Discover garden plants that are native to Brazil, ideal for outdoor projects that provide beauty, resilience, and easy cultivation.
Submitted at Jun 3, 2025, 7:31 AM
Elkis+ Landscape Architecture - Tropical Garden. A winding path, paved with draining flooring, opens a passage through the forest, enriched by the São Paulo office led by Caroline and Gilberto Elkis. The botanical composition adds up to more than ten tropical species, among which are alpínia, areca, asplênio, pleomele, ravenala, and many other smaller ground cover plants that shape the project of around 400 m² filled with textures, scents, and colors. Get ready to encounter a life-size corten steel nelore cow, a cheerful sculpture by Rapha Preto. (Carolina Mossin)
Elkis+ Paisagismo - Jardim Tropical. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Carolina Mossin/CASACOR)
When these plants are native to Brazil, the garden gains another positive point: it favors local biodiversity, contributes to the preservation of native flora species, and attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies.
Projeto de Flávia D'Urso. (Fávaro Jr/Divulgação)
The first step to create a balanced and functional outdoor garden is to consider the environmental conditions of the space. Factors such as the region's climate, intensity of sunlight, frequency of rainfall, and soil characteristics directly influence the performance of the plants.
Additionally, it's worth noting:
Maintenance level: Some plants require frequent pruning, constant fertilization, or specific pest care. If the goal is practicality, prefer rustic and resistant species.
Landscaping purpose: Shade trees, living fences, ground covers, flowering plants, or ornamental foliage — each has a role in the project.
Compatibility with animals and children: Avoid toxic species if the space is frequented by pets or small children.
Garden style: Tropical, minimalist, rural, or lush — the type of vegetation directly influences the final visual.
Clúsia. (Selvvva/Divulgação)
The Clusia is a Brazilian plant native to the Atlantic Forest, highly valued in landscaping for its thick and shiny leaves. Its clean and compact appearance allows it to be used as an ornamental shrub or living fence. It is perfect for modern gardens, as it easily accepts pruning and shaping.
Care: Very resistant to salinity, pollution, and strong sunlight.
How to grow: Plant in fertile, well-drained soil, with regular watering at the beginning. Thrives well in full sun or partial shade.
Jasmim-manga. (R7/Divulgação)
The Mango Jasmine (or Plumeria) is a small tree native to the Brazilian Cerrado. It produces fragrant flowers in shades from white to pink and yellow, creating beautiful contrasts with its elongated leaves. The plant gives a tropical air to the garden and stands out for its lush flowering.
Care: Resistant to heat and drought, it needs space to grow freely.
How to grow: Likes full sun and well-drained soil. Pruning should be done after flowering, just to control the shape.
Moreia. (Tua Casa/Divulgação)
The Moreia (Dietes bicolor) is a herbaceous plant with long leaves and delicate flowers of light yellow color with dark details. Native to Southern and Southeastern Brazil, it is widely used in flower beds, borders, and beds. Despite its fragile appearance, it is quite resistant.
Care: Not very demanding, tolerates both sun and partial shade and dry periods.
How to grow: Prefers fertile soil but adapts to different types. Moderate watering and cutting of dry leaves keep the plant healthy.
Lantana. (Pok Rie/ Pexels/CASACOR)
The Lantana (or Camará) is a native species similar to Lantana camara but endemic to Brazilian regions. It produces small colorful flowers, usually in shades of yellow and lilac, which attract pollinators and bring life to the garden. Due to its rapid growth, it is ideal for forming fences and filling large areas.
Care: Resists full sun, winds, and poor soil.
How to grow: Should be pruned frequently to control its size. Accepts various types of soil as long as they are well-drained.
Justícia. (Assucena Tupiassu/Divulgação)
The Justícia is a shrub typical of the Atlantic Forest, highly valued for its orange tubular flowers that appear in the winter. Besides being resistant, it attracts hummingbirds and brings unique color to outdoor areas.
Care: Quite adaptable but enjoys well-lit locations.
How to grow: Full sun or partial shade, regular watering, and soil enriched with organic matter help in flowering.
Guaimbê. (Cobasi/Divulgação)
The Guaimbê (or Brazilian Monster Plant) has lush, tropical foliage, typical of Southern and Southeastern Brazil. Its large, cut, and shiny leaves bring prominence to shaded areas of the garden, in addition to complementing flowering species or other light-textured plants.
Care: Resistant to shade and humidity but sensitive to extreme cold.
How to grow: Ideal in soil rich in organic matter, with frequent watering and good partial shading.
Manacá-da-serra. (Nina Edelweiss/flickr/Divulgação)
The Manacá-da-serra is one of the most beloved ornamental trees in Brazilian gardens. Native to the Atlantic Forest, it can reach up to 12 meters in height, but there are dwarf versions ideal for small gardens. Its flowers appear in white, pink, and purple on the same plant, changing color as they age.
Care: Resistant to pests and well adapted to urban areas.
How to grow: Likes full sun, well-drained soil, and light pruning after flowering.
