Create a summer garden that feels like a holiday escape

Something about summer makes you dream of a tropical escape—the place where every corner
is filled with greenery, flowers, and a vibe so chilled it practically hands you a piña colada. What
if you didn’t need a plane ticket to enjoy that? With some planning and the right plants, you can
make your home into a tropical summer garden that’s holiday-ready.

1. Statement plants your summer garden needs

Start by adding a few statement plants that demand attention. Use the Monstera deliciosa for
that dramatic, jungle-like effect in shaded areas. It thrives in warm, humid conditions.

Where to plant: While it prefers filtered light (like under a tree canopy), it can handle bright
indirect sunlight outdoors during summer. It’s also a great choice for shaded patios.

Pair it with Philodendron ‘Hope’ ® for a lush, textured look. This easy-going plant has a deeply
lobed, glossy green leaves that create a tropical atmosphere.

Where to plant: A top pick for covered patios, garden corners, or as a border plant in
semi-shaded areas. Keep its soil slightly moist for best results, but avoid waterlogging.

2. Brighten things up

No tropical garden is complete without bold, vibrant flowers. Bougainvillaea is a summer
superstar, thriving in hot, sunny weather. The ‘Golden McClean’ variety adds a unique twist
with its golden-yellow bracts.

Where to plant: It’s ideal for covering fences, trellises, or pergolas, where it cascades
beautifully.

Clematis varieties are a stunning addition, with flowers in shades ranging from soft lavender to
deep purple or even white. Many bloom in summer, creating an eye-catching display.

Where to plant: Grow clematis on trellises, fences, or even as a ground cover. They prefer
their roots shaded but their foliage in the sun.

Dianthus, with its sweet, clove-like fragrance and bright pink, red, or white blooms, is a cheerful addition to any garden. Its compact growth makes it just right for borders or containers.

Where to plant: These low-maintenance beauties thrive in full sun, so plant them where they
can soak up the rays.

Hydrangeas are true garden showstoppers. They thrive in the summer heat as long as they’re
well-watered.

Where to plant: Choose a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade to keep them happy.
Great for beds, borders, or large containers.

You may also be interested in: Hydrangea Care Made Simple

Pelargoniums are sun-loving plants, producing an abundance of cheerful, colourful blooms.
Where to plant: Perfect for pots, hanging baskets, or garden beds. They love full sun but can
tolerate light shade in the heat of the day.

Where to plant: Perfect for pots, hanging baskets, or garden beds. They love full sun but can
tolerate light shade in the heat of the day.

3. Layer the Greenery

A tropical summer garden is all about layers—big leaves, small leaves, spiky leaves, and
everything in between. Combining textures and shades of green adds depth to your outdoor
space.

Mangave succulents bring a unique blend of spiky drama to your garden. Their striking rosettes
and speckled leaves come in a variety of colours, from silvery green to deep purple.

Where to plant: They thrive in full sun and are great for pots, rock gardens, or as focal points
in your garden beds. Mangaves are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.

Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ adds an ethereal, shimmering touch to your summer garden. It works well to introduce a cooler, metallic tone that contrasts with the dominant green.

Where to plant: Use it as a trailing plant in hanging baskets, over walls, or spilling out of pots.
It loves full sun and requires minimal watering once established.

Buxus ‘Faulkner’ (Boxwood) has glossy green foliage that can be shaped into neat hedges or
left natural for a softer aesthetic.

Where to plant: It thrives in full sun to partial shade and works well as a border plant, in
containers, or as a backdrop for more vibrant tropical plants.

Add Platycladus aurea nana compacta to balance out the leafy jungle aesthetic with structure,
height variation, and a unique golden hue. This dwarf conifer isn’t tropical but adds a sculptural,
year-round element to your summer garden.

Where to plant: It loves full sun to partial shade and works well as a focal point in pots or as
part of a border in your garden. It’s drought-tolerant once established.

4. Relax, unwind, repeat

No summer garden is complete without a place to kick back and enjoy it. Add a hammock, some
comfy chairs, or even just a picnic blanket surrounded by your new lush greenery. It’s the
must-have spot for a holiday drink or a lazy afternoon nap.

Stay inspired—follow Plantland on Facebook and Instagram for fresh garden ideas!