Discover the ideal plants for a low-maintenance Mediterranean-inspired garden! When we think of a beautiful, sustainable garden, it’s natural to imagine a space that blooms with little effort and stays green and balanced, even on the hottest days of the year. This idea may seem like a distant dream, but the truth is that the key may simply lie in prioritising plants that are well adapted to our Mediterranean climate.
Native species, which have grown here for centuries, shaped by the sun, the rain and the characteristics of the different seasons, have developed natural defences and don’t need special care. They are more resistant to pests, tolerate water shortages better, help preserve the identity of our landscape and play an essential role in protecting biodiversity. They provide food and shelter for many native species of insects and birds, which means that a garden with this type of plant is also a more lively and balanced space.
Be amazed! Choosing this type of vegetation doesn’t mean giving up colour or texture; there is a huge variety of native plants with exuberant flowering, intense aromas and fantastic shapes. Whether you’re looking for a sunny terrace, a shady patio or a ground floor garden, the perfect “Portuguese” plant for your space is out there.
Take a look at the selection we’ve put together for you, which you can find or order in one of our garden centres or online.
WHICH NATIVE OUTDOOR PLANTS ARE ADAPTED TO THE MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE?
Trees
- Olive tree (Olea europea): A very common tree in the Portuguese flora, it is small and has a rounded crown. It grows slowly and is very well adapted to the entire Mediterranean region. It is a historic species with a rough trunk and persistent, greyish foliage.
- Cork Oak (Quercus suber): A tree that symbolises Portugal, it produces cork, adapts to poor soils and is drought-resistant.
- Holm oak (Quercus ilex): A tree native to the Mediterranean region and abundant in Portugal. It has been widely used since ancient times to produce firewood and charcoal. It tolerates high temperatures and extreme dryness, acting as a soil protector.
- Stone pine (Pinus pinea): This tree originated in the Mediterranean region and is widespread in Portugal. With a characteristic flat, rounded crown, it has been used since prehistoric times as a source of food due to the pine nuts it produces. It can reach a height of 30 metres, although it is usually found between 12 and 20 metres.
Shrubs
- Cistus (Cistus ladanifer): Hardy shrub with white or pink flowers and greyish-green leaves. It adapts well to dry soils and requires intense sun exposure.
- Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo): Known for its edible fruits (the “medronhos” – arbutus berries), this shrub is resistant to heat and cold and is also ornamental.
- Laurel (Laurus nobilis): Evergreen shrub with aromatic leaves widely used in Mediterranean cuisine, very resistant to drought.
- Mastic Tree (Pistacia lentiscus): Aromatic and resinous shrub with evergreen leaves and yellowish or reddish flowers. It is native to Mediterranean Europe and grows in all types of soil. It provides protection and food for birds and other fauna.
- Narrow-leaved mock privet (Phillyrea angustifolia): Shrub with evergreen foliage and flexible branches. It is famous for its whitish, fragrant flowers.
- Myrtle (Myrtus communis): Evergreen shrub with aromatic leaves and white flowers. Present in many gardens and natural landscapes throughout the country. Known since classical antiquity, it is renowned for its aromatic and medicinal properties.
- Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): A tree with a rounded crown, white flowers and black edible fruit, it is used in hedges.
- Juniper (Juniperus communis): Evergreen shrub with dark blue berries and dark green foliage. Originally from North America, it is perfectly adapted to the Mediterranean region. Drought-resistant, it is ideal for rocky areas.
- Hairy-fruited Broom (Cytisus striatus): A shrub with yellow flowers, commonly known as Portuguese broom, it adapts to poor soils and is drought-resistant.
- Corriola (Convolvulus althaeoides): Climbing plant with pink flowers, suitable for covering walls or trusses, it is hardy and easy to maintain.
Aromatics
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Aromatic shrub with lilac flowers. It is considered to be the most resistant lavender adapted to our climate. It tolerates drought well and is ideal for sunny areas.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Aromatic shrub with evergreen leaves and bluish flowers, resistant to drought and widely used in culinary.
- Prostrate rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis prostratus): A shrub identical to common rosemary, very hardy and used in gardens, but with creeping growth, ideal for ground cover situations.
- Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Aromatic creeping plant with pink flowers, ideal for ground cover in sunny areas, it is drought-resistant.
- Green Santolina (Santolina rosmarinifolia): Small aromatic shrub with green leaves and yellow bud-shaped flowers, tolerates the lack of water well.
(Lavandula angustifolia)
(Rosmarinus officinalis)
(Thymus serpyllum)
(Santolina rosmarinifolia)
