Do you live in an area where the summer is very hot and dry, and where the winters are mild? Then you will love the Mediterranean shrubs that we are going to show you. These plants have evolved to withstand intense sun, as well as dry spells and droughts. This means that they can live with little water throughout the year, since they have very resistant roots and leaves.
Although they do not usually have large flowers like plants of tropical origin, that does not matter. As their maintenance is very low, they are ideal for those who do not have much time to take care of the plants, as well as for those who want a garden that can take care of itself.
Abulaga (Hispanic genista)
Image - Wikimedia / Sten Porse
La abulaga or 60-foot gorse, it is a thorny shrub or shrub with a compact shape that reaches 15 centimeters in height at most. The spines can be XNUMX millimeters long, so it is important that we wear gloves when we have to handle it. In spring it produces many yellow flowers 1 centimeter long. Put it in a sunny place, and don't worry too much about it: it resists drought and frost down to -15ºC.
Aladdin (Rhamnus alaternus)
Image - Wikimedia / JMK
El aladdin it is a plant that, I think, should be cultivated more. It is one of the best resistant to drought, being able to live with little water (it lives well with 350 mm of annual rainfall if it is on the ground). In addition, withstands temperatures close to 40ºC, and even the eventual floods caused by torrential rains at the end of the summeras long as the land has excellent drainage. It can be kept as a shrub or as a tree, since it can reach 8 meters if it is watered regularly throughout the year. Resists up to -12ºC.
Balearic boxwood (buxus balearica)
Image - Wikimedia / Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
The Balearic boxwood is an evergreen shrub that reaches 3 meters in height. It has large green lanceolate leaves and produces flowers in spring. It is a plant that It must be in a sunny place, growing in soil, or substrates if it is going to be in a pot, that filter the water very well. Resists up to -12ºC.
Grass of San Juan (Hypericum calycinum)
Image - Wikimedia / Franz Xaver
Although it is known as Grass of San JuanIt is actually a dwarf shrub, which reaches 30 centimeters in height, and which is perfect to have as an upholstery. It is evergreen, although in cold climates it can partially lose its leaves. The most attractive thing about this shrub are its flowers, which are yellow and also sprout in summer. As a curiosity, you should know that the petals are toxic to insects, not to people. Resists up to -15ºC.
Common rockrose (cistus ladanifer)
Image - Wikimedia / GFreihalter
La rockrose It is an evergreen plant that can measure between 1 and 3 meters in height. Its leaves are aromatic, and it produces white flowers 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter in spring. It needs direct sun, as well as acidic soils or substrates. You should also know that when you have to transplant it, it is important that you do not manipulate its rootsIf not, take it out of the pot with the whole root ball intact. It can withstand up to -7ºC, but when young it is better to protect yourself if it drops below 0 degrees.
Lavender (Lavandula)
La lavender essence it is a plant of the most appreciated in the Mediterranean gardens. Withstands drought very well, and looks great as a low hedge. Of course, in a planter or in a pot it will also give you many joys, since it grows at a good pace and blooms during the spring. Of course, it does not lack direct sunlight. It can reach up to 1 meter in height, and resist frosts down to -12ºC.
Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo)
Image - Wikimedia / GPodkolzin
El arbutus is a fantastic evergreen plant that usually grows as a 4 meter tall shrub. It is shaped like a sapling, with a rounded crown whose leaves remain on the branches for several months, until new ones replace them. Produces edible fruits, which are reddish berries, which ripen in autumn. Its growth is slow, and it can be had in pots without problem. Resists up to -18ºC.
White broom (Monosperm broom)
Image - Wikimedia / Alvesgaspar
La white broom It is a curious shrub with very thin and green branches, from which leaves do not always sprout and when they do they are very small. The flowers are white, butterfly-shaped, and appear in spring-summer. Of course, it does need to be placed in full sun, but otherwise it is ideal for dry or low-maintenance gardens. It can also be in pots. In addition, it resists up to -7ºC.
Rosemary (sage rosmarinus)
El romero it is the most popular Mediterranean shrub. It grows up to 2 meters in height, but it tolerates pruning very well, so that it is almost always grown as a 1 meter or even smaller plant, in the form of a compact ball. It has dark green leaves on the upper side and very light on the underside, and it has the peculiarity that if you pass your hand over them, it leaves you with a sweet aroma.. In addition, it blooms in spring and they are melliferous. Resists up to -12ºC.
Creeping SabinaJuniperus sabina)
Image - Wikimedia / Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
La creeping sabina it is an evergreen conifer that reaches 2 meters in height. Its branches grow horizontally and somewhat ascendingTherefore, it is not advisable to grow in pots, but it does look very beautiful in a garden, for example in the rockery. It can be kept in the sun or in the shade, but it is important that the soil drains the water well. Resists up to -18ºC.
Which of these Mediterranean shrubs did you like the most?
The creeping Sabina
Hi carlos.
Yes, it is a good bush. Thanks.
excellent article with very good photos thanks: abpaisajismo.
Thanks Alice.