Mallorca's Mediterranean climate (dry summers, irregular rains) requires adapted gardens that are beautiful but sustainable and low water consumption. This guide discovers ideal native species for your villa in Alcudia, xeriscaping techniques and design reducing maintenance to minimum.
Principles of Mediterranean xeriscaping
Concept
- Xerogarden: From Greek "xeros" (dry) - low water consumption gardening
- Objective: Reduce water consumption 50-70% vs traditional garden
- Economic advantage: Savings €800-1,500/year in water + maintenance
- Aesthetics: Equally attractive, only species change
Design by irrigation zones
- Zone 1 (high water): Near house, ornamental plants (20% garden)
- Zone 2 (medium water): Perimeter, Mediterranean shrubs (30% garden)
- Zone 3 (zero water): Outer areas, only native species (50% garden)
Recommended native trees
Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua)
- Height: 8-10 meters
- Water needed: Minimal after 2nd year establishment
- Advantages: Dense shade, edible fruit, extreme longevity (300+ years)
- Disadvantage: Slow growth (5-7 years for useful shade)
Wild olive (Olea europaea var. sylvestris)
- Features: Wild olive, silvery leaves
- Water: Practically none after establishment
- Advantages: Extreme resistance to wind and salt, pure Mediterranean aesthetic
Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis)
- Height: 15-20 meters
- Water: None (only natural rain)
- Advantages: Fast growth, Mediterranean aroma, light shade
- Warning: Powerful roots, plant >5 meters from pool/house
Shrubs and structure plants
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Water: None
- Uses: Low hedges, borders, cooking aromatic
- Flowering: Blue-violet, almost all year
- Maintenance: Pruning 1 time/year
Lavender (Lavandula)
- Water: Minimal (1 watering/month summer)
- Flowering: June-July, intense purple
- Advantages: Aroma, attracts pollinators, salt resistant
Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus)
- Height: 2-4 meters
- Water: None
- Uses: Tall hedges, wind screens
- Advantages: Perennial, extreme resistance, native
Ground cover plants
Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
- Height: 30-40 cm
- Water: None
- Advantages: Aromatic, green-grey color, dense carpet
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Water: None
- Uses: Rock gardens, borders, culinary
- Flowering: Spring, lilac-whitish
Ornamental grasses
Festuca glauca
- Appearance: Blue-grey tufts, ornamental effect
- Water: Minimal
- Use: Contrast with green plants, modern landscaping
Efficient irrigation system
Automated drip irrigation
- Savings: 60% vs sprinkler
- Investment: €1,500-3,000 installation 500 m² garden
- Programming: Timed, seasonal adjustment
- Maintenance: Annual review, dripper cleaning
Mulching
- Material: Pine bark, decorative gravel
- Thickness: 5-10 cm layer
- Benefits: Reduces evaporation 70%, controls weeds
- Cost: €8-12/m²
Sustainable design
Basic principles
- Group plants by water needs
- Prioritize native species (already adapted to climate)
- Minimize lawn (biggest water consumer)
- Use gravel/decorative stone in areas without plants
Lawn alternatives
- Dichondra repens: Green ground cover, 70% less water than lawn
- Lippia nodiflora: Trampling resistant, small white flowers
- Decorative gravel: Zero maintenance, various colors available
Estimated annual maintenance
Mediterranean garden (500 m²)
- Water: €800-1,200/year (vs €2,500-3,500 traditional garden)
- Gardener: €1,200-1,800/year (2 visits/month season)
- Products: €200-300/year (fertilizers, treatments)
- Total: €2,200-3,300/year (vs €4,500-6,000 traditional)
- Savings: ~40-50% annual
Interested in Alcudia Luz?
Alcudia Luz integrates sustainable Mediterranean gardens in its landscape design.