What should you plant in shaded areas and beneath the canopy of trees in a Mediterranean garden? While the majority of plants adapted to arid conditions prefer full sunlight, there are many shrubs and plants that originate from the open spaces and lower layers of Mediterranean woodland that thrive in either complete or dappled shade. Here is a list of ten shrubs and plants ideal for dry, shaded spots that can grow successfully even when competing with tree roots for water and nutrients.
Acanthus mollis
- Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
- Handles competition with tree roots
- Neutral, acidic or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Perennial
Acanthus mollis, commonly known as bear’s breeches, is an elegant and stately perennial that is both adaptable and architecturally significant in a garden. This plant boasts large, glossy, and deeply lobed leaves that create a lush understorey in full sun, partial shade, or even full shade conditions. It is remarkably tolerant of competition with tree roots, making it an ideal choice for planting beneath the canopy of trees in a Mediterranean garden.
Flowering in summer, it presents tall, upright spikes adorned with white or slightly purple-tinged flowers set in a bract of dusky mauve. Each inflorescence can make a dramatic statement, reaching up to 2 meters in height, depending on the growing conditions. The contrast between its soft, textured foliage and the bold flower spikes adds visual interest and a touch of the exotic to shaded garden areas.
Moreover, Acanthus mollis is resilient and can handle periods of drought once established, making them especially suitable for the dry conditions often found in Mediterranean climates. Its ability to thrive in challenging shaded spots where other plants might struggle is a testament to its durability and makes it a valuable addition to any shade garden design.
Arbutus unedo
- Partial shade or full sun
- Handles competition with tree roots
- Neutral or acidic soils, but also calcareous (limestone soils)
- Shrub or small tree
Arbutus unedo (common name Strawberry Tree) is a versatile large shrub or a small tree, perfect for Mediterranean gardens. Its adaptability allows it to prosper in both partial shade and full sun, even amidst the competitive environment of tree roots. This resilience makes it a strong candidate for underplanting in wooded areas where light is filtered and other plants might struggle.
The Arbutus unedo is particularly noted for its attractive features throughout the year. The evergreen leaves are glossy and dark green, offering year-round visual appeal. One of the most striking characteristics of the strawberry tree is its ability to produce both flowers and fruit simultaneously in the fall. The small white to pinkish bell-shaped flowers are fragrant and provide a vital source of nectar for bees, while the round, rough-textured edible fruits resemble strawberries, adding an eye-catching pop of color and interest.
The tree typically reaches heights between 5 to 10 meters, with a naturally bushy form that doesn’t require much pruning, making it low maintenance. Its bark is an additional feature, beginning smooth and then exfoliating to reveal a reddish-brown color underneath that adds texture to the garden. The strawberry tree is not only drought-tolerant but also relatively resistant to diseases and pests, fitting into a Mediterranean landscape with ease and providing structure and continuous visual interest throughout the year.
Buxus sempervirens
- Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
- Handles competition with tree roots
- Tolerates most ph soils, including calcareous (limestone) soils
- Shrub
Buxus sempervirens, widely known as common box or boxwood, is a highly adaptable evergreen shrub that is esteemed for its versatility and dense, small-leafed foliage. Equally at home in full sun, partial shade, or full shade, it is an excellent choice for Mediterranean gardens, where it can thrive under the canopy of trees and manage the competition for water and nutrients that comes with such environments.
This shrub is favored for its ability to form crisp, clean lines, which makes it a staple for formal garden designs, including topiaries and hedging. It can be easily shaped and maintained to create precise geometric forms, borders, or even intricate parterres. The small, glossy, dark green leaves of Buxus sempervirens hold their color all year long, providing a constant backdrop for seasonal blooms and offering a stable structure in the garden landscape.
Typically growing from 1 to 8 meters tall, boxwood is slow-growing, which contributes to its manageability and popularity for clipping into defined shapes. Additionally, its tolerance for regular pruning makes it ideal for controlled garden environments and ornamental motifs.
Boxwood is also relatively drought tolerant, although it appreciates well-drained soil and some moisture during extended dry periods. Its root system allows it to coexist with trees by obtaining moisture and nutrients from the soil, making it an exemplary selection for dry, shaded areas in a Mediterranean setting. Its overall hardiness, classic aesthetic appeal, and low water requirements ensure that Buxus sempervirens remains a favorite in garden design.
Catananche caerulea
- Partial shade or full sun
- Handles competition with tree roots
- Neutral, acidic or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Perennial
Catananche caerulea, commonly known as Cupid’s dart, is a charming perennial that brings a touch of whimsy to the Mediterranean garden with its delicate, cornflower-like blooms. This plant thrives in partial shade to full sun and is capable of holding its own when grown in areas with competition from tree roots, making it a suitable choice for planting beneath tree canopies or in mixed borders with other shrubs.
Originating from dry, grassy meadows, Cupid’s dart produces clumps of narrow, gray-green foliage that forms a low-lying tufted mound, typically reaching up to 30-60 cm in height. In the summer, striking blue to lavender flower heads are borne aloft on slender, silvery stems which can add an airy quality to the garden’s visual texture. The flowers are notable for their papery bracts and a central dark button, offering a simple yet captivating beauty.
Catananche caerulea is not only valued for its aesthetic appeal but is also appreciated for its hardiness and drought tolerance, key traits for surviving in a Mediterranean climate. The plant prefers well-drained soils and once established, it requires minimal water, fitting well into xeriscaped or water-wise garden designs where water conservation is a priority. This perennial’s ability to adapt to both sun and shade, along with its beautiful and durable flowers, earn it a coveted spot in Mediterranean garden planting schemes.
Cistus creticus
- Partial shade or full sun
- Handles competition with tree roots
- Neutral, acidic or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Shrub
Cistus creticus, often referred to as the Cretan rockrose or pink rockrose, is a hardy, evergreen shrub well-suited to Mediterranean gardens. Its capacity to flourish in both partial shade and full sun, along with its remarkable ability to compete with tree roots, makes it an excellent contender for garden spaces under the dappled light of tree canopies or in open, sun-drenched areas.
This shrub typically forms a compact and bushy mound, usually reaching about 1 meter in both height and width, with a slightly round and spreading habit. The foliage of Cistus creticus is an appealing dark green, comprised of small, lance-shaped leaves that are sometimes slightly sticky to the touch, a trait common among rockroses.
In late spring and early summer, Cistus creticus comes into its glory, producing a profusion of soft pink, crinkled flowers, each adorned with a yellow center. These blossoms, although individually short-lived, are produced in such abundance that the plant continues to offer a significant display for several weeks. The flowers stand out beautifully against the plant’s verdant backdrop, lending a burst of color to the garden.
Rockroses, including Cistus creticus, are renowned for their toughness and drought resistance—their native habitats are the dry, rocky hillsides of the Mediterranean, after all—allowing them to cope with the arid conditions and poor soils that challenge other plants. Their resilience, coupled with their aesthetic beauty, makes them a low-maintenance choice for gardeners looking to replicate a Mediterranean landscape, providing enduring structure, and vibrant floral interest without the need for extensive care or watering.
(See about Cistus creticus (Cretan Rockrose) also in Ten flowering shrubs for a pollinator-friendly, drought tolerant Mediterranean garden)
Coronilla emerus
- Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
- Handles competition with tree roots
- Alkaline, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Shrub
Coronilla emerus, also known as the Scorpion senna, is an adaptable and graceful shrub that is suited to a range of lighting conditions in the Mediterranean garden. It has the rare ability to bear both sun-drenched environments and the subdued light of full or partial shade, all while holding its own in areas where it must compete for resources with the root systems of larger trees.
This deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub reaches a modest height of about 1 to 2 meters, displaying a fine-textured, open habit that can contribute a light, airy feel to planting designs. With its arching branches, Coronilla emerus offers a gentle, rounded shape that can soften landscape lines.
The true allure of the Scorpion senna lies in its charming, sweetly-scented yellow flowers which bear a unique resemblance to small pea blossoms, as it is a member of the legume family (Fabaceae). These blossoms typically emerge in spring and often continue sporadically throughout the summer, drawing in pollinators such as bees. The light-green, pinnate leaves complement the bright floral display and add to its delicate appearance.
Coronilla emerus is valued not just for its blossoms but for its overall resilience. It thrives in well-drained soils and, once established, shows good drought tolerance—a trait highly appreciated in the warm and dry Mediterranean climate. Its ability to prosper with limited attention and care makes it an excellent candidate for naturalistic plantings and for gardeners who desire a low-maintenance, but visually striking, planting palette. The Scorpion senna’s combination of adaptability, attractive blooms, and fragrance make it a delightful addition to diversify the garden’s structure, color, and sensory experience.
Laurus nobilis
- Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
- Handles competition with tree roots
- Neutral, acidic or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Shrub or tree
Laurus nobilis, widely recognized as the bay laurel or sweet bay, is an esteemed plant known for its aromatic leaves which are commonly used as a culinary herb. As a versatile species, it can serve as both a shrub or a tree and is robust enough to prosper in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. Additionally, it can withstand the competition with tree roots, making it a versatile choice for various locations within a Mediterranean garden setting.
Typically, Laurus nobilis can grow to between 2 to 10 meters in height, forming a dense, evergreen presence with a pyramidal to oval shape when allowed to develop naturally. Its leaves are dark green and glossy with a leathery texture, and when crushed, they release the distinctive fragrance for which bay is celebrated. In spring, small yellow flowers appear in clusters, though they are rather inconspicuous compared to the bold foliage they accompany. Some of these flowers develop into small, black berries when pollinated, which can also add to the plant’s ornamental appeal.
The bay laurel is highly valued for its slow growth rate and ease of maintenance. It responds well to pruning and can be shaped into formal topiaries, hedges, or standalone specimens. This adaptability in form and habit allows gardeners to use Laurus nobilis in a variety of design contexts, from structured to more naturalistic approaches.
Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, the bay laurel is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant that can adapt to multiple microclimates within the Mediterranean garden. Whether utilized for its ornamental qualities, its fragrant and culinary foliage, or both, Laurus nobilis remains a classic and practical addition to the landscape.
Myrtus communis
- Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
- Handles competition with tree roots
- Neutral, acidic or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Shrub
Myrtus communis, commonly known as the common myrtle, is a timeless and aromatic evergreen shrub that is a staple in Mediterranean gardens. It is remarkably versatile, thriving in full sun, partial shade, or even full shade, while also being able to cope with the demanding conditions of competing with tree roots for water and nutrients.
The common myrtle typically reaches a height of 1.5 to 3 meters, presenting a dense and bushy habit. Its small, shiny, dark green leaves are fragrant when crushed and are a defining feature of the plant, along with the clusters of small, star-like, white flowers that blossom in the summer. These delicate flowers not only add a splash of brightness to the garden but also emit a sweet, honey-like fragrance that can be quite captivating. Following the flowering season, the plant produces purplish-black berries that are both decorative and edible, though more often used as a spice or in traditional medicine rather than consumed fresh.
Myrtus communis is recognized for more than its aesthetic qualities; it is also prized for its ease of care and resilience. The shrub can handle dry spells quite well once established, although it benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry periods in the Mediterranean climate. It can be pruned and shaped easily, making it suitable for formal hedges or topiary, yet it is just as attractive when left to grow naturally.
With its capacity for formal shaping or casual growth, pleasant scent, and dual ornamental and practical uses, Myrtus communis is a multifaceted shrub that can serve various functions in a garden design, embodying the essence of the Mediterranean landscape. Whether used as a feature plant, hedge, or part of a mixed border, common myrtle adds a layer of texture, color, and sensory delight to any garden space.
(See about Myrtus communis (Common Myrtle) also in Ten flowering shrubs for a pollinator-friendly, drought tolerant Mediterranean garden)
Teucrium chamaedrys
- Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
- Handles competition with tree roots
- Tolerates most ph soils, including calcareous (limestone) soils
- Perennial
Teucrium chamaedrys, commonly referred to as wall germander, is a perennial herb that can blend seamlessly into the Mediterranean landscape. Noted for its durability, it can survive in full sun, partial shade, or full shade situations, and its robust root system allows it to compete effectively with tree roots for soil resources.
Wall germander typically grows to about 15 to 30 cm in height and forms a neat, low-growing mound that can spread to around 45 to 60 cm. Its small, shiny, oval leaves are dark green and resemble those of a miniature shrub. In a garden setting, this plant is often valued for its foliage, which can be trimmed into crisp, formal edges, much akin to boxwood. This makes it an excellent choice for low hedges in parterre gardens, along borders, or in knot gardens.
During the summer months, Teucrium chamaedrys reveals an added layer of beauty when it exhibits an abundance of rosy-purple to pink flowers. These flowers are small but numerous, holding above the foliage on short spikes and providing a decorative contrast to the greenery beneath. The blooms attract bees and butterflies, adding pollinator-friendly qualities to the plant’s list of attributes.
Adaptability and low maintenance are some of the appealing aspects of wall germander. It is particularly drought-tolerant once established, which is a significant advantage in the typically dry Mediterranean climate. Furthermore, this hardy perennial is generally pest and disease resistant, which simplifies garden care.
Ideal for both formal and informal garden designs, Teucrium chamaedrys offers structure, texture, and a subtle floral display that can enhance a Mediterranean garden’s variety and appeal. Its resilient nature, combined with the neat appearance and ability to fit into diverse garden styles, makes wall germander a versatile and valuable addition to any landscape.
Viburnum tinus
- Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
- Handles competition with tree roots
- Neutral, acidic or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Shrub
Viburnum tinus, popularly known as the laurustinus or simply viburnum, is a robust and evergreen shrub that is highly appreciated in the Mediterranean garden for its adaptability to a range of light conditions and its capacity to endure competition from tree roots. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for many garden situations, whether it’s in a sunny spot, under dappled light, or in a shadier area under canopy trees.
This resilient shrub can attain a height and spread of 2 to 3 meters, making it an ideal candidate for creating hedges, screens, or as a background plant in a border. The dark, lustrous foliage of Viburnum tinus is comprised of dense, oval leaves that maintain their deep green color throughout the year, offering a continuous backdrop of verdant texture.
One of the most striking characteristics of laurustinus is its lengthy period of flowering. Beginning in late winter and continuing into spring, it produces dense clusters of pink buds that later open into small white or lightly pink-tinged flowers. These aromatic blossoms are followed by metallic blue to black berries, which can persist into the autumn and are popular with birds and other wildlife, adding to the plant’s year-round interest.
Viburnum tinus is valued for its relatively low-maintenance nature and its ability to handle a range of soil types, including those that are less fertile. It is also quite drought-tolerant once fully established, making it well-suited to the Mediterranean climate. Despite its hardiness, occasional watering during prolonged dry spells can help maintain its vibrancy.
With its lush foliage, extended blooming period, and bonus of attractive berries, Viburnum tinus is a practical and visually appealing shrub. It brings structure, texture, and color to gardens and landscapes, serving as a reliable foundation plant with lasting ornamental appeal.
(See about Viburnum tinus also in Ten flowering shrubs for a pollinator-friendly, drought tolerant Mediterranean garden)
For further reading about plants for the Mediterranean shade see here, or you can contact us directly at Sage Green Gardening to discuss your garden’s needs.