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Mediterranean-inspired gardens are becoming increasingly popular among home gardeners. Think drought-tolerant plantings, gravel pathways, rustic terracotta pots, and soothing color schemes. This gardening aesthetic isn’t just beautiful, it’s also very practical. As areas become drier and hotter, gardeners are looking for plants that are low-maintenance, sun-loving, and drought-tolerant—all characteristic of many Mediterranean plants. To help you achieve this aesthetic in your backyard, we spoke to gardening experts who shared the Mediterranean plants you can grow in your garden for a resilient, beautiful landscape.
Mediterranean plants are very popular in the United States. However, when considering non-native plants, be sure to check with your local horticultural agency to ensure you’re not selecting a species that is invasive in your area.
Common Fig
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The fig tree (Ficus carica) is native to the Mediterranean and Asia. “It was discovered thousands of years ago and has been a popular food source since,” says Adrienne Roethling, head gardener for a private estate and former curator of Juniper Level Botanic Gardens at Plant Delights Nursery. The fruits can be enjoyed fresh and dried. This tree can be grown from seed in parts of the U.S., including Florida and California.
- Zones: 7 to 9
- Size: 10 to 30 feet tall x 10 to 30 feet wide
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial sun; moist, neutral to acidic soil
Lavender
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One of the most popular Mediterranean plants, lavender (Lavandula), will fill your garden with Old-World charm. “Of the 40 or so species, gardeners are most familiar with the Spanish, French, or English lavenders,” says Roethling. “Flowers emerge in late spring and last well through the summer months. In addition to having fragrant leaves, the flowers give off the same, calming smell.” She adds that lavender does especially well in a raised bed or container.
- Zones: 5 to 9
- Size: 3 to 4 feet tall x 3 to 4 feet wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil
Rosemary
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Rosemary (Salvia officinalis) is an evergreen herb grown for its culinary and medicinal uses. “It has a wide native range in the Mediterranean, spanning Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy,” says Eleanor Storey, botanical horticulturist at Royal Botanical Gardens Kew. “It is a great plant for pollinators and provides color to beds.” The woody shrub will remain evergreen in certain zones.
- Zones: 7 to 10
- Size: 4 to 5 feet tall x 3 to 4 feet wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil
Small-Flowered Foxglove
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Small-flowered foxglove (Digitalis parviflora) is native to Northern Spain and shows off beautiful, dainty orange flowers that grow on a spike. “It is grown in shadier areas of the Mediterranean garden to provide interest and is also grown for pollinators,” says Storey. It prefers evenly moist soil and won’t tolerate conditions that are too wet or too dry.
- Zones: 4 to 8
- Size: 12 to 24 inches x 10 to 12 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; humus-rich, medium moisture, well-draining soil
Rockrose
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Rockrose (Cistus) is a group of 34 shrubs native to the Mediterranean basin, but are mainly found around Spain and Portugal, says Storey. “They are prized for their delicate, showy flowers, which tend only to last a day but are produced in profusion,” she adds. One of her favorite varieties is Gum Rockrose (Cistus ladanifer), which has large white blooms with dark red dots surrounding its yellow center. It will flower for most, if not all, of summer.
- Zones: 4 to 8
- Size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 3 to 5 feet wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil
Purple Jerusalem Sage
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Native to Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, purple Jerusalem sage (Phlomis purpurea) is a small shrub that produces beautiful whorls of hooded pink flowers throughout summer. It’s beloved by pollinators and grows happily in full sun and can tolerate periods of drought once established. A member of the mint family, this plant is best grown in containers to keep it from taking over the garden.
- Zones: 7 to 10
- Size: 2 to 4 feet tall x 3 to 5 feet wide
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil
Spanish Poppy
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Spanish poppy (Papaver rupifragum) is a native perennial variety to Spain and Morocco that is beloved for its dainty blooms. “The flowers are an alluring pale orange and will flower throughout the summer months,” says Felix Cleverly, arboretum supervisor at Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. “Best grown direct from seed, this poppy needs full sun and requires a small amount of water to germinate.”
- Zones: 5 to 9
- Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 10 to 12 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil
Judas Tree
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A stunning Mediterranean tree, Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum), is found all the way from France to Afghanistan. “Another great plant for pollinators, this tree will benefit from some moisture in the soil but can cope with periods of drought,” says Cleverly. Judas tree produces beautiful, bright pink pea-like flowers that are often used in salads.
- Zones: 6 to 9
- Size: 15 to 25 feet tall x 15 to 25 feet wide
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; slightly moist, well-draining soil
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