Creating a Mediterranean-style garden in the UK can be a delightful endeavor. While the climate in the UK might not match the Mediterranean exactly, there are still many plants that can thrive in a similar style garden due to the UK’s relatively mild climate. For those of you that haven’t been deterred from a taste of the Med’ by this year’s downpours, here’s a list of plants that you can consider for your Mediterranean garden in the UK:
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.): A quintessential Mediterranean plant known for its fragrant flowers and silvery foliage. Varieties like English lavender can do well in the UK climate.
2. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): This aromatic herb is a hardy evergreen shrub that will thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight.
3. Olive Trees (Olea europaea): While these might need some protection in colder parts of the UK, olive trees can be a stunning focal point in your Mediterranean garden.
4. Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens): These tall, slender trees are iconic in Mediterranean landscapes and can add a vertical element to your garden.
5. Agapanthus (Agapanthus spp.): These striking blue or white flowering plants can add a touch of elegance to your garden borders.
6. Rose Campion (Lychnis coronaria): With its silvery foliage and vibrant magenta flowers, this plant adds color and contrast to your garden.
7. Euphorbia (Euphorbia characias): These drought-tolerant plants offer unique forms and textures with their blue-green foliage and clusters of small flowers.
8. Thyme (Thymus spp.): Creeping thyme can be a great ground cover option, releasing its lovely fragrance when stepped on.
9. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia spp.): These tall, torch-like flowers come in various colors and can add a dramatic flair to your garden.
10. Grapes (Vitis vinifera): If you have a sunny spot with good drainage, you might consider growing grapes for a truly Mediterranean touch.
11. Santolina (Santolina spp.): This low-growing shrub has aromatic gray-green foliage and yellow button-like flowers.
12. Agave (Agave spp.): For a more exotic touch, some agave species can survive in the UK’s milder regions if provided with proper drainage and winter protection.
13. Sea Holly (Eryngium spp.): These spiky, metallic blue flowers can add a unique texture to your garden.
14. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’): A tall and narrow evergreen tree that adds a touch of elegance and structure to the garden.
15. Phlomis (Phlomis spp.): Known for their whorls of hooded flowers and robust foliage, these plants bring a sense of wilderness to the Mediterranean garden.
