, and yellows to evoke a sense of tropical warmth.
4. Water features
Water is a crucial element in tropical landscapes. Adding a water feature can enhance the sensory experience and create a focal point:
- Install a small pond or water garden with tropical aquatic plants.
- Create a cascading waterfall or stream for movement and sound.
- Use a simple fountain or water bowl for a more modest approach.
- Consider a natural swimming pool designed to blend with the tropical landscaping.

5. Natural and organic materials
To complement the lush plantings, use natural materials that evoke a tropical feel:
- Incorporate weathered wood for pathways, decking, or structures.
- Use bamboo for fencing, screens, or decorative elements.
- Add stone elements like boulders or pebble paths for texture and contrast.
- Consider thatched roofing for garden structures or shaded patio areas.

6. Curved lines and informal design
Tropical garden design typically involves naturalistic, informal feel. Embrace organic shapes and flowing lines:
- Design curving pathways that meander through the garden.
- Create informal borders with undulating edges.
- Avoid rigid, geometric layouts in favour of more natural arrangements.
- Use sweeping curves for garden beds and water features.
Go deeper: Tropical garden style and the harmony with modern architecture
7. Create garden rooms
Divide your garden into distinct “rooms” or areas to create a sense of journey and discovery:
- Use dense plantings or structures to separate different areas.
- Create secluded seating areas for relaxation and contemplation.
- Design hidden paths that lead to unexpected views or features.
- Incorporate archways or pergolas covered in vines to transition between spaces.

8. Tropical-inspired hard landscaping
Complement your plantings with hard landscaping elements that reinforce the tropical theme:
- Install a wooden deck or patio for outdoor living spaces.
- Create raised platforms or tree houses for elevated views.
- Use natural stone pavers or gravel for pathways.
- Incorporate driftwood or weathered timber as garden art or functional elements.
9. Shade and shelter
Tropical gardens often provide respite from the sun. Create shaded areas for comfort and to support shade-loving plants:
- Build a pergola or gazebo draped with vines for a cool retreat.
- Use large-leaved plants to create natural umbrellas.
- Install shade sails or canopies for flexible sun protection.
- Plant trees strategically to provide dappled shade throughout the garden.
Go deeper: Transform your outdoor space: 15 stunning modern outdoor patio ideas

10. Tropical accents and decor
Enhance the tropical atmosphere with carefully chosen decorative elements:
- Add colourful outdoor cushions and textiles in tropical prints.
- Incorporate tiki torches or lanterns for evening ambiance.
- Display tropical-themed sculptures or art pieces.
- Use large, glazed pots in bold colours for container plantings.

11. Climate considerations
If you’re creating a tropical garden in a non-tropical climate, consider these strategies:
- Choose cold-hardy tropical-looking plants that can survive in your zone.
- Use microclimates in your garden to protect tender plants.
- Incorporate greenhouses or conservatories to grow true tropical species.
- Plant tender perennials in containers that can be moved indoors during cold months.
12. Maintenance and care
Tropical gardens can require more maintenance than other styles. Plan for:
- Regular pruning to maintain the lush, layered look without overcrowding.
- Frequent watering, especially for large-leaved plants in hot climates.
- Mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilising to support vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

13. Biodiversity and wildlife
Embrace the ecological aspects of tropical environments:
- Plant species that attract butterflies, and other pollinators.
- Create habitats for local wildlife with dense plantings and water features.
- Consider incorporating edible tropical plants like citrus trees or passion fruit vines.
- Practice sustainable gardening techniques to support a healthy ecosystem.

14. Vertical gardening
Maximise space and create a lush atmosphere with vertical gardening techniques:
- Install living walls or green facades covered in tropical plants.
- Use trellises and supports for climbing vines like jasmine or passion flower.
- Hang baskets with trailing plants to add layers and fill vertical spaces.
- Stack planters or use tiered plant stands to create height and interest.
15. Night time drama
Design your tropical garden to be enjoyed after dark:
- Use uplighting to highlight the dramatic shapes of palm fronds or large leaves.
- Install subtle path lighting to guide movement through the garden.
- Incorporate glowing orbs or illuminated water features for a magical atmosphere.
- Choose plants with night-blooming flowers or silvery foliage that shines in moonlight.

Tropical garden design is about more than just plant selection; it’s about crafting an immersive experience that engages all the senses. The sound of rustling leaves, the scent of exotic blooms, the feel of lush foliage, and the visual tapestry of colours and textures all contribute to the tropical atmosphere.
Remember that achieving the perfect tropical garden takes time. Start with the basic structure and key elements, then allow your garden to evolve and mature. Be patient as plants grow and fill in, and don’t be afraid to make changes as you discover what works best in your space.
It doesn’t matter if you are working with a small urban courtyard or a sprawling suburban garden, the principles of tropical garden design can be adapted to suit your needs. The key is to embrace the spirit of tropical abundance and create a space that feels like your own slice of paradise.
More resources for your tropical garden design
Check out this content to help with you tropical garden dreams:
- Tropical garden style and the harmony with modern architecture
- Principles of tropical landscape design for a stunning tropical garden
- The 15 most exotic-looking lush tropical garden plants
- The beauty of Hawaiian Hibiscus: Add a tropical touch to your garden
- The 20 best hardy exotic plants for a tropical look in your garden
- Stylish decking ideas to transform your garden
- Transform your outdoor space: 15 stunning modern outdoor patio ideas
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.