7 perfect Mediterranean plants for your home

There is no plant lover who does not give in to Mediterranean plants. And is not for less. We are not only talking about plants of incredible beauty and, usually, rich in flowers and colors. Mediterranean plants are also experts in surviving. Plants extremely resistant to lack of water. Something logical if we contemplate what the Mare Nostrum’s own climate is like: extremely hot and dry summers. Two factors that have made these plant species have adapted to the circumstances, becoming extremely rustic.

This adaptation of Mediterranean plants to lack of water is a true plant evolution. To achieve this, they have been modifying their leaves naturally. Whether losing them in times of drought or hardening them, this mechanism has led to the survival of these plants. But it is not the only curiosity of Mediterranean plants: the good number of aromatic plants in their rows is surprising. Something that is not accidental but responds to the fact that, thanks to its essential oils, they slow down evaporation in times of drought.

But let’s leave the anecdotes aside because, beyond them, it is impossible not to feel fascination with Mediterranean plants. And there is no doubt that their beauty brightens any terrace, balcony or garden in which we decide to plant them. Let us fall in love with seven of them!

A SELECTION OF MEDITERRANEAN PLANTS IDEAL FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR

Due to these characteristics that we have just seen, it can be said that Mediterranean plants are perfect for being sustainable. And it is that, as we said, its demand for water is low in the summer months. A unique attraction that not only allows us to save the water we use for the garden or terrace. It will also have a positive effect on our impact on the Planet.

Despite this incredible appeal, let us be clear on one thing. Mediterranean plants are not adapted for cold winters. Despite their extreme resistance to drought, they are not so resistant to drops in temperature. A compelling reason why, if we have them outdoors, we consider taking precautions in the winter months. The best way to be able to enjoy them again year after year.

Let’s see, then, seven Mediterranean plants for all tastes. Seven proposals for all tastes, and ideal to dress any garden or terrace in a very unique way.

1. Bougainvillea, one of the quintessential Mediterranean plants

There is no doubt: any list of Mediterranean plants must start with bougainvillea. A beautiful bushy and climbing plant, ideal to fill any human construction with life. It is curious to know that what we consider flowers are actually bracts. Some protective leaves of the authentic flowering that, however, are much more spectacular even than them.

Bougainvillea care is simple. Since it is a plant used to living in poor soils, it is not demanding in terms of substrate. Yes it is in the drainage, since its roots are extremely sensitive to waterlogging. Due to its origins, it demands to be planted in full light. And let’s not worry about watering: once a week will suffice, even in the hot months. Of course: always focused on its roots, and avoiding wetting both the leaves and the bracts.

2. Camaedorea, an exotic and easy to grow point

Also called a parlor palm, camaedorea is one of those perfect houseplants. On the one hand, because its appearance is ideal for adding an exotic air to any space. On the other, because its care is extremely simple. We insist on its cultivation indoors since it is a plant native to Mexico and Guatemala. An origin that gives us a clue about one of its characteristics: it does not like the cold at all. Therefore, the ideal is that we always have it at temperatures above 18 degrees.

As an undemanding plant that it is, its cultivation does not entail much difficulty. We can grow it both in a bright space and without light. And, while you can do without this, there is something vital for her: moisture. We must not only keep the substrate slightly moist constantly. Also, during the hot months it is important to spray water on its leaves.

3. Pelargonium

There are few Mediterranean plants that symbolize summer as much as the pelargonium. Family of the geranium and the gitanilla, it is an extremely generous plant in its flowering. But this is not its only benefit: it is also super resistant to both high temperatures and drought. A perfect plant for forgetful people since, even on the hottest days of summer, it can go without our watering.

If we know the care of the geranium, we will have it easy with the pelargonium. To favor its flowering, it is essential to locate it in a place where it receives a good amount of daily sun. Nor does it hurt to apply a fertilizer for geraniums and flower plants every 15 days. Even more than regular watering, we will have to be careful with the pest par excellence that afflicts it. Eliminating the geranium butterfly should be a real priority for the good of our plants.

4. Lemon tree

It is one of the fruit trees par excellence of the Mediterranean. Not only that: it is also a perfect candidate if we consider how to grow fruit trees in a pot. And yes: despite possible appearances, both planted directly in the ground and in a container will bear fruit. The important thing is not so much how to plant it but how to take care of it.

Regardless of the type of FAD, let’s have some things clear. To begin with, the lemon tree demands a clay soil with good drainage. As a good fruit tree that it is, we will have to find a location for it in full sun and always protected from the wind. And let’s not forget: irrigation is essential.

5. Peppermint

It is probably one of the most common aromatic plants in kitchens, urban orchards and gardens. A presence that has all the logic. Peppermint is not only a unique natural perfume for any space. It is also an ideal condiment for a good number of recipes and the soul of infusions for medicinal purposes. How not to have it!

Like most aromatic herbs, mint needs a good dose of daily sun and abundant watering. Its moisture needs make it necessary to provide the plant with good drainage.

6. Bird of paradise, a simply great bloom

Needless to say where its name comes from seeing its flowering. A gift for the senses that, we are not going to deceive ourselves, is not easy to achieve in our latitudes. The strelitzia or bird of paradise is an eminently tropical plant. A detail that marks in an incredible way a plant that demands very specific care to feel in the mood to bloom.

It not only demands a substrate with a pH of 7.5 to be able to live properly. In addition, its requirement par excellence is temperature: its comfort is always above 10 degrees. Something that will force us, if we have it planted outdoors, to protect it with the arrival of the cold. Finally, we will have to be regular with watering: it demands a constant and minimally humid substrate. Be careful with flooding: its roots are super sensitive to excesses.

7. Agave

In our proposal of Mediterranean plants, one could not be missing that is an example of survival, even in the worst scenario! And it is that the agave is one of the most resistant plants on the planet. A huge plant family that not only shares beauty. Also the extreme rusticity that marks its character.

As a good plant native to a desert environment, it demands to be located in full sun. It is not at all demanding when it comes to the substrate, but it does appreciate a fertilizer for cacti and succulents from March to October.

And now that you know them, which of these Mediterranean plants do you prefer? Hard to choose just one!