By far, one of our most asked- for garden design styles, mediterranean gardens combine drought-tolerant planting with warm, textural materials to create beautiful, relaxed spaces. They transport us to warm, balmy evenings, the scent of lavender and jasmine in the air, and gardens filled with textural planting.
As the UK experiences warmer summers and milder winters, particularly along the southern coastline, many Mediterranean plants are proving more resilient in British gardens. This opens some exciting possibilities for planting design schemes, recreating gorgeous mediterranean schemes in your own space.
Before we rush into our favourite mediterranean planting schemes, it is crucial to understand what soil, light and conditions your own garden has.
Light
Drainage
Excellent drainage should always be your first consideration. While many Mediterranean plants can tolerate cooler temperatures, they are far less tolerant of sitting in cold, waterlogged soil over winter. Sandy, chalky and free-draining loam soils are ideal, while heavy clay soils will require drainage improvements before planting.
Here’s some of our favourite Mediterranean plants that thrive on the British coast, to help you create a garden that captures the character and warmth of the Mediterranean.
Lavender – A Mediterranean classic, loved for its fragrant flowers, silvery foliage and ability to attract pollinators.
Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine)– A beautifully fragrant evergreen climber that brings a true Mediterranean feel to walls, pergolas and fences.
Gaura– Delicate, airy blooms that add softness and movement to planting schemes.
Euphorbia characiaswulfenii – An architectural evergreen with striking lime-green flower heads that provide year-round structure.
Euphorbia myrsinites – A low-growing evergreen with trailing blue-grey foliage and vibrant spring flowers, perfect for softening edges.
Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’– Aromatic evergreen foliage with cascading stems and soft blue flowers, ideal for walls, raised beds and pots.
Erigeron – A long-flowering perennial covered in daisy-like blooms that effortlessly spill between paving and gravel.
Ficus carica – Large, sculptural leaves and delicious fruit make the fig tree a true Mediterranean statement.
Verbena bonariensis – Tall, airy stems topped with purple flowers that bring height, movement and attract pollinators.
Kniphofia – Bold torch-like flowers in warm tones that add colour and a dramatic architectural element.
Stipa tenuissima – Fine, feathery grass that catches the light and brings beautiful movement to the garden.
Salvia ‘Blue Spire’ – Upright spires of violet-blue flowers that provide long-lasting colour and attract bees throughout summer.
Eryngium – Architectural blue flower heads that thrive in coastal conditions.
