Tropical Backyard Ideas
A tropical backyard brings resort vibes home: layers of palms and big-leaved plants, warm stone or wood underfoot and often a pool at the center. It's lush, private and made for relaxing.
Try this style on your yardTropical Backyard: before & after
Same house, same angle. Only the landscaping changes.
Before
AfterWhat makes a tropical pool
Plants
- Palms (pygmy date, queen or hardy windmill palms)
- Banana plants and bird of paradise
- Elephant ears, canna and ginger for big leaves
- Hibiscus and ferns
Materials
- Natural stone pavers and travertine
- Warm wood decking
- Smooth river stones
- Bamboo or wood screening
Features
- Layered planting from ground cover to palm canopy
- A pool, pond or outdoor shower
- Lounge seating in dappled shade
- Bold leaf shapes and bright flowers
Design tips
Layer from ground to canopy
Plant ground covers and ferns at the front, big leaves like elephant ears and bananas in the middle and palms behind. Layering is what makes a tropical garden feel lush.
Use lookalikes in cooler climates
Hardy banana, windmill palms, canna and ginger give a tropical look in places with cold winters where true tropical plants won't survive.
Frame the pool with planting
Plant along the fence line and the far side of the pool so the water reflects greenery, but keep messy plants back from the edge.
See a tropical design on your own yard
Upload a photo and we’ll preselect the pool and tropical style for you. New accounts get 3 free designs.
1. Upload a photo of your yard
2. What are we designing?
3. Pick a style
Your redesigned yard will appear here.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a pool for a tropical backyard?
No. Palms, big leaves and a shaded lounge area are enough. A pool or water feature just adds to the resort feel.
Can I get a tropical look in a cold climate?
Yes, with hardy lookalikes such as windmill palms, hardy bananas, canna and ferns, plus large potted plants you move indoors for winter.