What Is Tropical Landscaping?

Tropical landscapes are lush, colorful, and pulsing with life. There aren't many places in the United States where tropical climate conditions are common: mainly these consist of island territories including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, and the islands that make up the state of Hawaii. But in the summer months, some of our states can have conditions that feel tropical due to extreme heat and humidity. particularly the Southeastern states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Tropical landscaping, therefore, can be attainable even if you don't live in an island paradise.

History of Tropical Landscaping

There has long been a fascination with the aesthetic of a tropical garden in Europe. Partly this is due to a romanticizing of the concept of Eden, and other idyllic locations from literature such as Shangri-la or the Avalon of King Arthur. But it's also a result of centuries of exploration tied to European colonialism, and there's a long tradition of portraying Europeans in tropical locations in novels and films, such as Evelyn Waugh's "A Handful of Dust." Interest in tropical plants led to efforts by collectors and travelers to bring specimens back to Europe for study, and this eventually encouraged the creation of horticultural collections in museums and botanical gardens where such plants can be enjoyed by visitors.

Tropical Paving Styles

Since tropical gardens tend to be located in areas with large amounts of rainfall, and since they need a lot of water, paving styles are chosen to withstand weather and moisture. Using gravel around pavers allows for quick drainage, and mulch retains moisture to keep gardens well-hydrated. Since weeds can quickly get out of control, a wider walkway is a good idea, as is a heavy application of mulch that is refreshed periodically as needed. Cedar mulch can help cut down on insects as well, without resorting to chemicals.

Plants to Include

Generally speaking, if you live in a hardiness zone of 8 through 10, you can grow tropical plants. This can include the areas already mentioned as well as southern California. Desert areas like Nevada or New Mexico may be the right temperature, but the dry air can make it more challenging to keep humidity-loving plants healthy and thriving.

There are many types of plants suitable for creating a tropical landscaping design, whether in beds or in containers. Bromeliads, orchids, palm trees (Arecaceae), and hibiscus are just a few ideas to start with. Sometimes including very large-leafed plants (like Colocasia, also known as Elephant Ear) creates an optical scale that feels tropical. Also, you can create the illusion of tropical planting with brightly-hued annual flowers like portulacas, dahlias, snapdragons, impatiens, and petunias, all of which are easy to care for, widely available, and suitable for container planting.

Rocks

Because tropical gardens are usually abundant with plants, using rocks as a design element can add some interesting texture and drama. Rocks also hold onto heat, an important factor for regulating temperature for plants used to a hot climate.

Garden Decor

Tropical gardens are usually very colorful and lush, to begin with, but using pieces of sculpture and furnishings can help enhance comfort. Suitable objects for decorating a tropical garden include any representations of tropical birds such as flamingoes, pelicans, or egrets. Furniture could include hanging chairs or hammocks, and comfy chairs made with teak, rattan, or bamboo with colorful cushions that complement the landscape's bright colors.

Water Features

Including a water feature in a tropical garden design gives it authenticity. It can also be a good way to keep moisture in the air for thirsty tropical plants and provide a water source for thirsty pollinators or wildlife who stop by.

Fencing

Since tropical plants tend to grow and fill in quickly, fencing can be a concern. Tight fencing materials such as chainlink may make it difficult to access tropical plants that grow too large for a space. Having fencing structures that are easy to open or move temporarily for plant maintenance might be a good idea. Aesthetically, choose fences that don't hide or distract from your lush tropical garden's beauty. Simple rustic wood is a good choice or powder-coated metal. Plastic fencing may not be strong enough for fast-growing tropical plants.

Other Elements to Include

To make your garden feel more tropical, also consider outdoor torches, a small fire dish, colorful accent furniture, patio umbrellas, an arbor with flowering vines, outdoor lighting to accent dramatic shadows cast by large-leafed plants, and colorful planters to accent the colors of the flowers and foliage of your tropical plants.