Imagine stepping into your garden and instantly feeling transported to a faraway, exotic paradise. Tropical gardens offer exactly that – a lush, vibrant escape that evokes relaxation, luxury, and the joy of being on holiday, right in your own backyard.
Escape to Paradise: Creating Your Own Tropical Garden in the UK
Forget the subtle greens of traditional English gardens; tropical plants bring bold drama and exhilarating visual impact. Picture the enormous, paddle-like leaves of Banana Plants, the intricate fronds of Tree Ferns (Dicksonia antarctica), or the glossy, deeply lobed foliage of Tetrapanax rex (Chinese Rice Paper). These architectural wonders, in a myriad of greens, textures, and even vibrant hues, create a truly exciting space.
By mimicking natural rainforests with dense, layered planting, a tropical garden creates depth, mystery, and the feeling of being enveloped in nature, making even a small space feel vast and adventurous.
You might be surprised to learn how achievable this look is in the UK. The secret lies in “hardy exotic” plants that can genuinely survive our winters, particularly in milder areas or with a little protection. For more tender varieties or limited spaces, container planting allows you to bring them indoors or into a greenhouse during colder months. Techniques like mulching, fleecing, or lifting and storing tubers ensure your beloved exotics return year after year.
Ultimately, a tropical garden satisfies a deep desire for exuberance, drama, and a genuinely immersive, escapist experience, all increasingly within reach in the UK climate. Ready to create your own slice of paradise?
Urban Jungle
A tropical theme can work brilliantly in a small urban garden because the enclosed setting actually enhances the lush, exotic feel: walls and fences trap warmth, reduce wind, and create a sheltered microclimate ideal for bold foliage. By using upright, architectural plants such as Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’ and Dicksonia antarctica for vertical structure and relying on dense layering, even a compact courtyard can feel immersive and vibrant. Shade from surrounding buildings isn’t a drawback either, since plants like Fatsia japonica and Hostas thrive in lower light.
Containers make it easy to manage tender species, while a restrained palette of greens and one strong focal point keep the space feeling intentional rather than crowded. The tropical look often feels even more dramatic in small urban gardens because the bold textures and colours are concentrated, creating a lush escape right outside your door.
Which plants to use
To create a tropical hideaway, you need a rich mix of foliage textures and colours for a peaceful exotic garden mood. Think large vibrant foliage, flamboyant flowers and eye-catching architectural statement plants and group plants with different leaf shapes together. If you are clever with your plant selection you can easily recreate a garden that would be more at home in the Tropics.
Hardy Exotics
Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ (Red Abyssinian Banana) – This banana vareity thrives in the UK with proper care. This striking ornamental plant boasts large, burgundy-red leaves, creating a tropical ambiance adding a dramatic touch to gardens with its large, paddle-shaped leaves that can reach up to 10 feet in length. To cultivate ‘Maurelii’ successfully, plant it in well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Choose a sunny location sheltered from strong winds, as the broad leaves are susceptible to damage. Regular watering is essential, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. In cooler climates, potted specimens can be brought indoors during winter. With these considerations, ‘Maurelii’ adds a touch of exotic allure to UK gardens.
Musa basjoo (Hardy Banana) – The banana palm is well known for its huge, long lance shaped green leaves which unfurl from its layered woody stem. Used best when creating an exotic jungle-style garden it looks brilliant in a sub-tropical border. Leaves die back over winter and this plant requires protection from hard frosts if not sheltered. For best results, grow Musa basjoo in a sheltered sunny position in moist, well-drained soil that has had lots of organic matter incorporated. Mature Height: 5 metres.
Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’ (Chinese Rice-paper Plant) – This is a fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree with bold, tropical foliage. Its large, deeply lobed leaves, are a velvety green on top and softly hairy underneath, creating a dramatic, exotic look. In autumn, clusters of creamy white flowers appear. Thrives in well-drained soil in full sun and is perfect for creating a lush, tropical atmosphere and adding instant architectural interest to gardens. Height and Spread 4-8m.
Shrubs
Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange Blossom) – A highly fragrant evergreen shrub, we use this in many gardens as it’s so versatile. It has a broader leaf than the dewitteana varieties and is as fragrant but the benefits of this variety are that it can grow up to 2.5 metres. Prune after flowering to keep in shape. Height and spread 1.5-2.5 metre. Grow in a sunny aspect on well drained soil.
Choisya × dewitteana White Dazzler (Mexican Orange Blossom) – Commonly known as Mexican Blossom this highly fragrant evergreen shrub is a useful addition to any garden. Mound forming this neat shrub is exceptionally free flowering in spring and often late summer into autumn. Height and Spread 1 metre Grow in a sunny sheltered aspect on well drained soil.
Cornus kousa ‘Milky Way’ (Flowering Dogwood) – One of our favourites, this is a real statement/feature tree. Large cream coloured petal-like bracts effectively look like flowers which smoother the tree in June creating an unmistakable display, resulting in strawberry like fruits that appear alongside beautiful autumn colour. Height and spread 4-8 metres. Plant in moist but well drained, sunny/partial shade position.
Cornus ‘Norman Hadden’ (Flowering Dogwood) – Cornus ‘Norman Hadden’ is a beautiful deciduous tree celebrated for its long-lasting floral display. In late spring to early summer, large creamy-white bracts mature to pink, creating an elegant and eye-catching show. Fresh green, oval leaves form a well-shaped canopy through summer before turning rich shades of red and purple in autumn. Decorative strawberry-like fruits may follow, adding further seasonal interest. Ideal as a specimen tree, Cornus ‘Norman Hadden’ prefers well-drained in full sun or partial shade. Height and Spread 4-8m.
Hosta ‘Wu-La-La’ – A giant, clump-forming perennial with variegated blue-green foliage and yellow margins. Upright stems of lavender-purple flowers appear in summer. Plant in full or partial shade.
Melianthus major (Great Honey Flower) – A sparsely branched, medium-sized evergreen sub-shrub of sprawling habit, with handsome glaucous, pinnate leaves to 45cm in length. Small, tubular maroon flowers in erect racemes to 30cm in length in spring and summer.
Phormiums – Forming dense, shapely domes of broad, upright or arching, sword-like leaves ranging in colour from yellow-green to bronze-purple. The leaves are often striped or edged with cream, yellow, pink or red. Mature clumps produce tall stems carrying curious-looking yellow-green or red flowers in summer. They are happy in most free-draining soils and in full sun. In northern parts of the UK, plant in sheltered, sunny position.
Trees
Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) – apanese maples (Acer palmatum) have captivated gardeners for centuries, and for good reason. These elegant trees offer a unique blend of beauty, versatility, and manageable size, making them a perfect addition to almost any garden. If you’re looking for a focal point that provides year-round interest, look no further.
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) – This evergreen palm is a popular choice for exotic and tropical gardens. Often used in borders and container displays, with multiple cultivators in attractive colours of green, bronze, and purple these palms are fully hardy in the UK. Supplied as a single stem or multi stemmed tree, mature specimens of Cordyline australis flower in summer and produce white fruit clusters in autumn that are a good food source for birds. Grow in a sheltered sunny position in fertile, moist, well-draining soil. Mature Height: 4-8 metres.
Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree) – One of the oldest and most beautiful trees of all, this tree species is now unique, having no more living relatives. It is both distinctive and unusual and a gem in any garden where space is permitting. The leaves are delicately fan shaped, with two leaf blades, appearing in spring a fresh bright green colour. In autumn time, these wonderfully shaped leaves turn a clear and bright golden yellow. The notable bright yellow autumn colour is most distinctive and works well.
Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) – Commonly known as the Tulip Tree for its large, green-yellow tulip like shaped flowers, this tree has large bright green, smooth lobed leaves that appear in the spring time, turning golden yellow in autumn. Flowers only appear on older trees but the light, bright foliage makes it a great option for creating contrast. Liriodendron tulipifera is relatively fast growing and wind resistant. It performs well on most fertile soils and is a large, imposing, broadly pyramidal shape when fully grown. Suited best to parks and large gardens, a mature Liriodendron tulipifera will give an unrivalled floral display. This tree is also desirable from a wildlife and ecological point of view as it is an excellent provider of pollen for bees. Mature height: 12-17m.
Magnolia grandiflora (Evergreen Magnolia) – An iconic evergreen tree renowned for its large, fragrant, white flowers that bloom sporadically throughout the summer, it adds dramatic beauty to any landscape. The glossy, dark green leaves are complemented by a brown underside, creating visual interest year-round. Hardy and low maintenance, it’s a timeless favourite for both formal and informal gardens. Height 12m+
Grow in moist but well drained neutral to acidic soil in a sheltered position. Full sun or partial shade.
Paulownia tomentosa (Foxglove Tree) – A deciduous tree with large, ovate leaves and fragrant, light lilac-purple flowers in spring. Unusually, this tree forms its flowerbuds the previous season and so flowering is dependant on the overwintering buds not being damaged by a late frost. Can also be pollared annually to promote vigorous growth and extra large leaves upto 60cm or more accross. 9-12m tall at maturity.
Ferns
Dicksonia antarctica (Tree Fern) – This much loved tree fern is a tall, slender, evergreen tree fern native to New Zealand and Australia. It has a rosette of arching fronds that can reach up to 3 metres in length. The trunk is covered in matted aerial roots which like to be kept damp and can reach a height of 3m (in ideal conditions). It prefers full to partial shade and shelter so would work well with woodland plants or exotic planting schemes. If looked after correctly, with plenty of water and cold and wind management, they can last for decades increasing in grandeur every year.
Asplenium scolopendrium – An evergreen fern which forms a rosette of arching rich green fronds around 30-75cm in length ending in a pointed tip. On the mature fronds the underside is marked with brown stripes. With light green fronds it makes for a beautiful backdrop for flowering plants, it is invaluable for year-round interest amongst shrubs or other shade and moisture-loving perennials. A hardy plant, that happily grows in north facing gardens, wall crevices and shaded rocky areas which are great for drainage. Part shade lover it is best grown in fertile rich moist well drained soil, it is slow growing so needs little attention apart from annual mulching and a tidying in spring.
Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’ – Bright green fronds with bronzed tips. This colourful specimen is also known as copper shield fern and is a unique and low maintenance option when picking out ferns. Throughout spring to autumn, the intense yellow and orange colour stays strong, maturing to a darker green in the winter months. This evergreen fern is easy to grow in most cool, moist moderately shady sheltered sites and will grow in full sun given enough moisture. Height: 70cm
Sphaeropteris cooperi – The Australian Tree Fern is an evergreen fern with long, arching green fronds and a slender brown trunk. New fronds emerge curled and covered in soft hairs. In UK this tree fern can grow up to 4m tall, in moist but well-drained neutral to acidic soil in a sheltered position and partial shade. During the winter, the tree fern is not hardy and will need to be brought indoors. Perfect for adding a tropical feel to the garden.
Ornamental Grasses
Lomandra longifolia ‘Platinum Beauty’ – An evergreen grass, known for its striking foliage, adaptability and low-maintenance care. It has cream and green variegated blade-like leaves, adding year-round brightness and texture to the garden. Growing in compact clumps to 1m high and spread, it can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, provided it is well-drained. Full sun or partial shade.
Hakonechloa macra – Commonly known as Japanese forest grass, this is perennial grass produces mounds of bright green leaves with airy sprays of insignificant green flowers in mid to late summer. It has a slow spreading clump forming habit and in autumn the fresh green foliage gradually develops rich russet tones. Tolerant of damp conditions it add interest to any garden and when planted in groups can take on a contemporary appearance. The clean, minim style of this grass makes it a good choice for planters and modern planting schemes.
For best results, grow Hakonechloa macra in moist, humus-rich well-draining soil in cool shade. Mature Height: 50cm
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Red Chief’ – An elegant, clump-forming deciduous grass with narrow, arching leaves that turn yellow in autumn, fading to pale brown in winter. Feathery flower heads open deep red in late summer and early autumn.. Height 1.5m Spread 1m. Prefers moist but well drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet.
Herbaceous perennials
Bergenia ‘Harzkristall’ (Elephant’s Ears) – A tough, evergreen perennial prized for its bold foliage and delicate spring flowers. It forms large, glossy, mid-green leaves that can take on warm red or bronze tones in cooler weather, providing year-round structure and colour in the garden. In spring, upright stems carry clusters of pale pink to white, bell-shaped flowers that rise above the foliage and attract early pollinators.
Pachysandra terminalis – This is a reliable, evergreen ground cover plant, ideal for brightening shaded areas of the garden. Its glossy, dark green leaves form a dense, spreading carpet that provides year-round structure and colour beneath trees and shrubs. In early summer, small, subtle white flowers appear, adding gentle seasonal detail. It thrives in partial to full shade and can grows in most soils. Hardy and low maintenance, it is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and low-light planting schemes.
Height and Spread 50cm
Architectural Plants
Architectural plants in a garden add height, structure, and drama and are particularly effective in smaller gardens for creating atmosphere, reminiscent of holidays abroad.
For shady spots:
Magnolia grandiflora (Evergreen Magnolia) – An iconic evergreen tree renowned for its large, fragrant, white flowers that bloom sporadically throughout the summer, it adds dramatic beauty to any landscape. The glossy, dark green leaves are complemented by a brown underside, creating visual interest year-round. Hardy and low maintenance, it’s a timeless favourite for both formal and informal gardens. Height 12m+
Grow in moist but well drained neutral to acidic soil in a sheltered position. Full sun or partial shade.
Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) – apanese maples (Acer palmatum) have captivated gardeners for centuries, and for good reason. These elegant trees offer a unique blend of beauty, versatility, and manageable size, making them a perfect addition to almost any garden. If you’re looking for a focal point that provides year-round interest, look no further.
Dicksonia antarctica (Tree Fern) – This much loved tree fern is a tall, slender, evergreen tree fern native to New Zealand and Australia. It has a rosette of arching fronds that can reach up to 3 metres in length. The trunk is covered in matted aerial roots which like to be kept damp and can reach a height of 3m (in ideal conditions). It prefers full to partial shade and shelter so would work well with woodland plants or exotic planting schemes. If looked after correctly, with plenty of water and cold and wind management, they can last for decades increasing in grandeur every year.
Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’ (Chinese Rice-paper Plant) – This is a fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree with bold, tropical foliage. Its large, deeply lobed leaves, are a velvety green on top and softly hairy underneath, creating a dramatic, exotic look. In autumn, clusters of creamy white flowers appear. Thrives in well-drained soil in full sun and is perfect for creating a lush, tropical atmosphere and adding instant architectural interest to gardens. Height and Spread 4-8m.
For sunnier aspects:
Phormiums – Forming dense, shapely domes of broad, upright or arching, sword-like leaves ranging in colour from yellow-green to bronze-purple. The leaves are often striped or edged with cream, yellow, pink or red. Mature clumps produce tall stems carrying curious-looking yellow-green or red flowers in summer. They are happy in most free-draining soils and in full sun. In northern parts of the UK, plant in sheltered, sunny position.
Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan Palm) – This is one of the hardiest exotic trees and one of the most attractive with its crown of large fan shaped leaves. At maturity this palm tree bares clusters of yellow flowers in summer followed with blueish black nonedible fruits. T. fortune is ideal for jungle planting schemes and exotic gardens.Grow in full sun to dappled shade, moist but well-drained, fertile soil. Mature Height: 12m+
Bamboo – Ideally suited to full sun or partial shade and tolerant of most soil conditions. Great for instant screening.
Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree) – This evergreen palm is a popular choice for exotic and tropical gardens. Often used in borders and container displays, with multiple cultivators in attractive colours of green, bronze, and purple these palms are fully hardy in the UK. Supplied as a single stem or multi stemmed tree, mature specimens of Cordyline australis flower in summer and produce white fruit clusters in autumn that are a good food source for birds. Grow in a sheltered sunny position in fertile, moist, well-draining soil. Mature Height: 4-8 metres.
Design and Landscape
• Path ways should have a natural appearance– slightly raised paths made from timber decking boards work well in this kind of lush setting
• Materials – choose natural materials such as cane, timber, stone and concrete. This applies to your garden furniture as well; team cane Asian-style furniture with lots of brightly coloured cushions
• Plant in layers – Tropical gardens are densely planted, which gives them their lush look. Usually designed on three levels; upper canopy, middle layer and low growers.
• Instant screening – hide walls and fences that don’t fit with your tropical theme with instant bamboo screening
• Lighting – consider up-lighting under feature plants such as ferns and palms
How do we do it?
Creative Landscape Co. were invited to transform the back garden of a beautiful town house in Berkshire. With roots in Malaysia and a love of Malaysian style gardens, our clients wanted to swap their boring lawn for a fully planted garden that would evoke a tropical atmosphere and provide seclusion from neighbouring buildings.
This is how we created an award winning Tropical garden in Berkshire <click here>
Challenges
British winters – plant selection is key. To create a tropical garden in the UK you need to mimic plants that won’t survive in our climate with hardy alternatives whilst maintaining a tropical planting scheme
Protect your exotics during our British winters.
Feeling inspired?
If you would like to start the first step of your journey with us then get in touch to book our consultancy service.
For just £75*, our experienced horticulturalists will provide tailored guidance to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re interested in fast-growing solutions for quick impact, seeking the enduring beauty of evergreen plants or looking to add colour and fragrance, we can offer expert advice.
**£75 fee applies if you live within a 15-mile radius of our office. Additional fees apply outside this area. All costs include VAT.