Do you live in a part of the world where very hot summers are the norm, and winter temps can fall below freezing, especially at night? In other words, not a tropical climate?! Kate here, and if you’re like me, no matter where you live, you’re determined to add some tropical greenery to your yard this spring, even if only in containers that can be moved to more comfortable spots as the weather fluctuates. Since we still have a bit more winter to endure before warmer weather arrives, let’s take a break from the cold by enjoying some garden design inspiration from these beautiful outdoor spaces filled with tropical plants…

Plants That Make an Impact

I’ll begin with the plants! There’s nothing like a yard filled with tropical statements, such as the 40-ft wall of greenery below! The beauty of vertical gardening is on display, thanks to plants such as Acorus, Carex, Colocacia, Philodendron and Begonia. [from Amelia B. Lima & Associates]

To add height, consider a hardy plant with a tropical look, such as bamboo. Clumping bamboo isn’t invasive, so it won’t easily spread to other areas of the yard. Below we see golden goddess clumping bamboo make a statement against a neutral-toned wall. [from DesignBlue, Inc.]

To highlight the bold shapes of tropical greenery in your garden, consider using dramatic lighting, as shown in the outdoor space below. Bright colors and tropical plants are enhanced by the strategic use of lighting. [from The Art of Space]

My yard has a Mediterranean look, thanks to plants that were already present before I moved in. Yet there are some holes in the landscaping that I’d like to fill with a few tropical plants. I wasn’t sure if tropical and Mediterranean styles would blend, but when I saw the stunning yard below, my mind was filled with amazing gardening possibilities. [from Haddonstone]

Don’t underestimate the power of container gardening when it comes to tropical plants. This may be the perfect solution for climates that are anything but tropical. Containers (that aren’t massive) can be moved indoors during the winter and relocated to the shade during the hot summer. [from AHBL]

Adding Color to Tropical Gardens

Now let’s talk color, and important component of the tropical garden! Try painting an outdoor wall a vibrant color. For example, the orange wall is a radiant focal point in the outdoor space below, which features greenery of all heights. On a side note, succulents such as echeveria are a wonderful addition to the tropical garden. [from Simbiosi]

For an extra dose of brightness, try adding a few colors to an accent wall. Unexpected hues can give a tropical garden true personality. For example, the shades of purple, magenta and pink below beautifully offset the succulents in shades of blue and green. As noted above, succulents have a look that can enhance a yard’s tropical theme, especially in warmer climates where other tropical plants won’t thrive. [from HGTV]

Outdoor seating can introduce color to the tropical yard. The lime green chairs and umbrella in the next featured image are vivid yet soothing. [from Cultivart Landscape Design]

In addition to colorful seating, a painted door can create a bright focal point. As we saw with the painted wall at the top of this section, orange is a popular color for tropical gardens. [from Lonny]

Speaking of orange, check out the blooms on the Los Angeles patio below. In addition to the blue-green door, the plants themselves add a lovely dose of color to the space. [from Peter Ivancovich Landscape Design]

Colorful plants, radiant walls, vibrant seating…there are so many ways to add style to the tropical outdoor space! Are you inspired for spring? I know I am!