In a previous post we gave you some ideas for a Mediterranean garden brimming with flowering perennials. Here we outline ten flowering shrubs for your pollinator-friendly, drought tolerant Mediterranean garden. These flowering shrubs will help transform your garden into a rich feast for pollinators, playing an essential role in their nourishment. Observe daily, as your garden becomes a symbol of the fine balance between aesthetics and usefulness, showcasing the thoughtful incorporation of our lives within the natural environment.
Abelia x grandiflora
Abelia × grandiflora (Glossy Abelia), is a versatile and resilient medium-sized shrub with an appealing semi-evergreen nature and rounded form. Its distinct characteristics comprise gracefully arching branches enveloped with dense clusters of small, oval-shaped, glossy dark green leaves. A striking feature of this plant is its abundantly produced white, bell-shaped flowers adorned with a subtle pink hue which slightly emanate a light fragrance. The flowering period of Abelia is exceptionally long, starting from later part of spring and extending into the autumn. The foliage of Abelia undergoes a captivating autumn transformation, changing to a striking purplish-bronze. It flourishes in full sun or partial shade, demonstrating its adaptability to a variety of environmental conditions. Abelia thrives best in well-drained soils of average to medium moisture compositions, and prefers protection against hard freeze. The utility of this plant extends beyond its ornamental allure because it can be planted as a specimen or in small clusters, used as an informal hedge, or placed in shrub or wall-side borders. Notably, Abelia is a low-maintenance plant largely impervious to pests and diseases, moreover, it exhibits deer resistant qualities. Its blooms, which primarily occur on new wood, serve as a rich source of nectar and pollen, attracting a plethora of beneficial insects including bees and butterflies.
Ceanothus ‘Concha’
Recognised as one of the premier varieties of California Lilacs, the internationally acclaimed Ceanothus ‘Concha’ is esteemed for its rich, evergreen demeanor as a shrub and for the remarkable proliferation of deep blue blossoms that adorn it in the latter part of spring and the onset of summer. The flowers emerge from buds of an intriguing reddish-purple hue, so plentiful in their numbers that they seemingly clothe the shrub in a vibrant blue shroud, utterly transfiguring the plant in a breathtaking explosion of blue hues. These flower clusters thrive on elegantly rising, arching branches furnished with petite, dark green leaves. The shrub is inevitably swarming with various bird species, butterflies, and hummingbirds, earning it a reputation as an exquisite and resilient variant of the Californian Lilac. With the esteemed Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, this distinguished plant exhibits a compact and robust growth pattern, reaching a height of 120-240 cm and spanning an impressive 180-360 cm wide, with the size being maximised in milder climatic conditions. These shrubs demonstrate an admirable adaptability to a variety of soil conditions, from dry to medium moisture, and prefer well-drained soils exposed to full sunlight, although they do appreciate afternoon shade in areas with sweltering summer heat. Despite their ability to withstand a broad range of soil types and degrees of alkalinity, they do benefit from a sheltered position. Mature plants do not require additional summer watering, making them a quintessential background plant for Mediterranean-style drought tolerant gardens. Their outstanding features make them ideal candidates for specimen plants, additions to wall-side borders, hedges, or screens, or as an integrated component in shrub borders.
Cistus creticus (Cretan Rockrose)
Cistus creticus ( Cretan Rockrose, epitomises the spirit of the Mediterranean region with its mastery of resilience and beauty. This compact, evergreen shrub, endowed with an arresting amalgamation of deep purple-pink to rose pink flowers, is a testament to nature’s artistry. The outstanding feature of this deciduous shrub is its vibrant 2-inch wide flowers, enriched with striking orange stamens. Unmatched in transient beauty, these flowers bloom and wither within a day, but that fleeting existence is counterbalanced by the plant’s robust vitality, producing a profusion of blossoms from late spring and sporadically throughout the summer. Complementing the floral spectacle is a dense covering of grey-green leaves, featuring wavy edges and a subtle aroma. These blossoms are also very attractive to bees and butterflies, making Cistus creticus an invaluable asset for pollinator gardens. Indigenous to Southern Europe, the Cretan Rockrose is specifically adapted to endure tough environmental conditions, demonstrating commendable drought tolerance and resistance to cold down -10ºC; this robust shrub thrives in full sun, requiring dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils. A testament to its hardy nature, the Cretan Rockrose is resistant to most pests and diseases and tolerant to saline conditions. It’s perfect for various garden styles including coastal and Mediterranean gardens, rock and city gardens, cottage gardens, as well as for use as ground-covers on slopes, beds, borders, and walls. All these attributes, along with its role as a pollinator shrub, highlight Cistus creticus as a wonderful combination of aesthetic and ecological value.
Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender or French Lavender)
Lavandula stoechas, widely known as Spanish lavender or French lavender, is an evergreen shrub indigenous to the Mediterranean climate of Europe, specifically Spain, Portugal, and France. This plant features soft, narrow-looking leaves in a grey-green shade that release a unique, aromatic scent. It’s flowers are dense, conical floral clusters that perch at the summit of each stem that are primarily purple in hue but also occasionally pink or white, and don ‘rabbit ear’ bracts on their crowns, depicting a likeness to wings. Spring in mid-May heralds the emergence of blossoms on Spanish lavender, making it one of the earliest blooming lavender species. A succession of blooms often follows in June and again in the late summer or autumn, providing a prolonged blooming period. The plant’s potently sweet aroma makes it a favored element in perfumes, aromatic oils, and other aromatherapy commodities. This species typically assumes a bushy mound form, spreading to a maximum height and width of between 60-90 cm. Lavandula stoechas thrives in hot conditions, and is hardy to -15ºC. Spanish lavender also plays a vital role in ecosystems as an excellent source of nectar and pollen for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It prefers exposure to at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, planting in light, well-draining, and sandy soil, minimal watering supplemented by deep irrigation during the growing season, and minimal application of balanced fertilizer. Pruning should be done after flowering to stimulate bushier growth, while protection from frost should be done in colder climates. Although resistant, Spanish lavender may be prone to root rot if planted in poorly-drained soil, overwatered, or over-fertilized.
Myrtus communis (Common Myrtle)
Myrtus communis (Common Myrtle), is a medium-sized evergreen shrub treasured for its petite, glossy green leaves, which exude an aromatic, invigorating scent when crumpled. Owing to its unique attributes, Common Myrtle is a vital attraction for pollinators, with its heaping bloom of fragrant, resplendent white flowers creating an alluring spectacle from mid-spring to early summer. Following this, the blooms gradually give way to enticing purplish-black berries. The shrub naturally flourishes to a stout, rounded dimension—usually reaching between 240 to 360 cm. Common Myrtle thrives in sunny to shaded regions with moist but well-drained soil. However, it prefers a sheltered location offering defense against the biting cold winter winds. Remarkably resistant to drought and tolerant to frosts down to -10ºC, its versatility as a planting option is underscored by its suitability to various landscape scenarios—from wall-side borders and shrub borders to hedges. It can grace city gardens, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens, and even manage elegantly within containers. The Common Myrtle’s hardiness is further established by its virtual freedom from diseases and pests.
Phlomis bovei subsp. maroccana
Phlomis bovei subsp. maroccana, a species belonging to the Lamiaceae family, serves as an exceptional pollinator shrub, drawing a wealth of beneficial insects to its alluring blossoms. Brandishing distinctive large, downy leaves that are either evergreen or semi-evergreen, this intriguing plant imbues a perpetual freshness to any landscape. Its stunning two-tone flowers, which bloom during May and June, comprise a delicate soft-pink lower lip coupled with a pristine white helmet, and are arrayed in well-spaced whorls that create a striking visual display. Rising 40 to 60 cm in foliage height, the flowers further extend to approximately 100 cm, with a width of 80 cm. Resilient to the core, it exhibits exceptional hardiness down to -10 to -12°C. Remarkably adaptable, Phlomis bovei subsp. maroccana is indifferent to soil type. It flourishes best in sunny exposures, reflecting its roots in the mountainous terrains of Morocco. This versatile plant player holds its own in perennial beds, and can add considerable charm to any Mediterranean garden.
Phlomis fruticosa (Jerusalem Sage)
The award-winning Phlomis fruticosa (Jerusalem Sage), stands as an impressive specimen of the Phlomis family, well deserving of its prestigious Award of Garden Merit issued by the esteemed Royal Horticultural Society. This semi-evergreen shrub is a delight for pollinators with deep golden-yellow blooms shaped like intricate hoods adorning the upper reaches and tips of steroidal, erect stems, making their stunning debut in the early spectacles of summer. What makes this shrub particularly captivating is its ability to sporadically release additional flushes of blooms throughout the growing season, provided that the stems are promptly pruned back post-flowering. The plant’s lance-shaped leaves are reminiscent of sage in their soft woolly grey-green hue, and while they lack sage’s aromatic freshness, their visual appeal is undeniably enchanting. An architectural beauty, the plant leaves its seed heads intact over the winter season, granting a visually arresting effect. The shrub maintains a modest size, growing up to 100 cm high and spreading up t 150 cm wide making it ideal for cozy garden spaces. It thrives in full sun, seeking fertile, well-drained soils that can oscillate between dry to medium moisture levels. Once established, the plant demonstrates excellent drought tolerance.
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), eloquently exemplifies the allure of a quintessential Mediterranean style garden, and is a major attraction for bees and butterflies . This evergreen shrub, adorned with needle-like leaves measuring approximately 2-3 cm, offers an intoxicating aromatic allure and features clusters of striking pale blue to white flowers. The blossoms festoon the plant during winter and spring, while occasionally offering sporadic blooms in the summer or fall, especially if the bush undergoes trimming post its late winter to spring bloom. The foliage, densely-packed and intensely fragrant, emits a fresh scent upon contact, making it an ideal asset along paths, walkways, or within containers on sun-drenched patios or decks. The prostrate varieties compellingly cascade over walls or blanket challenging grounds too arid, sandy or rocky for other ground covers. This incredible shrub can also be sculpted to create a fragrant hedge or even stunning topiaries; it requires pruning post-flowering. The added advantage stems from its thousand years old use as an aromatic and medicinal herb, fulfilling roles from seasoning meats and vegetables, to contributing to toiletries or sachets. Exhibiting a height and spread between 60-180 cm and 60-150 cm respectfully, on average. It thrives in sandy, poorly to moderately fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soils under robust sunlight. This resilient plant performs poorly in heavy clay soils but is exceedingly drought tolerant once established. Rosemary finds it niche in wall-side borders, beds and borders, coastal and city gardens, Mediterranean, rock and cottage gardens and within containers. It forms an outstanding, informal, low hedge and is essentially immune to diseases and pests.
Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage)
Defining the quintessential allure for bees and butterflies, Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage) is a verdant sub-shrub revered for its vividly hued racemes of two-lipped floral clusters. These magnificent blooms come not only in red, but also in enchanting shades of purple, pink, yellow, or deep violet, and even white. Rhythmic with the blooming of spring to the first spell of frost, these flower clusters ornate themselves in whorls above a rich minty aromatic foliage – a tapestry of diminutive, ovate, velveteen green leaves, each extending to a length of approximately 5 cm. As the heat of summer intensifies, the shrub experiences a subtle decline in its profuse blossoming, yet gracefully rejuvenates come autumn. Embracing inherent resilience, Salvia greggii resists challenges of heat, humidity, and drought, making it a coveted choice in landscape design. It grows comfortably up to a height and width of 60-100 cm, flourishing in an ideal setting of full sun, dry to medium, well-drained soil of moderate fertility. Once rooted, its inherent persistence necessitates minimal nurturing and it is largely resilient to diseases, expecting nothing more than a sparse deadhead to extend its blossoming period.
Viburnum tinus
Characterized by its remarkably decorative features, Viburnum tinus is a robust, evergreen shrub. Esteemed for its captivating clusters of flowers, vibrant berries, and enduring, leathery foliage, it forms a wonderful addition to many gardens. As winter melds into mid-spring, myriads of petite, white flower clusters, redolent with a delicate fragrance, emerge from pale pink buds, spanning 5-10 cm across. These displays, laden with nectar, are a favored destination for a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. The copious blossoms gracefully yield to the spectacle of bright, metallic blue berries. Complemented by the dense, evergreen canopy of glossy, dark green, ovate leaves, Viburnum tinus is a prime selection for diverse shrub borders or unobtrusive screens or as a specimen plant. This hardy plant lends an air of undiluted vigor and reliability to any garden, flowering profusely during winter when most other flora are dormant. Attaining an upright, rounded growth habit, it can reach a proud height of 240 cm and spread of 180 cm. While thriving best in full sunlight or dappled shade, Viburnum tinus tolerates full shade, and it displays remarkable adaptability to a range of soil conditions, be it moderately fertile, humus-rich, sandy or clay, provided they are well-drained. Although the plant can withstand periods of drought when established, sporadic watering during dry spells promotes optimal flower and fruit development. A preferred shrub for pollinators, Viburnum tinus provides a charming spectacle while serving a practical purpose, securing its status as a worthwhile addition to any garden setting.
For more ideas on pollinator-friendly shrubs you can check the RHS website, or alternatively you can contact us at Sage Green Gardening directly for help and advice.
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