Choose the right spot
An open, sunny, well-drained spot is best for most Mediterranean style plants. Sandy soil with relatively low fertility is ideal. Dig in organic matter before planting to help improve soil structure and water retention, but avoid adding fertilizer as this encourages too much lush growth which will require extra watering.
Lay landscape membrane over the soil before planting to help suppress the weeds. It allows the water through, and keeps the gravel from mixing with the soil. If you plan to install a ‘drip line’ irrigation system this would lay on top of the membrane and be easily hidden under the gravel mulch.
Choosing the right plants
There are many suitable plants that will cope in full sun and look good in a gravel setting. Drought tolerant characteristics include silver or grey-green leaves to reflect the sun. Some have a coating of fine hairs on their leaves or stems, helping to trap in moisture. Arrange plants in natural drifts of 3’s or 5’s and allow plenty of room for growth and space between groups. This allows the gravel mulch to set the plants off nicely. Cut crosses in the membrane large enough to insert each plant into the planting hole, firm in and water well at the root.
Ficus carica (Figs) – this deciduous tree or shrub is renowned for their delicious and unique fruits coming in a range of shapes, colours, and flavours. This fig has pear shaped fruit that ripens to shades of green and purple. Large, lobed green leaves and grey bark provide ornamental appeal as a feature plant in the garden. Grow in well drained or moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position. Full sun.
Ceanothus (California Lilac) – most Ceanothus are drought tolerant once established. They naturally come from dry, sunny habitats and are well adapted to summer drought. Please note, they are not drought tolerant during their first year and need regular watering while roots establish.
Convolvulus cneorum – A compact, evergreen shrub valued for its silvery foliage and long flowering season. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a soft, silver-grey appearance throughout the year. From late spring into summer, it produces an abundance of pure white, funnel-shaped flowers with yellow centres, creating a bright contrast against the foliage. With a low, mounded habit, it is ideal for borders and containers. Grow in well drained soil in a sheltered spot and full sun. Height and Spread 1m.
Cordyline australis (New Zealand Cabbage Tree) – Also known as a Cabbage Tree this evergreen palm is a popular choice for exotic and tropical gardens. Often used in borders and container displays, with multiple cultivators in attractive colours of green, bronze, and purple these palms are fully hardy in the UK. Supplied as a single stem or multi stemmed tree, mature specimens of Cordyline australis flower in summer and produce white fruit clusters in autumn that are a good food source for birds. Grow in a sheltered sunny position in fertile, moist, well-draining soil. Mature Height: 4-8 metres
Choisya × dewitteana White Dazzler (Mexican Blossom) – This highly fragrant evergreen shrub is a useful addition to any garden. Mound forming this neat shrub is exceptionally free flowering in spring and often late summer into autumn. Height and Spread 1 metre. Grow in a sunny sheltered aspect on well drained soil.
Eucalyptus gunnii – A distinctive evergreen tree renowned for its aromatic foliage, attractive bark and more compact growth habit. Young leaves appear round and silvery before transforming into lance shaped greyish blue-green leaves, contrasting with the silvery-grey peeling bark. Small white, fragrant flowers appear mid-summer into autumn. Grow in moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position. Protect from cold drying winds. Full sun.
Magnolia grandiflora (Evergreen Magnolia) – An iconic evergreen tree renowned for its large, fragrant, white flowers that bloom sporadically throughout the summer, it adds dramatic beauty to any landscape. The glossy, dark green leaves are complemented by a brown underside, creating visual interest year-round. Hardy and low maintenance, it’s a timeless favourite for both formal and informal gardens. Height 12m+ Grow in moist but well drained neutral to acidic soil in a sheltered position. Full sun or partial shade.
Lavandula (Lavender) – Prized for its richly fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage. Being a Mediterranean plant (in needs if not always in geographic origin) and needs lots of sun and fast-draining soil. It will not survive long in shady, damp or extremely cold conditions. It prefers poor, dry or moderately fertile soil, including chalky and alkaline soils. Lavender will not thrive in heavy clay soil or any soil that becomes waterlogged over winter.
Olea europaea (Olive Tree) – Olive trees are attractive, slow-growing evergreens of Mediterranean origin. They form an oval-rounded head of small silvery-grey leaves, with tiny creamy white fragrant flowers appearing in summer, followed closely by cool-green olives that ripen to deep purple black. Perfect for drought tolerant/Mediterranean schemes these specimen trees also work superbly in planters.
In the UK Olives require winter protection from the hardest frosts so they benefit being in a warm, sheltered sunny spot to thrive, in well-drained fertile soil. Mature Height: 4–8m
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) – Full sun and free‑draining soil are the two non‑negotiables. Rosemary is a Mediterranean shrub adapted to heat, drought, and poor, rocky ground. It is drought‑tolerant once established and needs very little feeding.
Gravel Mulch
Once watered, add 2” to 3” of gravel mulch to help retain moisture and suppress the weeds. Perennial weeds may still come through but at a slower rate making it much easier to keep on top of them. As plants increase in size they too will help suppress weeds. For a more natural look we recommend using a local gravel to blend with the house and environment. In Berkshire for example, this is often a gravel pea shingle and in Oxfordshire a warmer Cotswold aggregate or Oxford gravel could be used. There are of course other options available such as slate.
Dont’ forget
Before planting, lay a timber, stone or brick edging to retain the gravel, particularly if the gravel garden is adjacent to lawn where a brick mowing strip of at least 200mm is recommended. Brick or terracotta is effective with this style but ensure your choice also blends well with the house brick for a complementary and effective design.
Large terracotta pots, a bird bath or sculpture carefully placed will create a focal point.
Feeling inspired?
If you would like to start the first step of your journey with us then get in touch to book our consultancy service.
For just £75*, our experienced horticulturalists will provide tailored guidance to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re interested in fast-growing solutions for quick impact, seeking the enduring beauty of evergreen plants or looking to add colour and fragrance, we can offer expert advice.
**£75 fee applies if you live within a 15-mile radius of our office. Additional fees apply outside this area. All costs include VAT.