Want your garden to feel like a holiday without leaving home?
It’s surprisingly easy to create a lush, tropical vibe in the UK, even with our unpredictable weather. With the right mix of bold leaves, dramatic structure, and clever layering, your garden can feel more Bali than Birmingham. Here are some different plants that bring that exotic look, without needing a rainforest climate to survive.
1. Banana plant (Musa basjoo)
This hardy banana plant is a classic for tropical gardens, and yes, it grows in the UK. While it won’t usually fruit, it’ll still give you those huge, paddle-shaped leaves that instantly say “jungle.” Musa basjoo dies back in winter but comes roaring back in spring if mulched well. Position it in a sunny, sheltered spot and it’ll become a real statement piece by mid-summer.
2. Tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica)
Tree ferns bring prehistoric drama to a garden, with thick trunks and arching fronds that look like something out of “Jurassic Park.” They love moist, shady spots and don’t mind our cooler summers. They do need winter protection, especially around the crown, but with a little fleece and care, they can thrive for years. Perfect for giving your garden an ancient, tropical forest feel.
3. Canna lilies (Canna indica)
With bold leaves and brightly coloured flowers, cannas are the perfect plant to add energy and vibrancy. Their tropical appearance makes them a summer showstopper, especially when planted in groups. They’ll need lifting and storing over winter in colder parts of the UK, but it’s worth the effort. In warm, sunny spots, they’ll reward you with lush growth and blooms in flaming reds, oranges, and yellows.
4. Fatsia japonica
This plant is a staple in UK tropical-style gardens. Its glossy, finger-like leaves give it a real exotic flair, but it’s actually very hardy and happy in our climate, especially in shadier spots. It can grow quite large, filling awkward corners or acting as a leafy backdrop. In autumn, it produces strange white flower clusters that add even more interest to the garden.
5. Bamboo (Fargesia varieties)
Nothing says tropical like the rustle of bamboo in the breeze. Fargesia types are non-invasive, clumping varieties that are ideal for gardens where you don’t want a takeover. They grow tall and fast, making them great for screens, movement, and height. Use them to divide spaces or soften fencing for a more secluded, jungle-like atmosphere.
6. Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’
This plant has huge leaves, some up to 90cm across, that give serious jungle vibes. It’s nicknamed the “rice paper plant,” and it’s dramatic in both size and presence. It needs a bit of space and protection from strong winds, but it’s surprisingly hardy in many UK regions. It’s one of those plants that makes a bold statement the moment you step into the garden.
7. Elephant ears (Colocasia or Alocasia)
These plants are all about their oversized, heart-shaped leaves, which can look stunning in containers or as part of a feature bed. Colocasia tends to prefer wetter conditions, while Alocasia leans more tropical and upright. In the UK, they’re usually grown as summer bedding or in pots and moved indoors over winter. Still, their impact during the warm months is undeniable, and perfect for that exotic edge.
8. Hedychium (ginger lily)
Ginger lilies offer both striking foliage and intensely fragrant flowers, making them a treat for both eyes and nose. They’re surprisingly resilient in the UK if given a warm, sheltered position. They bloom later in the season, often from August into autumn, just when the rest of the garden is starting to fade. Their scent is spicy and sweet, adding to the tropical experience.
9. Cordyline australis
Often mistaken for a palm, cordylines have long, sword-like leaves that add structure and height. They’re widely planted in coastal towns and give a strong Mediterranean-meets-subtropical look. They’re tough, drought-tolerant, and cope with British winters, especially in milder regions. Great for pots or borders, they bring vertical interest without demanding much in return.
10. Crocosmia (especially ‘Lucifer’)
Crocosmia’s arching flower spikes and strappy leaves bring a fiery burst of colour in late summer. The ‘Lucifer’ variety, with its intense red blooms, is particularly striking in tropical-style schemes. It grows well in sunny borders and naturalises easily, returning year after year. Pair it with dark foliage or banana plants for a bold contrast and seasonal drama.
11. Dahlias (large-flowered varieties)
Dahlias may not be tropical per se, but large varieties—like ‘Café au Lait’ or ‘Bishop of Llandaff’—have the scale and flair to fit in perfectly with lush, exotic planting. They offer big, dramatic blooms in bold colours that look fantastic among leafy greens. Just remember to lift and store the tubers in winter, especially if you’re in a frost-prone area.
12. Hostas (for shady areas)
In a shaded tropical garden, hostas work wonders. Their bold, architectural leaves come in every shade of green, blue, and variegated cream, adding depth and texture where sun-lovers won’t thrive. They pair beautifully with ferns and fatsia, and when combined with water features or dappled light, create that cool, tropical understorey feel. Just keep an eye on slugs—they love them too.
13. Gunnera manicata
If you want the ultimate jungle statement, Gunnera’s massive, spiky-edged leaves are hard to beat. It thrives in damp areas near ponds or streams and quickly becomes a conversation piece. It does need space and winter protection, but if you’ve got the room, it delivers serious drama. Think of it as the closest you’ll get to rainforest realness in a British back garden.