Mediterranean plants give your terrace or balcony an exotic and attractive character. And if you're worried that growing it in your home might be a challenge, there's actually no need to worry. With the right care, they also thrive as potted plants and offer you a little green oasis at home. Here are some species that will transform your outdoor space if you give them the comfort they need!
In order for your bougainvillea to develop its typical flowers, one thing is particularly important - a location that is as sunny and warm as possible, where the plant can enjoy every ray of sunshine. Is there no such space on your terrace or balcony? Then the flowering will be very sparse or practically non-existent. In this case, it is more advisable to purchase a less demanding plant.
However, if you have the ideal space, there are still a few things you can do to keep your bougainvillea blooming profusely:
- A sufficiently large pot: Since the roots grow as quickly as the plant, it is best to plant the bougainvillea in a sufficiently large pot from the start. The right soil is also crucial. It should have a reasonably stable structure, but also be permeable and, above all, contain a lot of nutrients. If you mix a good quality potting soil for Mediterranean plants with a little clay, you will come very close to meeting the requirements of bougainvillea. Be sure to ensure that excess water can drain away.
Notice: The bougainvillea needs to be repotted every three years after overwintering.
- Always water sufficiently: To create a beautiful sea of flowers on your balcony, you should water your bougainvillea regularly. If it doesn't get enough water, its flowers and leaves will fall off after a few days. However, do not leave any water in the pot.
- Proper nutrition: The bougainvillea needs the right nutrients to grow vigorously. From spring to the end of summer, she will be happy if you provide her with a Mediterranean plant fertilizer every two weeks.
- Regular cut: If you don't prune your bougainvillea, it will form meter-long trunks with weak branches that only bloom at the ends. So pick up the secateurs in autumn before the bougainvillea moves into its winter quarters. This is the ideal opportunity to shape woody plants into the desired shape.
Notice: Bougainvillea is not hardy and cannot tolerate frost. To thrive, it needs plenty of light and a temperature that does not drop below 10°C.
How can you design a Mediterranean garden? The best tips and ideasfind out here!
Dipladenia is one of the easiest Mediterranean pot plants to care for
Mediterranean plants for terraces and balconies – Dipladenia, also called Mandevilla, is definitely one of the easiest potted plants to care for. Already in May you can enjoy the beautiful flowers that will bloom until autumn.
- Licht: To encourage the production of impressive flowers, your climbing plant needs plenty of light, but should not be exposed to direct light for more than a few hours. The Mandevilla thrives very well in partially shaded locations, as long as it is warm enough there. Temperatures around 20 °C are optimal.
- planting: The Dipladenia has retained its preference for high humidity and nutrient-rich soil. With high-quality potting soil you can provide it with the ideal basis for its growth.
- fertilization: To bloom consistently in limited potting soil, Mandevilla requires a weekly dose of fertilizer from March to September.
- Pour: Always make sure that the potting soil is sufficiently moist. In extreme heat, you should primarily water twice a week. After flowering, you can reduce the number of waterings.
- Pruning: When the climbing plant becomes too comfortable in its place, it can start to multiply. To avoid this, it can be lightly pruned throughout the summer. Basic pruning is best done between February and March when the plant begins to grow.
- wintering: From October onwards, it is best to place them in a bright room with a temperature of 5-12 °C for overwintering. The Mandevilla can even overwinter indoors at temperatures above 20°C. However, this method is not recommended for plants that are several years old.
Dipladenia Pyramid – Further care tips and notes on the right growing conditionscan be found here!
Olive tree is perfect for a Mediterranean balcony garden
The olive tree is ideal for your small Mediterranean garden on the balcony or terrace. It grows very slowly, so you can cultivate it in a container for a very long time. And if you follow a few tips, he can live for several decades. However, you should keep in mind that you cannot hope for a rich harvest with olive trees in pots. It may take several years for your tree to produce even a few olives.
- Location: A windless spot on a south-facing balcony or terrace is ideal. It is important to rotate the pot regularly so that all sides of the olive tree receive approximately the same amount of sun.
- Pour: Your small olive tree depends on regular watering. Especially at temperatures of 30 °C and more, plants on a south-facing balcony or terrace even need to be watered daily. It is equally important that excess water can easily drain out of the pot, because the roots cannot tolerate waterlogging.
- Earth: Soil structure is also important to ensure good water management in the long term. The special potting soils for Mediterranean plants contain an increased content of sand and clay minerals that are as close as possible to their natural environment.
- fertilization: Special fertilizers for Mediterranean plants contain the right combination of nutrients to strengthen the plant. However, it is important that you carefully follow the dosage recommendations on the packaging.
- wintering: Olive tree is not hardy. For the winter, the tree needs a bright but cool room with temperatures between 0 and a maximum of 10 °C.
Other Mediterranean plants that are recommended for the balcony or terrace are:Fig tree, jasmine, citrus, pomegranate, fuchsia, oleander, agapanthusand other.
When should which plants be allowed outside?find out here.
