Plants to Feng Shui a patio – 5 picks to create a soothing outdoor sanctuary

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.

Nikki Bruner

Nikki Bruner is the marketing manager at Perfect Plants Nursery. With a passion for plants and expertise in marketing, Nikki combines her knowledge of the nursery industry with her creative thinking to promote and highlight the exceptional offerings of Perfect Plants Nursery. She is dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction and providing valuable insights for plant lovers.

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.

Justin Hancock

Justin Hancock is a Costa Farms horticulturist with over 25 years in the industry. A plant enthusiast and educator, he has a degree in horticultural science and has worked in garden centers and botanical gardens, as a garden designer, and in garden publishing (including at Better Homes and Gardens). He has experience gardening across the country, from Minnesota to Oregon to Miami. Justin is also co-host of the Costa Farms podcast Plant Rx.

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.

Anna Ohler

Anna is an avid plant hobbyist and the owner and operator of Bright Lane Gardens, a boutique plant nursery in Northern Michigan. With over a decade of experience in gardening and landscaping, she takes every opportunity to share her knowledge on all things plant-related. She also runs the company's YouTube channel, which is full of practical advice.

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.