• Rough boulders add contrasting texture and color to your tropical landscape.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Tropical landscapes are filled with lush greenery, exotic plants and charming water features. Boulders are more traditionally associated with hardscapes in areas where water bans are commonplace but boulders also add a dramatic textural contrast to an otherwise tropical landscape. Whether you include boulders as main landscape features or subtle accent features, the addition of low-maintenance boulders sets your landscape apart from the more predictable tropical types.
  
  

Water Features

• An essential elements of a tropical landscape is a water feature. The presence of a babbling stream or small waterfalls adds both audible and visual authenticity. Instead of investing in a prefabricated waterfall made from synthetic materials, craft one of your own using stacked or lined boulders. A natural rock waterfall or backyard stream maintains the natural integrity of your landscape while adding a contrasting color and texture to your tropical yard. Bright pink mandevilla trumpets or bold hibiscus flowers along the bank of your boulder water feature make a dramatic color combination against slate gray or white granite.
  
  

Boulder Gardens

• Much of a tropical landscape's natural foliage requires consistent care and maintenance to ensure proper levels of water and sunlight for delicate tropical plants. An entire backyard of tropical flower beds of begonias or encyclia is colorful and bright but may be overwhelming for a beginner gardener.
  
  Cut down the time and costs of your landscaping care by separating your flower beds with boulder rock gardens. A frame of medium-sized boulders around each bed designates specific locations for flower types as well as aiding drainage. Instead of a high-maintenance lawn, divide each bed with a row of small boulders, round riverstones or understated granite. Each boulder garden doubles as a utilitarian pathway for navigating your tropical paradise.
  
  

Seating

• Once you've established your tropical landscape, enjoy it with designated seating area. Though most manufactured patio sets fulfill the need for seating areas, natural seating areas made from flat-topped boulders are more fitting for the natural landscape.
  
  Instead of a hammock between two of your palms, create a small seating around with three 2-foot boulders. Look for boulders with smooth, flat tops which are best for seating. A scattering of gravel around the boulders further designates the seating area and a perimeter of bold red musas flowers or delicate orange laelia blossoms adds a splash of color to the rocky area.