Mediterranean Garden Plants – Colors and Scents

There is nothing more beautiful than a Mediterranean garden, a mix of plants full of texture, color and scents. Its exoticism and richness delight our sense and help us find tranquility among flowers with strong colors, of different shapes and sizes, that carry with them the light and the wellbeing of the Greek islands or the Italian, Spanish and French coasts. Even if we don’t live there, we all can arrange a Mediterranean garden by observing some simple rules that concern the peculiarity of the plants. Here are some suggestions of Mediterranean garden plants to get that exotic space of leisure:

Lavender is well-known for its strong fragrance. This easy-care plant enjoys hot, dry conditions, making it suitable for use in a variety of landscape settings and an excellent candidate for areas prone to drought.

Santolina is a perennial plant with small grey leaves and small yellow flowers. The plant can be cut back into round balls or low hedges. It is known under different names which refer to the plant being seen as a sacred one in the middle ages thanks to its curative qualities. It can be grown along lavender for a mix of colors and scents.

Rosemary is a deep green foliage plant with characteristic smell. It is suitable for small topiaries and very useful herb in Mediterranean cookery. It also keeps mosquitos away if grown in a pot and placed inside. Basil, savory and oregano are other aromatic plants that can be grown in your Mediterranean garden.

Oleander is an evergreen decorative shrub and small glossy leaves and rosy flowers with a delicate scent.

Geraniums are also a common presence in the Mediterranean gardens and can be grown in pots and moved around the garden and the house, with a stronger visual impact in suspended containers.

Bougainvillea (the opening picture) is another opulent floral shrub with different color flowers, depending on the species. It can also be grown in pots and suspended along rails and balconies for a more appealing effect.

Mediterranean gardens can also be embellished with large shrubs or trees such as bay trees (fit for topiary), Italian cypress (with its long shape, similar to Thuja), lemon, orange trees and the olive tree. It is recommended you grow them in large containers so you can move them inside if you live in a cold climate. For an extra visual effect, choose objects that remind of the local culture, such as columns, amphorae, statues and fountains.

Sources: Mediterraneangardensociety.org, Landscapingnetwork.com, French-gardens.com