A tropical patio offers the perfect dodging — a space where you could relax , entertain guest , and feel like you ’re on vacation without leaving domicile . With the veracious plants , materials , and layout , you could make a luxuriant retreat full of coloration , texture , and comforter .
It does n’t really matter if you have a large garden space or a compact urban patio , a tropic - style out-of-door domain is achievable .
Here ’s how to put together a beautiful tropicalpatiothat ’s operative , inviting , and bursting with ambiance .
1. Choose the Right Location
The first footstep is make up one’s mind where to place your tropic terrace . Ideally , choose a pip that getsplenty of lightbut also offerssome shade , either of course from tree or from structures like fences or wall .
Tropical plants thrive inwarm , sheltered environments , so placing your patio against a south- or west - facing bulwark can help create the microclimate you require , peculiarly in cool UK mood .
If your patio is in full sunlight , you ’ll necessitate to plan for tone — more on that below .
2. Build with Natural, Warm Materials
To make a relaxed and cohesive tropic smell , focus on usingnatural materialsfor your tropical patio that ponder the tropics .
For flooring , consider :
Avoid to a fault forward-looking or industrial material . The aim is to make a space that feels earthy , soft , and connected to nature .
3. Define the Space with Structure and Shade
A dependable tropic terrace feels individual and enclosed , with a sentiency of closeness . Use structures like :
Shade is essential — not just for puff but also to protect tender tropic - style flora . you may also grow climber likepassionflower , bougainvillea(in warm area ) , orjasmineover pergolas for a luxuriant ceiling of green and bloom .
4. Fill It with Lush Tropical Plants
Non-Frost-Prone Climate
In a lovesome , hoar - costless clime , you’re able to squeeze a trulytropical plantpalette . This leave for a spacious selection of lavish , exotic species that propose bold leafage , vivacious colour , and year - round front .
focalise on plants with large leave-taking , dramatic figure , and striking flowers . radical them closely for a dense , hobo camp - like effect , layering high and texture to build depth and atm .
Here are some top choice for tropical patios in quick climates :
🌴 Statement Foliage Plants:
🌸 Flowering Tropical Favourites:
🌿 Tropical Groundcovers and Texture Plants:
🌿 Tropical Grasses and Spiky Accents:
Create pinnacle variation by embed improbable species like Strelitzia or Heliconia at the back , mid - sized plants like Alpinia and Cordyline in the middle , and trailing or low - get works like Caladiums and Ipomoea at the front or in container . Mix leaf shapes — from wide and rounded to strappy and spiky — for a dynamic , naturalistic tone .
In frost - detached areas , many of these flora can be growndirectly in the ground , which means faster increment and a more institute tropical looking at . mathematical group plants closely to mime rainforest layering , and do n’t be afraid to get them splatter out into nerve tract or seating country for that immersive , overgrown charm .
Frost Prone Climate
If you live in an area that is prostrate to frost , you could still get a neat tropical feel ( see , for lesson , our feature of speech onhardy alien plants ) .
think , plant are the stars of the tropical style terrace . You wantabundant , layer plantingwith mickle of bold foliage and pop of color . Choose plants with expectant leaves , bright flowers , or an architectural frame .
Some neat tropical - look plants for UK gardens and equivalents ( eg , USDA Zones 7 - 9 ) include :
Bold foliage plants:
Grasses and strappy plants:
Flowering plants:
Group plant closely in pots or raised beds to create a sense of jungle density . flux leaf frame , heights , and colour for a layered effect .
There is more on planting in our Emily Post ontropical patio planting design .
5. Use Containers to Add Flexibility
If you ’re curt on planting blank , uselarge containersto construct up your tropical terrace . Choose batch in lifelike materials liketerracotta , ceramic , orwoven basket .
Go for tall containers to lift smaller plants to eye level . Cluster pots in groups of three or more for impingement . For example :
Use can feet or wheeled radical to aid with drainage and moveability in colder months .
6. Add Water for Sound and Ambience
Water adds a cooling , soothe element to your patio . Asmallwater feature — like a bubbling fountain or a pond roll — bring sound and movement .
opt a low - sustainment designing that does n’t need much power or plumbing . Solar - power piss lineament are a big eco - friendly option and ideal for patios with good Lord’s Day exposure .
You might also comprise abird bathor asmallwildlifepondto increase biodiversity and give your tropical oasis an eco - friendly edge .
7. Select Comfortable and Inviting Furniture
Your tropical patio should feel like a retirement . Choose article of furniture that invites you torelax , lounge , and linger .
Goodpatio piece of furniture choicesinclude :
Add comfort withtextiles : waterproof cushions , patterned out-of-door rugs , and throws for cool eventide . apply fabrics with tropical patterns — fern , thenar , skirt — for a visual tie - in to the root .
check that to providea dining areaif entertaining is a priority . A circular table with seating for four to six often feel most social and space - efficient .
8. Layer in Tropical Lighting
Lighting is cardinal to make your tropical patio functional and invite in the evening .
Use a intermixture of :
avert harsh , cool lighting . Choosewarm white bulbsor flame - gist pick to keep the vibe gentle and atmospheric .
For a real tropic pinch , situation lighting under plants to highlight foliage and create striking nighttime shadows .
9. Decorate with Tropical Accessories
cease the space with accessories that reinforce the tropic theme . Ideas let in :
Keep the color pallet grounded in nature : think greens , crude Brown , ocean blues , and pops of precious coral or white-livered .
Remember : less is often more . A few well - chosen accessories are more efficacious than clutter .
10. Create Zones for Relaxation and Entertainment
Divide your terrace into zones to suit different needs :
Use plantation owner , rugs , or screens to visually define each region . This helps a modest patio palpate more wide and purposeful .
11. Consider Maintenance and Seasonal Care
While many tropic - style plant can thrive in the UK , you ’ll need to makesome seasonal adjustments .
Watering can also be a challenge in summer . Useself - watering containers , mulch , anddrip irrigationto help trim down the work load .
Final Thoughts
create a tropical patio is aboutblending comfort , atmospheric state , and nature . It ’s not just about appearances — it ’s about crafting a space where you desire to expend time .
By combining lush plant , natural material , soft kindling , and tempt piece of furniture , you’re able to turn even a minor terrace into a leafy paradise . Whether you ’re host friends for dinner party or enjoying a tranquil coffee , your tropical terrace will be a peaceful chancel full of life and color .
Our other tropical garden resources
Martin Cole has been an esurient plant devotee and nurseryman for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about horticulture . In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year rival . He is a member of the National dahlia Society .
He previously lived in London and Sydney , Australia , where he took a sheepskin course in Horticultural study and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland . He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012 . The site is get at everybody who lie with plants or has been burn by the horticulture bug and wants to bed more .
Gardening Step by Step has beencited by Thompson and Morgan , the UK ’s largest mail order plant retail merchant , as a website that print expert gardening content .
