Creating a Mediterranean-inspired garden in the UK is easier than you might think. With the right plant choices, you can achieve that sun-drenched vibrant aesthetic while ensuring your garden thrives in the British climate. Mediterranean-style gardens are known for their drought-tolerant, long-flowering plants, rich in textures, and intoxicating fragrances. Whether you want a Tuscan retreat, a Provencal paradise, or a coastal inspired haven, these Mediterranean-style summer flowers will bring warmth, colour and structure to your garden.
• Lavender (Lavendula) – The quintessential Mediterranean Flower
No Mediterranean-style garden is complete without the calming scent and striking colour of lavender. Not only is it a fantastic pollinator plant, but it also thrives in well-drained soil and sunny locations – perfect for UK gardens.
Top Varieties to plant in June:
• Lavendula stoechas ‘Anouk’ – French lavender with distinctive butterfly-like petals
• Lavendula augustifolia ‘Hidcote’ – Compact, deep purple blooms, ideal for edging pathways.
• Lavendula ‘Grosso’ – A hybrid variety with strong fragrance and excellent weather resistance
Left to right: Lavendula stoechas ‘Anouk’, Lavendula augustifolia ‘Hidcote’, Lavendula ‘Grosso’
Agapanthus – Elegant Mediterranean Flair
Known as the African Lily, agapanthus adds architectural beauty to any garden with its globe-shaped flower clusters in shades of blue and white.
Top varieties to plant in June:
• Agapanthus ‘Midnight Star’ – Deep blue flowers with striking dark stems.
• Agapanthus ‘Albus’ – Pure white blooms for a fresh, elegant look.
• Agapanthus ‘Blue Storm’ – Compact variety perfect for containers.
Left to right: Agapanthus ‘Midnight Star’, Agapanthus ‘Albus’, Agapanthus ‘Blue Storm’
• Gaura – A Light and Airy Touch
With its delicate, butterfly-like flowers, gaura is a fantastic addition to Mediterranean planting schemes. It provides movement and contrast among more structured plants.
Top Varieties to plant in June:
• Gaura ‘Whirling Butterflies’ – White blooms that dance in the breeze.
• Gaura ‘Siskiyou Pink’ – Soft pink flowers for a romantic look
Left to right: Gaura ‘Whirling Butterflies’, Gaura ‘Siskiyou Pink’
• Echium – The Ultimate Mediterranean Pollinator Magnet
For a striking architectural statement. Echiums are a must-have. Their towering spires of blue or purple flowers attract bees and butterflies in abundance.
Top Varieties to plant in June:
• Echium vulgare (Vipers Bugloss) – Hardy and loved by pollinators.
• Echium candicans (Pride of Madeira) – Large, dramatic flower spikes.
• Not best suited to the UK, but my all-time favourite is worth a mention – Echium wildpretii (Tower of Jewels)! This stunning biennial plant, native to the Canary Islands, is famous for its towering spires of deep pink to red flowers that can reach up to 2-3 metres in height. (This one is best grown in a greenhouse or conservatory over Winter). An excellent showstopper which could grow successfully in warmer coastal microclimates.
Left to right: Echium vulgare (Vipers Bugloss), Echium candicans (Pride of Madeira), Echium wildpretii (Tower of Jewels)
• Echinacea (Coneflowers) – Large daisy-like flowers in pink, white or orange, great for wildlife gardens.
Top Varieties to plant in June:
• Echinacea ‘Green Jewel’ – A unique variety with soft green petals and a darker green cone, offering a fresh modern-look. It has a compact habit and is long flowering.
• Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ – A classic deep pink variety with large, daisy like blooms and a prominent orange-brown cone. It’s robust, long-lasting, and one of the best for attracting bees and butterflies.
• Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’ – Elegant white petals with a golden-brown cone, offering a crisp contrast in borders and wildflower-style plantings. It blends beautifully with ornamental grasses.
Left to right: Echinacea ‘Green Jewel’, Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’, Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’