Mediterranean Garden In Albuquerque Part 4: Non-native "Mediterraneans"

So far, I've discussed "why a Mediterranean garden", what I consider a typical Mediterranean garden to emulate, and some characteristic native plants of those Mediterreanean gardens. In this installment, I will mention some of those plants that I consider evocative of the Mediterranean, but whose origins are actually outside of the areas of Provence to Tuscany that I love. They've just become so connected with these areas that most people can't imagine them without these plants. All photos are mine, and most are from my garden or in Albuquerque. Those plants without photos are easy to find with a quick google search.

Tulip
Tulips are so common that we forget that species are native to Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and other parts of Central Asia. That makes tulips (especially species tulips) particularly good in Albuquerque and almost native to the mediterranean, but more accurately Central Eurasia. (Seen here, Tulipa batalinii ‘Red Gem’).



Stachys
Lamb’s ears. So common that we don't think of them much, but they are common to Mediterranean gardens. Native to Iran, so an “almost” native.
(Lamiaceae)



Sempervivum
Although succulents such as Aeonium or Echeveria are ubiquitous in a mediterranean climate, they do not survive the winter here. A good substitute is Sempervivum, which comes from the mountains of Europe. Although there are thousands for collectors to choose from, one of my favorites is ‘Cupreum’ (seen here), which has the broad leaves similar to Echeveria, but with a copper coloration.
(Crassulaceae)


Palms
Palms are a common sight in the Mediterranean, and are evocative of that climate, particularly Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island Date Palm) which does not survive here, and Chamaerops humilis (Mediterranean fan palm) which some suggest could survive here, but I have seen none. Few palms survive Albuquerque’s winter, the one exception seen around town is the Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese fan palm - seen here in my garden). Worth trying is Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Needle palm) native to the southeastern U.S. and thus requiring plenty of water. Even more worth trying is Nannorrhops ritchiana (Mazari palm) from high altitude desert of northern Pakistan and Afghanistan.
(Arecaceae)



Agave
Agave are native to the new world, so some are native to New Mexico. The one most well-known to the mediterranean is Agave americana, which although it can survive in a sheltered spot, suffers from winter damage (as shown above at UNM) so I’m hesitant to include it. Agave americana var. protoamericana may be hardier and worth a try. Agave parryi or A. havardiana are hardier natives to NM.
(Agavaceae)



Plane tree
Platanus x acerifolia and other plane trees are commonly known in the United States as sycamores. Platanus orientalis is the one native to southeast Europe to southwest Asia and is a common sight in Provence. Platanus wrightii (Arizona sycamore - above) is a similar native.
(Platanaceae)



Roses
Roses need no introduction, and although the Mediterranean can grow some varieties that might be tender here, most do well. The modern hybrid teas are not common in mediterranean gardens, but rather the old roses and species roses. For a Provencal styled garden a classical combination would be white roses with dark purple lavender. ‘Iceberg’ rose would be an obvious choice for reliability, but for more style, choose the Damask rose ‘Madame Hardy’ or the Centifolia ‘Blanchefleur’ together with Lavender ‘Hidcote.’ At Tivoli, the lusciously fragrant ‘Great Maiden’s Blush’ (though I prefer the French name “Cuisse de Nymphe Emue” - Thigh of the Passionate Nymph) was planted. Above at Jardin du Luxembourg might be 'Eden,' but I would welcome a correction (so I can get a plant). Consider also Rosa banksiae var. banksiae, which produces an impressive spring display on a vine that can grow hugely. It is commonly seen in Albuquerque.
(Rosaceae)



Yucca
The yucca species native to the Albuquerque area are not typically the ones grown in Mediterranean gardens. Typically seen in California is Yucca elephantipes, the Giant Yucca, from Mexico and Central America growing to 30 feet tall. Similar in appearance but smaller and hardier, surviving Albuquerque’s winters, is Yucca aloifolia. It can be seen growing in some Northeast Heights gardens and roadside plantings. Seen above is Yucca thompsoniana.
(Agavaceae)

Iris
Irises also need no introduction, and grow well here. The Albuquerque climate is particularly good for the Aril or arilbred irises from the semidesert areas of the Near East and central Asia, although these are not are not characteristic of mediterranean gardens. More typical would be bearded irises.
(Iridaceae)



Lilies
The lilies are common in Mediterranean gardens as well as in Mediterranean literature. While they will grow here in Albuquerque, they will need a bit of coddling: moisture and staking for protection from the wind. Most appropriate for a mediterranean garden would be Lilium candidum, the Madonna lily, which is native to the mediterranean. Lilium regale (seen here at Tivoli), from China has been in cultivation there so long that it is a staple in gardens.
(Liliaceae)

Pomegranate
The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is native to Iran but is a typical plant associated with mediterranean gardens. Although it does not grow as large as in a Mediterranean climate, it may bear fruit.
(Puniacaceae)


Cedar
There are a number of cedar species commonly grown, and they are not only common in Mediterranean gardens, but here in Albuquerque. They either don’t get as big here, or they haven’t been grown here long enough for there to be sizable trees. They do grow slowly. Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) should be particularly appropriate for Albuquerque, being native from Lebanon to Turkey. Atlas cedar (C. atlantica) from North Africa does well here, and are picturesque plants even when young. Deodar cedar (C. deodara) struggles here, especially when compared to the lusty trees growing in the Northwest. Considering that this tree comes from the Himalayas, this isn’t too surprising, but rather impressive that it survives here at all.


The following are borderline plants which I’m hesitant to recommend, but are such staples in mediterranean gardens that they are worth mentioning.

Agapanthus
A friend of mine in the Northeast Heights had a plant that survived for years but finally succumbed to the winter cold of 2007. Although it is from South Africa, it is a common sight in mediterranean gardens. I’ve trialled several varieties, and all have performed poorly. Perhaps it would perform better in a container moved indoors for the winter, or with special winter protection.
(Amaryllidaceae)

Callistemon
The bottlebrush (Callistemon sp.) hails from Australia, but is a common sight in mediterranean gardens. The variety ‘Woodlander’s Hardy’ may be worth trying.
(Myrtaceae)



Eucalyptus
These Australian trees are also common in California (seen here in San Francisco), though less so in Italy and France. A friend of mine has grown E. archeri in Santa Fe for years, and though it dies to the ground from winter cold occasionally, it comes back quickly. Hardier forms may be worth seeking.
(Myrtaceae)



Star Jasmine
This is a ubiquitous plant for the California garden, with deliciously fragrant flowers. The typical species Trachelospermum jasminoides is not quite winter hardy in Albuquerque (perhaps with careful protection), although the hardier variety ‘Madison’ (possibly T. jasminoides var. pubera - seen here) may be worth trying. The related species T. asiaticum is less floriferous, but hardier.
(Apocynaceae)

Crinum
This is a common bulb in the southeastern United States as well as Mediterranean gardens. There is a fine large old clump at Los Poblanos in the North Valley, so it is worth trying in a wet location. Some varieties look similar to Amaryllis belladona which is a characteristic plant of California, and is native to South Africa but does not survive Albuquerque.
(Liliaceae)

Next: Part 5, Substitutions.