Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese art, is about creating balance and harmony in our surroundings. And while this philosophy is often mentioned in interior design, it can also help influence our outdoor spaces.
Garden feng shui includes elements such as water features, curved shapes and specific color palettes. Plant choice is also important for creating a calm and positive space, and a patio – which is often the focal point of a backyard – is the perfect place to utilize well-suited options.
I asked gardening experts for their recommended feng shui plants for a patio. Below you will find five nice tips as well as tips on how to care for them.
1. Ferns
For Nikki, ferns are the ultimate choice for peace of mind—and easy to care for, too. “Because they stay smaller, they are a good choice for patios,” she says.
She recommends the “Autumn Brilliance” fern, an evergreen plant available at Perfect Plants Nursery that features shades of red and orange. “Keep it happy with indirect sunlight and make sure the soil is always moist.”
Another lovely example is the fringewood fern available from Nature Hills, which grows neatly and compactly. Most ferns make good shade plants and bring life to dark corners. However, always pay attention to the label when choosing the best planting position.
Ferns are also a great indoor feng shui plant.
2. Red Mandevilla
“The color red is considered 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.
“Vine varieties can grow up to three meters tall and require 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.”
Hilly varieties, on the other hand, grow to about 18 inches tall and wide. “They require no support and can be used as landscape accents (e.g. as a border for a winding path to direct 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 is reasonably 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. It is also said to attract prosperity in Feng Shui.
Since it is also a climbing plant, it can add vertical accents to your patio, notes Nikki. “Contribute jasmine to grow on a pergola or trellis to create a quiet corner or provide privacy.”
“It likes direct sunlight but will tolerate some shade.” Keep it slightly moist,” she adds. “Prune it a little after flowering to keep it bushy and happy.”
4. Lavender
Lavender, another popular fragrant plant, is said to attract prosperity and good luck in Feng Shui and is recommended for a patio by Anna Ohler of Bright Lane Gardens. It is also a good pollinator plant that attracts butterflies and bees.
“Place it in pretty pots on sunny edges or frame your patio to create an inviting atmosphere,” says Anna. “It loves full sun and well-drained soil, so water it thoroughly, but only when the soil is dry.” A quick trim after flowering will keep it looking neat and encourage new blooms.”
At houses and gardens, We like the look of Nature Hills' Sensational!® lavender, a sturdy, silver-leaved variety with large flowers.
5. Tropical Hibiscus
Also known as Chinese hibiscus, this flowering shrub is said to symbolize creativity and passion.
Although there are many hot shades, Justin recommends opting for a yellow option. 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 virtually continuously from spring to fall (all year round in frost-free climates),” he says. He adds that he appreciates a sunny location (at least half a day of sun) and plenty of water.
Top tip: “Newer varieties like ‘HibisQs®’ can produce more flowers over the course of the season than older varieties,” adds Justin.
FAQs
Which patio plants are bad for Feng Shui?
Whether indoors or outdoors, dying plants are not good for your positive mood. Therefore, make sure you know how to water plants properly and place them in appropriate locations. It is also said that prickly plants are bad for Feng Shui, so consider avoiding cacti when designing your garden.
What else should you consider when choosing plants for Feng Shui?
You may also want to consider the placement of the plants as well as the color and shape of the pot to create a balanced environment.
If you're looking for more ways to harmonize your home, you should also consider these Feng Shui front door colors.