Creating a tropical garden doesn’t mean you have to live near the equator or in a humid climate. In fact, with the right plant combinations and thoughtful layout, even the chilliest corners of the world can be transformed into lush, resort-inspired retreats. Landscape designer Lauren Hall-Behrens, based in Portland, Oregon, did just that in her own backyard. Using cold-hardy Japanese banana trees (Musa basjoo) and waves of golden Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’), she created a tranquil oasis—despite Portland’s sometimes icy winters.
When designing with a tropical aesthetic in mind, it’s less about where the plant originates and more about how it looks. Think big, bold leaves. Vivid, exotic flowers. Lush, multicolored foliage. You might be surprised to learn that even hostas, hardy to Zone 4, can play a starring role in a tropical-inspired garden when paired wisely.
If you’re short on outdoor space, don’t worry. You can still bring that tropical vibe to a balcony or patio with a few well-placed containers. Take Emily from Sycamore, Illinois, for example. She used a self-watering AquaPot to combine Toucan® Yellow canna lily with pink and coral petunias, and surrounded it with matching single-plant containers. The result? A tiny tropical paradise in the Midwest.
Love the sun-soaked feel of tropical living? Introduce furniture and accessories in exotic colors and patterns. In Miami, Florida, Catherine turned her poolside into a Caribbean dreamscape with dark wicker loungers, palm-print cushions, and dramatic container plants like bird of paradise and vibrant coleus. "Every afternoon feels like a mini vacation," she says, "even if I’ve only walked out the back door."
Color plays a major role in this design style. Popular hues for tropical gardens include vibrant lime green, fiery orange, fuchsia pink, sunny yellow, and rich red. But remember—less is more. A few well-placed bursts of tropical color go a long way. In London, interior designer Hannah created a lush corner with just a few key elements: a green ceramic pot with papyrus grass and yellow daisies, paired with a palm-leaf pillow and emerald glassware. The effect is tropical, chic, and totally understated.
Furniture and lighting also deserve attention. Teak and rattan are go-to materials, and warm string lights or garden lanterns add a welcoming glow. In Minnesota, garden blogger Tom built a small wooden deck where he placed a solid teak table and some cozy lighting. At night, the gentle sparkle of lights combined with the soothing sounds of a nearby fountain makes the whole area feel like a Hawaiian getaway.
Another way to create impact is through plant repetition. Grouping the same plant species together creates a bold statement. A simple square flower bed filled with bright green Sedum ‘Lemon Coral’, deep red coleus, and orange impatiens—with a majestic palm in the center—becomes a show-stopper. The repetition brings rhythm and structure to the otherwise wild feel of a tropical garden.
Backdrops are an often-overlooked feature. A wooden fence, iron trellis, or painted wall can serve as both visual anchor and support for climbing or tall plants. In Paris, photographer Étienne installed a dark wood screen behind his garden bed, allowing orange cannas and bright yellow daisies to truly shine.
Adding a whimsical touch can also bring your tropical paradise to life. From vintage boats turned into planters, to metal sea turtles or shell-covered rocks, garden art gives your space personality. In Hamburg, Germany, retired teacher Ursula placed a replica Easter Island statue among her red anthuriums and string-of-beans vine—a quirky, conversation-starting centerpiece that reminds her of her travels.
Finally, no tropical escape is complete without water. It doesn’t need to be a grand waterfall—even a tabletop fountain can work wonders. In Zurich, Switzerland, young couple Martin and Christian placed a compact fountain surrounded by trailing spider plants and red anthuriums on their terrace. “It’s like a slice of Bali,” Martin says. “We sip wine, listen to the trickle of water, and let the day melt away.”
Wherever you live—be it chilly Northern Europe or a landlocked town in the U.S.—it’s entirely possible to carve out a pocket of paradise in your own backyard. With bold plants, a splash of color, thoughtful accents, and maybe a trickle of water, you can turn any space into a lush, tropical escape. And in today’s fast-paced world, isn’t that just what we all need?