How to get the Mediterranean Scent impressions from scented plants

The majority of Mediterranean originating plants can be propagated on balconies and patios. They should be placed in warm positions which have plenty of sunlight and protected from frost.

Its good practice to arrange plants according to height - having taller plants right at the back of the design structure. Tall / accent plants such as Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) and oleander (Nerium) grow very tall and all have sweet scents. The pepper tree can be placed at the sides of a planting to allow its long, overhanging branches to stand out and release a peppery odor in the environment.

Medium sized plants such as Citrus varieties like lemon and orange have strong sweet smelling flowers should be placed at the center of the flowering arrangement. Low growing plants such as Rock roses (Cistus) and sweet smelling herbs like lavender must be placed in the foreground. The rosemary (Rosmarinus) and Perovskia should be placed in front of Laurus nobilis Bay laurel.

Beautiful companion plants

Palm trees are very common in the Mediterranean regions. Species such as Canary island date palm, Chusan palm and dwarf fan plan are ideal as companion plants for scented flowers and they are also very easy to look after. Laurustinus, common fig and strawberry tree, olive and Ceratonia grow very slow producing eye-catching foliage. Succulent plants like Aeonium and Aloe are easy to propagate and create a rustic look when grown in weathered pots. Shrubby lily turf (Liriope) with its grass-like foliage supplies a splash of colour in autumn.

Terracotta highlights

Terracotta (clay pots) come in different design styles and contributes to creating a perfect Mediterranean atmosphere. Mediterranean plants such as a scented lavender and lemon tree (Citrus lemon) can be propagated together with exotic plants such as pomegranate (Punica granatum) and Bougainvillea. Small clay pots can also be used to create a Mediterranean style-patio.

Scents you can touch

Leaf scented plants normally originate from Mediterranean regions and South America . They should be planted in a position that is reachable to allow their aroma to be fully enjoyed. Large specimens should be placed along side an access path, allowing the aroma to be release when you accidentally brush past them s you stroll down the path. Lemon verbena is ideal for this position because it releases fragrance just by gently rubbing it.

Aromatic leaves at different levels

Low growing plants

These are ideal for under planting and include plants such as Plectranthus and chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) grow well with angels' trumpet (Brugmansia).

Tall plants

Such as scented geraniums (Pelagonium), clary sage ( Salvia sclarea) and Caryopteris look wonderful when they are planted individually in large containers.

Plants with semi-erect shoots

These are ideal for hanging baskets for example thyme, low growing mint and Plectranthus. Arrange leaf scented plants in small groups and low-growing plants should be kept at knee high such as on small plinths. They can also be placed on ladders where they receive plenty of sunlight to help them develop their full aroma.