Create an Exotic Hideaway with These Tropical Backyard Ideas

Do you dream of a Caribbean vacation, but a backyard staycation seems more in the budget? Then create a tropical backyard by adding tropic-inspired plants, furnishings, and extras to your outdoor living space.

Bring on the island vibe with these how-tos and ideas for creating a relaxing tropical backyard garden.

Tropical Greenery

Palms and other plants add island ambiance to an outdoor room. And it also can make a sense of privacy.

Pygmy Date Palm – The graceful wave of a palm frond in the wind provides the ultimate tropical experience.  The pygmy date palm blooms in small, yellow flowers which turn into small purple dates.

These attractive tropical plants have a rough-textured trunk and long, green fronds, which form a crown at the top. Typically, it thrives in USDA zones 10-11.

Mexican Weeping Bamboo –Mexican weeping bamboo is an evergreen ornamental often planted as a tall screen. The slim leaves of the bamboo give their graceful weeping form a lacy, ethereal appearance.

Mexican bamboo grows quickly and adds eye-pleasing contrast when placed near large-leaf tropical plants. It also grows best in USDA zones 9-11.

Ti Plant – The Ti plant is a flowering, evergreen – known for its boldly-colored foliage. It is sometimes referred to as the good luck plant and is often grown as a foundation plant.

Ti plants feature purple variegated leaves with colorful streaks of hot pink, white, cream, or purple. The Ti plant’s dramatic leaf coloring makes it an ideal patio plant or garden entrance for a tropical setting.

Furthermore, these plants prefer afternoon shade. And, as an outdoor shrub, it’s hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Tropical Flowering Plants

Hot-colored flowers in red, orange, fuchsia and deep, jewel-tone leaves in dark purple and burgundy will create a colorful oasis in your island-inspired backyard.

Cannas – Brightly-colored cannas blossom in a wide range of saturated colors – from blood red – to pink – to bright yellow. Pastel shades are available, too, including salmon, pale orange, and light pink.

The canna plant’s lush leaves and exotic blooms make for a stunning visual display that requires little effort. Cannas plants originate from South America and the West Indies and produce tall flower stalks with colorful blooms perfect for any tropical backyard.

Depending on the cultivar, they can grow from a few feet tall to over 10 feet. They make an exotic statement when grouped in the garden in showy displays of color.

It’s important to note that these plants grow best in full sun and USDA zones 9-10.

Plumeria – Hawaiians call the plumeria “Pua Melia,” which signifies new beginnings. These plants are deliciously fragrant flowers traditionally used to make leis in Hawaii and other tropical locales. Plumeria trees are available in a wide range of flower colors, from white – to pink– to dark red. Multi-color types are available, too.

The Plumeria is a deciduous tree that can grow to a height of 35 feet. Newer miniature versions are available for containers and small gardens. Plumeria thrives in full sun and high humidity and prefers a moderate watering schedule. They grow best in USDA zones 9-11.

Pro Tip: Plant in layers – from towering trees to low ground covers; choose various plants that will grow to different heights to create a lush, jungle-like garden.

For more ideas on creating the perfect at-home tropical island garden, click here.

Island-Inspired Structural Details and Garden Accents

A pavilion or gazebo added poolside or off the garden provides a shaded seating area, dining area, or landing spot for drinks.  Consider a thatched-roof design that resembles a Hawaiian hale.

Incorporate natural stone accents in the garden. Black river rock, textured limestone, keystone, or round, smooth stones are common design ideas and elements in a tropical island garden.

Consider a water feature.

The soothing sound of flowing water in your tropical backyard garden will create a calming effect and encourage guests to relax. A water feature will drown out urban noises and provide a tranquil feel. Or make your rock waterfall to enhance your existing inground pool.

Adding a rock waterfall will create an interesting island-inspired focal point for your backyard getaway and may also increase your home’s value.

Home Furnishings

Natural fiber rugs, bamboo loungers, woven seagrass, rattan, and coastal décor say “tropical.” Incorporate calming, neutral colors into your furnishings to emit the uncluttered, laid-back feel of the islands into your outdoor space.

Pop in brightly colored pillows and cushions as accents. A teak wood bench will add exotic charm to a shady sitting area.

Fire Pits

Add the warmth and excitement of the crackling fire to your outdoor living space. A glowing lava rock fire livens up a summer celebration like no other accent.

Whether roasting hot dogs or enjoying the warmth on a fantastic evening, a fire pit will add that extra “spark” to your tropical backyard.

Lighting

Tiki torches add nighttime drama to a pool or outdoor room. Safety note: Keep open-flame torches away from flammable materials and overhanging tree branches when lit.

Shades of basketweave bamboo, jute rope, capiz shell, or textured linen add beachside style.

A lighted plantation-style ceiling fan will add illumination and cooling breezes on a covered porch.

DIY Tropical Decor

DIY shell projects are the perfect way to incorporate a tropical feel into your backyard. A simple DIY natural shell wreath is a quick project to complete.

You need similar-sized shells (bought or gathered), a foam wreath form, and hot glue. First, glue the shells to the foam in a pleasing pattern. Then tie on a natural jute ribbon, and you’re done!

Another great option is making seashell-edged placemats from felt, jute rope, hot glue, and decorative shells. This easy craft is great for al fresco dining in your tropical backyard.

Start by selecting similar-sized shells to use as the outer edge trim. Then, trace around the outside edge of a round dinner plate on a piece of stiff felt and cut out the felt circle.

Additionally, cut a long length of jute rope. Finally, starting at the center, hot-glue the rope to the felt – working in a coil pattern.

Continue gluing until the felt is covered. Glue seashells spaced evenly around the edge of the mat.

Create your island staycation space with the above tropical garden and backyard ideas. Moreover, download a few Hawaiian tunes, whip up a pina colada, and embrace the tropical island lifestyle!

Don’t forget to have a designated area for ample storage! Additionally, interesting in learning more about tropical plants for your garden space? Click here.