Expert-approved plants to cool your outdoor space
The list of best expert-approved plants to cool an al fresco seating area this summer reads like a garden-design cheat sheet, showing how foliage can lower perceived temperature without a single fan.
When selecting the best hot-weather plants to cool your outdoor seating areas, look for generous foliage, height, and dense growth. Leaves with a large surface area can help to provide shade, whilst climbing plants can reduce the amount of direct sunlight hitting you and your garden furniture. Certain trees and shrubs are also brilliant at improving humidity levels. If you have a palatial patio or a compact terrace that could use some strategic additions to help make your area more welcoming, these plants are our favourites for creating shelter and that much-needed shade.
Cool-creating foliage for patios
Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) reaches about 1.5 m when conditions are right. Its arching fronds form a soft, ground-level canopy that softens stone paving and timber decks. The plant prefers moist, humus-rich soil and partial shade, making it a reliable choice for spots that dry out in July.
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) climbs walls, fences and pergolas with vigor. Five-lobed leaves create a thick curtain that blocks direct sunlight, reducing heat buildup on nearby structures. The vine tolerates a range of soils but thrives with adequate moisture and room to spread.
Japanese maple offers layered branches and delicate foliage that filter light while providing summer relief. Compact cultivars fit containers, whereas larger trees suit expansive patios. The species prefers shelter from harsh afternoon sun and rich, moisture-retentive soil.
Shade-giving shrubs and trees
Clump-forming bamboo varieties such as Fargesia generate dense stems without the invasiveness of running types. Their height and leafy growth create a screen that shields seating areas from intense sun, while regular watering keeps the foliage lush during heat spikes.
A mature tree fern produces a rainforest-like umbrella of fronds that casts deep shade and traps moisture beneath. Though slower to establish, an adult plant can form a humid microclimate that feels noticeably cooler than open patio space.
Several hydrangea cultivars deliver large leaves that form a rounded canopy, softening hardscape edges. These shrubs flower from June through October and prefer moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil, making them a dual-purpose addition for shade and color.
