An ancient Chinese art, Feng Shui is about creating balance and harmony within our surroundings. And, while it's often referred to in interior design, the philosophy can help influence our outdoor spaces, too.
Garden Feng Shui incorporates elements such as water features, curved shapes, and certain color palettes. Plant choice is also important for a peaceful and positive space, and a patio – which tends to be the hub of a backyard – is the perfect place to utilize well-suited options.
I asked gardening experts for their recommended plants to Feng Shui a patio. Below, you'll find five beautiful picks, as well as tips on how to care for them.
1. Ferns
Nikki regards ferns as the ultimate choice for tranquility – and easy to care for, too. 'Their size stays smaller, so they are a great choice for patios,' she says.
She recommends the 'Autumn Brilliance' fern, an evergreen plant available from Perfect Plants Nursery which showcases shades of red and orange. 'Keep it happy with indirect sunlight and make sure the soil is always moist.'
Other pretty examples include the marginal wood fern, available from Nature Hills, which is neat and compact. Most ferns are good shade plants, bringing life to gloomy corners, but always check the label when choosing the best planting position.
Ferns are also a great Feng Shui plant for indoors.
2. Red Mandevilla
'The color red is said to be a powerful color in Feng Shui, so a splash of red from a tropical mandevilla plant can help activate positive energy,' says Justin Hancock of Costa Farms.
'Vining varieties can climb to 10 feet or so and need a trellis, fence, or other support,' Justin continues. 'Because of their vertical nature, these mandevilla varieties can be a great way to add more color to a small space.'
Mounding varieties, on the other hand, grow to about 18 inches tall and wide. 'They don’t need support and can be used as landscape accents (such as lining a meandering path to guide positive energy), or in container gardens,' he says.
In terms of care, Justin says mandevilla grows and blooms best in all-day sun or afternoon sun and morning shade. It’s somewhat drought tolerant, he adds.
3. Star Jasmine
Fragrant plants are perfect for a calming, sensory garden, and star jasmine (available at Perfect Plants Nursery) is one of the best. Plus, in Feng Shui, it's said to attract prosperity.
It's also a climbing plant, so it can add vertical interest to your patio, notes Nikki. 'Train jasmine to grow on a pergola or trellis to create a tranquil nook or provide privacy.
'It likes direct sunlight but can tolerate a bit of shade. Keep it mildly moist,' she adds. 'Give it a little trim after it blooms to keep it bushy and happy.'
4. Lavender
Another well-loved fragrant plant, lavender is said to attract wealth and good luck in Feng Shui, and is recommended by Anna Ohler of Bright Lane Gardens for a patio. It's also a good plant for pollinators, enticing butterflies and bees.
'Try putting it in pretty pots along sunny edges or use it to frame your patio for a welcoming vibe,' Anna says. 'It loves full sun and well-drained soil, so water it deeply but only when the soil is dry. A quick trim after it flowers keeps it looking neat and encourages new blooms.'
At Homes & Gardens, we like the look of the 'Sensational!®' lavender from Nature Hills, a sturdy, silver-leaved variety with large blooms.
5. Tropical hibiscus
Also known as Chinese hibiscus, this flowering shrub is believed to symbolize creativity and passion.
While it comes in a range of hot hues, Justin recommends opting for a yellow variety. Yellow can be an uplifting color, he explains, so a splash of it strategically placed on your patio can help improve your space’s Feng Shui.
'This plant can bloom practically non-stop from spring to fall (and all year long in frost-free climates),' he says. It appreciates a sunny spot (at least a half day of sun), he adds, as well as abundant water.
Top tip: 'Newer varieties, such as "HibisQs®", can produce more flowers over the course of the season than older varieties,' Justin adds.
FAQs
What patio plants are bad for Feng Shui?
Whether indoors or out, dying plants are no good for positive vibes, so be sure you know how to water plants properly and site them in suitable locations. It's also said that spiky plants are bad for Feng Shui, so consider giving cacti in your landscaping a miss.
What else should you consider when choosing plants for Feng Shui?
You may also wish to consider plant placement, as well as pot color and shape, to create a well-balanced environment.
If you're looking for more ways to harmonize your home, consider these Feng Shui front door colors, too.
