Tropical, Mediterranean & Rocky Desert Gardens
When the sun’s blazing and soil dries out, these garden styles shine brightest. Whether you want lush exotic vibes, classic sun-baked charm, or rugged desert drama, here are three hot garden themes to inspire your planting choices.
Tropical Garden
Think bold, lush, and vibrant! Tropical gardens thrive on warmth and sunshine and feature plants with big leaves and bright flowers:
Bougainvillea: Explosive colour climbing fences or walls.
Bottlebrush (Callistemon): Striking red flowers loved by birds.
Hibiscus: Large tropical blooms in pinks, reds, and yellows.
Fan palms and other palms: Sculptural leaves add height and movement.
Banana plants: Big, lush foliage for that tropical feel.
Ferns and lush foliage: Great for shaded or dappled sun spots.
Keep soil moist and add shade structures like parasols or pergolas to protect sensitive plants during intense heat.
Mediterranean Garden
Classic sun lovers with fragrance and form, perfect for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant planting:
Olive trees: Iconic silvery foliage and edible fruit; perfect for pots or borders.
Cypress: Elegant evergreens with needle-like leaves.
Lavender, rosemary, thyme & oregano: Aromatic herbs thriving in dry soil.
Lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina): Soft, silvery furry leaves reflect sunlight.
Mexican feather grass (Stipa tenuissima): Fine-textured, golden plumes add movement.
Verbascums, agapanthus, sedum, achillea, salvia, gaura & nepeta: Perennials offering colour, texture, and pollinator interest.
Use gravel mulch to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. This style creates a relaxed, fragrant, sun-baked garden vibe.
Rocky / Desert Garden
Dry, rugged, and striking—these gardens celebrate tough, sculptural plants thriving in harsh conditions:
Succulents & cacti: Store water in fleshy leaves or stems for drought survival.
Agaves & yuccas: Architectural plants with bold, spiky forms.
Sedum & sempervivum: Low-growing ground covers adding colour and texture.
Ornamental grasses: Blue fescue (Festuca glauca), prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis), and others for softness and movement.
Gravel and stone mulch echo natural desert landscapes and keep soil well-drained.
Final Tips for Your Hot Garden
Group plants by water needs for efficient irrigation.
Mulch well to reduce evaporation and suppress weeds.
Use shade structures like parasols or light pergolas to protect tender plants during peak sun.
Whichever style suits you best, your sunny garden can be a beautiful, thriving space—even in the heatwave! Explore our selection of tropical, Mediterranean, and desert plants to create your perfect hot garden today.
Shopping List for Hot Garden Styles
Olive Trees - Potted Mediterranean olives, great for sunny spots - £119 35 L
Bottlebrush (Callistemon) - Bird-friendly red flowering shrub - £
Palms - Architectural tropical foliage - £20
Rosemary / Lavender / Thyme - Aromatic Mediterranean herbs - £various
Grasses - Ornamental grasses from £5.99
Outdoor Succulents ie Agaves -Architectural Drought-tolerant water-storing plants - from £24.99
Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) - Ornamental grass with blue-grey foliage -
Gravel,- weed-suppressing - £4.99 / 3 for £12
Parasol / Pergola - Shade solutions for delicate plants - take a look at our range
