Ten flowering perennials for a pollinator-friendly, drought tolerant Mediterranean garden

Creating a vibrant, drought tolerant, Mediterranean garden brimming with flowering perennials is not just something beautiful to look at, it is a meaningful contribution to the health of your local ecosystem. Embracing this vision enables you to fashion a year-round pollinator-friendly environment, rich in color, scent, and life, echoing the allure of a Mediterranean landscape. By incorporating these ten flowering perennials, your garden will be a bountiful banquet for pollinators, serving as a crucial food source. Each day, your garden will be a testament to the harmonious coexistence of beauty and function, and a shining example of how we can thoughtfully intertwine our lives with the natural world.

See also our Ten flowering shrubs for a pollinator-friendly, drought tolerant Mediterranean garden.

Achillea millefolium (White Yarrow)

Achillea millefolium, commonly known as White Yarrow, is an aromatic, perennial wildflower. Distinguished by its abundant, flat clusters approximately 10 cm across, densely populated by creamy-white flowers, it presents a remarkable sight. Its robust, upright clump grows between 60-90 cm in height and 30-45 cm in width. The plant thrives in full sun, in average, dry to medium moisture, and well-drained soils. Its foliage, resistant to disease, mirrors the shape of a fern’s fronds, thus adding to its allure. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a reliable attractor of butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of any garden it graces.  The plant is appreciated for its resilience in the face of drought, heat, and humidity, and resistance to deer and rabbits. Its self-seeding ability allows it to naturalize quickly. White Yarrow blooms from early to late summer, enlivening any sunny corner of the garden with its splendid vibrancy. Its adaptability extends to tolerating light shade and dry soils. A vital addition to mixed borders, cottage and rock gardens, coastal gardens, prairies, and meadows, White Yarrow serves well as a ground cover too. Its flowers, suited for bouquets and dried arrangements, are appreciated for their exceptional quality. The species is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North America. However, it should be noted that it is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Named after the Greek hero Achilles, it belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes renowned flowers such as asters, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers.

Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian)

Renowned for its bushy, well-branched structure and extended blooming season, Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber) is a perennial favourite amongst gardeners for its ornamental and vivid star-shaped flowers. Exuding a pleasant fragrance, this border beauty is as effortless to cultivate as it is stunning, posing little threat from pests or diseases and serving as a magnet for butterflies. Its appeal is further magnified by its prolific blooming capability from the onset of summer through autumn. It presents a gallery of abundant, spherical clusters of flowers in shades of crimson (Centranthus ruber ‘Coccineus’), pink (Centranthus ruber ‘Roseus’) or white (Centranthus ruber ‘Albus’), all towering above a base of blue-green, lance-shaped foliage. With a clump-forming and woody base, it comfortably grows to heights of 60-90 cm and spreads 45-60 cm. It thrives best under full sun, however, tolerates light shade and can endure average or sandy, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It even flourishes in poor soils and can tolerate drought, but it does not fare well in very hot and humid summers. Among its many attributes, it attracts birds and butterflies, yet deer tend to steer clear. As a border plant, it shines in beds, borders, cottage gardens, coastal gardens or naturalised areas, and is especially appealing when planted in stone walls. To encourage further blooming and prevent the formation of seeds, it’s recommended to remove spent flower stems. It freely self-seeds under satisfactory growing conditions, though this may lead to a weedy appearance. Its semi-evergreen bluish-green foliage and dark pink flowers tending to red, which bloom from May to July and again from September to November, add to its charm. Originally from Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor, it is used in mass perennial plantings, seed planting for revegetation of degraded areas, stony slopes, and scree. The ability of the plant to reseed easily in the garden, and its nectar-rich flowers that attract butterflies, further enhances its desirability.

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Dwarf Plumbago or Leadwort)

The Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, also known as the Dwarf Plumbago, has been widely recognized as an outstanding garden species, earning the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. With its low-growing perennial form, it appeals visually with an intriguing mat of wiry stems adorned with shiny, fresh green leaves, each approximately 5 cm long. These leaves emerge late in spring, eventually developing striking bronzy-red or purple hues in the autumn. From mid-summer to mid-autumn, the plant blooms with clusters of rich gentian blue flowers arranged in terminal heads that appear poised elegantly above the foliage. The vibrant, nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies, further promoting local biodiversity. The Dwarf Plumbago exhibits exceptional versatility as a ground cover in sunny or partly shaded areas, and also as a plant suitable for rambling over small rocks. It can effectively control erosion and grows up to 30 cm tall and 30-45 cm wide, often spreading by rhizomes to form extensive colonies in optimum growing conditions. The plant thrives in full sun, in moderately fertile, moist, and well-drained soils, although appreciates some afternoon shade in hotter climates. One should note, however, that it does poorly in wet and poorly-drained soils. Mulching is recommended if there is significant risk of frost. Springtime pruning is advised before growth begins. The plant flourishes under trees with open canopies or between shrubs. The Dwarf Plumbago is typically pest-free, although one should remain vigilant for powdery mildews. This award-winning specimen is native to western China and is ideal for a variety of garden styles, including city and courtyard, gravel and rock, and Mediterranean gardens.

Eryngium bourgatii (Mediterranean Sea-holly)

Eryngium bourgatii, also known as the Mediterranean Sea Holly, is a distinctive and versatile addition to a Mediterranean garden. Its deeply lobed foliage, which precedes its flowering phase, presents an attractive mélange of dark green and silvery-white streaks that lend it a radiant, luminescent quality. In the height of summer, the plant’s branched stems sprout striking, cone-like flower heads with slender, spiky, silvery-blue bracts which, beyond their visual appeal, make excellent components for dried flower arrangements. This perennial’s unique color and texture, its enduring flowering period, its low maintenance needs, and its suitability as a cut flower make it a highly favored choice among gardeners, not to mention a popular attraction for bees and butterflies. The Eryngium bourgatii grows in stiff, erect clusters, with each branched stem reaching heights and widths of 45-60 cm and 30-45 cm, respectively. Optimally, it thrives under full sun exposure and in dry, well-drained soils, with sunnier conditions enhancing its blue color and protecting it from winter wetness. Moreover, it tolerates poor to moderately fertile soils, making it a great choice for various types of gardens, such as those in cities, cottages, coasts, rocks, or gravel. The plant’s silvery foliage and steel-blue flowers create a gorgeous contrast with vibrantly colored summer blooms, whether planted as single specimens or in groups of three to five. In essence, Sea Holly plants are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and attractive perennials that bring a striking presence and utility to any landscape with their showy bracts and thistle-like flower heads, provided they are planted in a well-chosen location.

Erysimum x linifolium (Mauve Wallflower)

The award-winning Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’, commonly known as Wallflower, is a remarkable addition to any garden due to its vibrant displays. Its rich, mauve, four-petalled blossoms create a breathtaking spectacle from mid-spring until autumn. Nestled well above a striking grey-green foliage that remains evergreen in regions with mild winters, the flowers form a dense raceme, contributing to its visual appeal. The Wallflower attains a height of 60-75 cm and branches freely in an erect, bushy manner, spreading around 45-60 cm wide. Its adaptability makes it ideal for a myriad of uses: as a charming edging specimen, mixed with other perennial spring flowering bulbs in beds and borders, planted en masse for a captivating effect, or in containers for a more controlled aesthetic. It’s especially captivating when cascading from rock walls. Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ thrives in sunny locations, albeit it can tolerate part shade, and prefers poor to moderately fertile, alkaline, well-drained soils, demonstrating an impressive drought tolerance. Its allure extends to butterflies and hummingbirds, while remaining unappetizing to deer and rabbits. Although a perennial, it’s often treated as a biennial or a short-lived perennial; a light trim post-flowering can help maintain its neat appearance.

Foeniculum vulgare (Common Fennel)

Foeniculum vulgare, more commonly referred to as Fennel, is a perennial plant distinguished by its unique aromatic qualities. Characterized by feathery leaves as well as towering, hollow stems that support wide, flat umbels laden with minuscule golden yellow flowers, it is an inviting spectacle for the eye. The vibrant flowers, which bloom in the summer, serve as an alluring beacon for butterflies, eventually leading to the formation of fragrant seeds that further enhance the plant’s allure. Beyond its visual appeal, Fennel is also prized for its generous, intricately divided foliage, which provides a source of nourishment for various bird species, in addition to its edible bulbs. To flourish, Fennel requires a rich, well-drained soil environment and ample sunlight, reaching dimensions of up to 150 cm in height and 30-90 cm in breadth. With its capacity to attract beneficial insects and birds, while simultaneously deterring deer, Fennel proves to be a valuable asset to an array of garden styles, including beds, borders, cottage-themed gardens, and those specifically designed to attract wildlife. Moreover, its drought resistant properties make it a particularly suitable component of Mediterranean-style gardens.

Nepeta racemosa (Catmint)

Nepeta racemosa, colloquially known as Catmint or Persian Catmint, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant. Indigenous to the Caucasus, Turkey, and northern Iran, Catmint has garnered significant popularity, owed in part to its vibrant inflorescence, aromatic foliage, and the simplicity of its cultivation. Nepeta racemosa has distinct upright stems that ascend from an attractive, spreading mound, and these stems are adorned with flower spikes of varying hues, from white to blue to purple, that bloom in late spring or early summer. To prompt a second bloom, deadhead the plant post initial bloom, which encourages the plant to flower once again later in the summer season. The flowers of the Nepeta plant are situated above its strongly aromatic, gray-green foliage, which is utilized in herbal teas and as a culinary herb, adding to its allure. The plant typically reaches a height of 30-45 cm, with a spread of about 60 cm. Nepeta racemosa is a beloved garden plant, given its minimal maintenance requirements, and its adaptability to varying soil types and conditions, including full sun to partial shade, and well-draining to more arid soil. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates drought tolerance once matured. Its landscape versatility allows it to be used in garden borders, perennial borders, rock gardens, and containers, and as a ground cover or edging for beds or paths. An added bonus is its attractiveness to pollinators, as well as its relative resistance to common garden pests such as deer and rabbits, thanks to its strong fragrance and fuzzy leaves. With robust resistance to most pests and diseases, and simple propagation through division in spring or autumn, Nepeta racemosa is an ideal candidate for gardeners seeking an easy-to-grow perennial that offers both visual appeal and a fragrant aroma. Whether you’re a cat lover or a gardener looking to enhance your garden’s aesthetics and aroma, Nepeta plants prove to be an excellent choice.

Origanum vulgare (Oregano)

Origanum vulgare, better known as Oregano, is a robust perennial renowned for its woody base and bushy, rhizomatous growth. Its square stems are garnished with petite, aromatic, rounded to ovate leaves, each hosting a multitude of glands that release the herb’s characteristic scent when ruptured. From mid-summer to the onset of autumn, the plant dazzles with clusters of diminutive, two-lipped, pinkish-purple or white flowers that rise above the foliage. Reaching heights of 30-90 cm and spreading 30-60 cm wide, Oregano flourishes in full sun and thrives in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. The plant exhibits admirable heat and drought tolerance, though it struggles to cope with high humidity. Its easy maintenance, along with its relative resistance to diseases and pests, endears it to gardeners. Moreover, it is resilient against deer, making it a safe choice for open landscapes. In the early spring, pruning old flowered stems keeps the plant tidy and stimulates the growth of new leaves, with the best leaf flavor usually developing just before flowering. Propagation occurs via seeds or by division in autumn or spring. Native to Europe and North Africa, this herb is versatile and can adapt to a wide range of climates. It is suitable for herbaceous and perennial borders, and ideal for cottage and Mediterranean gardens, as well as containers. The plant is low in its water needs and can thrive in chalk, loam, and sandy soils with acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. It is well-drained and boasts attractive fragrant and showy characteristics.

Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ears)

Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina), an evergreen perennial plant, is widely admired for its plush rosettes of tongue-shaped leaves that evoke an image of soft lamb’s ears. The leaves’ velvety texture and silvery hue add textural and visual interest to any garden border. This plant is also known to sprout pink-purple flowers in late spring or early summer, adding an extra layer of fascination. However, removing these flowers aids in promoting foliage growth, thus enhancing the plant’s overall vitality. This plant is not just aesthetically pleasing; it also boasts several practical benefits. It is resistant to drought, making it an excellent choice for dry climates, and it proves a formidable adversary to deer and rabbits. Its low-maintenance and water-efficient qualities make it a favorite among gardeners. The Lamb’s Ears plant has a low, spreading habit, forming a compact mound measuring from 15-20 cm in height, and can achieve a spread of 30-90 cm. The plant flourishes in full sun or light shade and is capable of thriving in average, dry, or medium well-drained soils. Its adaptability also extends to poor soil conditions. The plant’s versatility allows it to serve a variety of functions in the garden, from edging beds and softening hard corners to serving as an accent in the border, underplanting roses or shrubs, or even filling in rock gardens. Care should be taken to remove damaged leaves to maintain a neat appearance, and the plant should be divided every 2-4 years to prevent overcrowding. This plant is quit hardy, and can adapt to a variety of soil types, including chalk, loam, and sand. It is also a welcoming plant for butterflies, adding an extra touch of charm to your garden.

Vinca major (Big Periwinkle)

The award-winning cultivar Vinca major ‘Variegata’, colloquially known as the Big Periwinkle, is celebrated for its distinctive evergreen presence as a mat-forming sub-shrub or perennial. Characterised by long, prostrate rooting stems, the plant is beautifully adorned with ivory-margined, sea green leaves. Its large, violet-blue flowers measuring about 5 cm across, bloom intermittently from mid-spring through summer to autumn on arching shoots, adding to its aesthetic appeal. This variegated periwinkle cultivar, with a robust growth habit, forms a dense carpet of rich foliage as its trailing stems root at the nodes, providing an effective solution for weed suppression and ground coverage over large expanses. It thrives in a range of environments from full sun to part shade, and tolerates dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Its drought tolerance and resilience in dry soil conditions underscore its versatility. Being a low-maintenance, hardy groundcover, it is also resistant to deer and rabbits, while demonstrating minimal vulnerability to serious pests or disease issues such as aphids or rust. With its ability to attract butterflies, Vinca major ‘Variegata’ serves not only as a visually appealing addition to any garden but also aids in promoting biodiversity.

For further reading on pollinator-friendly perennials you can check this site, or alternatively you can contact us at Sage Green Gardening directly for help and advice.