Gardening in hot climates requires very different approaches and plants then in the North of Europe. Our gardener Victor shared the wisdom he’s acquired from a lifetime of digging, planting, caring for, and feeding his own garden in Mallorca.
Q: The question our clients always ask is what’s the best tree to plant on your terrace in Mallorca?
A: This, of course, depends on the size of your terrace. But, in general, you’re likely to get the most enjoyment from trees that naturally stay rather small and don´t loose a lots of leaves. Lemon trees and olive trees, two of the big favorites amongst Northern Europeans, are actually ideal if the terrace gets plenty of direct sunlight. Both of these trees can survive with limited water and lots of sun.
Q: What about for a terrace in the shade or a courtyard (patio)?
A: If there is no direct sunlight at all then the ficus or the cica palm tree are the best options.
Q: What about if we want some flowers on the terrace?
There are many options that can sustain the climate here. Amongst them, I would recommend lantanas, bougainvillea, lavenders, oleanders and roses. Instead of flowering plants, I also like to combine plants with different leave colours.
Q: Are these plants relatively maintenance free?
A: Most don´t require much pruning. Occasionally, a new plant or very old plant will struggle and even die—it happens. But for the vast majority of plants grown in home landscapes, if you plant them in the right place and if you water carefully for a period of time to establish healthy roots, they will grow. Diseases are uncommon if plants receive the water and the sunlight they are supposed to have.
Q: How often do I need to water?
A: This is the most frequent question ever! The answer is: it all depends on the soil. A good soil and an abundance of it are the secrets to watering less. I recommend to use a soil that has a lot of pores so it does not crack when dry. The pots must have a drainage at the bottom and plates under during the summer time. Water the plant until you see water starting to come out at the bottom. With a good soil and the right plants, watering should be carried out once a week in the winter time and twice a week during the hottest summer months.
Q: If I want a lawn, what type of lawn do I plant and when?
A: In Mallorca Bermuda grass is the only way to go. Bermuda grass requires a lot less water, it is very resistant to plagues and diseases and it spreads rapidly. The ideal time for planting is September/October or February/March.
Q: Where do you purchase plants?
A: There are a number of places with excellent customer service where you can purchase plants. These include, but are not limited to: Magatzem Verd, Can Juanito in Son Ferriol, Viveros Sa Porrassa in Santa Ponsa.
For more help and recommendations for your garden, you can contact Victor directly at:
Victor Gonzalez
E-mail: servitecjardins@hotmail.es
Tel.: 653 544 767
