Written by
Sabina
Good news: you don’t need to leave home to enjoy that wonderfully relaxed holiday atmosphere. Mediterranean plants instantly give your home a sunny, stylish feel. From the iconic Olive Tree to colourful Bougainvillea: discover 5 plants that let you enjoy la dolce vita all year round!
Mediterranean plants for indoors and outdoors
We’ve rounded up 5 Mediterranean favourites that look just as good indoors as they do outside. Indoors, give the plants a spot with plenty of (direct) sunlight. Outside, they’ll feel at home in a sunny, sheltered spot in a pot on your patio, balcony or in the garden. Some Mediterranean plants, such as Olive and Fig Trees, can even stay outside all year round, provided you protect them properly from frost during colder periods.
1
Bougainvillea
Anyone who’s ever been on holiday to Spain, Italy or Greece will instantly recognise Bougainvillea. Its exuberant, colourful flowers in pink, purple, red or orange instantly create a Mediterranean atmosphere. Give this sun lover a bright, warm spot, for example in a pot, hanging basket or hanging planter, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular blooms that bring that holiday feeling to your home every day!
2
Olive Tree
An Olive Tree is a true Mediterranean classic. You may know it mainly as a garden plant, but in the right conditions, the tree can also be kept indoors. It’s like bringing a little piece of Tuscany or Provence straight into your living room. Give it the sunniest spot you have indoors (direct sunlight is absolutely fine!). In summer, the Olive Tree is happiest outdoors, on a sheltered, sunny patio or balcony.
3
Citrus
Want to bring the Mediterranean into your home through scent as well as sight? Then choose a Citrus Tree. Whether you opt for a Lemon or Lime Tree, Citrus instantly brings a sunny holiday atmosphere into your home. What’s more, many Citrus plants release a wonderfully fresh fragrance when they’re in bloom. Give your Citrus a very sunny spot (direct sunlight is fine) and, during the summer months, place the tree outside if possible, on a sheltered, sunny patio or balcony.
4
Fig Tree
With its large, deeply lobed leaves and Mediterranean look, the Fig Tree, also known as Ficus carica, is a real eye-catcher. The tree loves warmth and, in the right conditions, can even produce edible figs. Indoors, give your Fig Tree a spot with plenty of direct sunlight, for example next to a south-facing window. During the summer months, the Fig Tree is happiest outdoors, on a sunny, sheltered patio or balcony.
5
Dwarf Fan Palm
Does the thought of a holiday immediately conjure up images of swaying Palms? Then choose a Dwarf Fan Palm. This Mediterranean Palm, with plenty of Mediterranean charm, instantly puts you in the holiday mood. The plant grows relatively slowly, which also makes it suitable for smaller spaces. Indoors, give the Dwarf Fan Palm a very bright spot with direct sunlight. This plant is generally hardy down to -10°C, so it can also stay outside all year round.
Caring for Mediterranean plants
Mediterranean plants need slightly different care from plants without Mediterranean roots:
- Position: give Mediterranean plants a very sunny position. Some plants, including the 5 above, can even tolerate direct sunlight.
- Potting compost: make sure you use the right, well-draining potting compost. Ideally, choose potting compost specifically suited to Mediterranean plants.
- Watering: Mediterranean plants generally need less water than other houseplants. Allow the potting compost to dry out slightly before watering again. The exception among the 5 plants above is the Citrus Tree: it needs watering a little more often.
Fancy something a little more exotic?
Can’t get enough of that wonderful holiday feeling plants can bring? Then take a look at this article featuring 8 tropical houseplants that will transform your living room into an exotic destination. With Mediterranean and/or tropical plants in and around your home, every day naturally feels a little like a holiday, but if you are heading away after all, check out these tips and tricks to make sure your green friends survive while you’re away.
Tropical Alocasia (l) & Strelitzia (r)
