Mediterranean brings the warm, sunny atmosphere of Southern Europe indoors. In this style guide, you'll discover which plants bring that southern living atmosphere to life in your interior.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
+Mediterranean style brings the warm living atmosphere of Southern Europe indoors
+Terracotta and natural stone form the basis of the style
+Olive trees, palm trees, and fruit trees are the favourites
+Choose plants that tolerate sun and drought well
+Work with warm earth tones, ochre yellow, and burnt orange
+Give Mediterranean species little water for healthy growth
What is Mediterranean
Mediterranean is an interior style that brings the warm, southern living atmosphere of the Mediterranean region indoors. The style is inspired by the country houses of Tuscany, Provence, and Andalusia, where terracotta, natural stone, herbs, and fruit trees define the scene. Plants are central to this: they bring the sunny south to life in your own home.
The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and a little rustic. You'll see sandy earth tones, ocher yellow, and burnt orange, raw materials, and the gray-green of olive and palm. It's an interior that invites you to slow down, with the calm ambiance of a country house where the sun always seems to shine. Nothing is smoothed over, everything is allowed to tell a story.
In this style guide, we show which plants and plant types suit the Mediterranean style, from olive trees and palms to drought-resistant accents and climbing plants. We share our top 5 from the collection and provide concrete styling tips, so you know exactly how to build the southern atmosphere and which pitfalls to avoid.
Whether you're giving your entire interior a southern twist or simply want to set up a sunny corner, you'll find the green foundation for a warm and welcoming home here. View XXLplant's complete Mediterranean collection and bring the south indoors.
Characteristics of the Mediterranean style
The building blocks that make a Mediterranean interior recognizable.
1
Terracotta and natural stone as a base
A Mediterranean interior starts with the material. Terracotta, limestone and raw natural stone bring warmth and an artisanal, honest character. Plants in a terracotta pot fit in naturally and reinforce the southern mood.
2
Warm earth tones and ochre yellow
The colour palette is rooted in the south. Think sand tones, clay, olive green, ochre yellow and burnt orange. These warm shades create a calm backdrop against which the grey-green of olive and palm shows to advantage.
3
Plants that tolerate sun and drought
Mediterranean plants are used to lots of light and little water. Olive trees, palms, yucca and cactus thrive in a sunny spot and need little care. That makes the style not only beautiful but practical too.
Which plants suit Mediterranean
Olive trees and fruit trees
Hoogte, 120 to 250 cm
The olive tree is the heart of the Mediterranean style. With its gnarled trunk and grey-green foliage it instantly brings the mood of Tuscany and Provence indoors. Citrus and other fruit trees fit perfectly too.
Mediterranean palms
Hoogte, 100 to 220 cm
The Chamaerops, the European dwarf palm, and the Trachycarpus add height and a southern silhouette. They are tough, take plenty of sun and fill a corner with a calm, fan-shaped structure.
Droogteresistente accenten
Hoogte, 50 to 160 cm
Yucca and cactus add a graphic, sculptural accent. These plants like a dry spot and little water and give the Mediterranean interior a tough, desert-like layer.
Klimplanten
Hoogte, 150 to 220 cm
A grapevine or climber points straight to the pergola of a southern country house. Trained along a wall or trellis it adds a playful green line and completes the Mediterranean picture.
Top 5 plants for a Mediterranean interior
Onze favoriete planten voor een Mediterranean interieur, gekozen door onze stylingexperts. Met per plant de reden waarom hij werkt.
The Olea Europaea on a stem is the absolute classic of the Mediterranean style. Its gnarled trunk and silver-green foliage bring the mood of a Tuscan farmhouse indoors. At 160 cm exactly the right size for beside the sofa or by the window.
The Chamaerops Humilis on a stem is the only palm native to Europe. Its fan-shaped foliage gives a southern silhouette and it takes plenty of sun. A tough focal point that asks for little care.
The Yucca Rostrata adds a graphic, almost sculptural accent. Its globe of narrow blue-green leaves on a thick trunk loves drought and sun and gives a Mediterranean interior a tough, desert-like layer.
The Nerium Oleander bush stands for the flowering gardens of the south. Full of foliage and with the promise of flowers it brings colour and volume. A warm, classic choice that makes the style softer and cosier.
The grapevine points straight to the pergola of a Mediterranean country house. With its branched trunk and green foliage it adds a playful, climbing line. The largest of the top 5, perfect as a statement in a bright room.
Styling tips for Mediterranean
Do
Combine with terracotta pots
Choose pots in terracotta or unglazed earthenware. The warm, matt material blends seamlessly with olive and palm and instantly strengthens the southern feel.
Do
Group plants of different heights
Place a tall olive tree beside a lower palm and a small accent. The difference in height makes the look lively and gives the corner a natural, grown-in feel.
Do
Choose a large fruit tree as a focal point
Give your space a clear focal point with a large olive or citrus tree. A statement plant draws the eye and immediately sets the tone for the whole style.
Don't
Avoid glossy modern pots
High-gloss, sleekly lacquered pots do not suit the style's artisanal character. They draw attention to the pot rather than the plant and break the warm mood.
Don't
Do not overwater Mediterranean species
Olive, yucca and palm are used to drought. Too much water leads to root rot. Let the soil dry out well between waterings and keep it dry in winter.
Don't
Avoid cool blue tones in the decor
Cool blues and greys work against the style's warm earth tones. Keep accessories, textiles and walls in sandy, warm shades for a cohesive whole.
Frequently asked questions about Mediterranean
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Mediterranean style.
Which plants suit a Mediterranean interior?+
Choose plants that grow naturally in southern Europe. Olive trees, citrus trees, the Chamaerops palm, Trachycarpus, Yucca Rostrata and cactus are classics. They like sun, tolerate drought and match the warm earth tones of the style in colour and silhouette.
Are Mediterranean plants hardy?+
It varies by species. The olive tree and Trachycarpus are reasonably hardy and can overwinter outdoors with protection. Citrus and oleander are more frost-sensitive and are better moved indoors or into a conservatory when it freezes.
Which pots suit a Mediterranean interior?+
Terracotta is the natural choice. Unglazed earthenware, limestone-coloured ceramics and raw natural materials work well too. Keep pots matt and in warm earth tones so the plant's grey-green provides the accent.
Can an olive tree stand indoors?+
Yes, an olive tree can do well indoors in a very bright, sunny spot. Give it as much direct light as possible and water sparingly. In winter it likes a cooler position, so an unheated conservatory or veranda is ideal.
How much sun do Mediterranean plants need?+
A lot. Most Mediterranean plants come from sunny regions and want at least half a day of direct sun. Place them by a south- or west-facing window. In too dark a spot they grow leggy and lose their compact shape.
How often should Mediterranean plants be watered?+
Less often than you think. These plants are adapted to drought. Let the soil dry out well between waterings and give even less in winter. Too much water is the most common cause of problems.
How do I create a Mediterranean feel in a small space?+
Start with a terracotta pot and a smaller olive tree or palm. Combine with warm earth tones in textiles and accessories and keep it simple. A few deliberate choices already bring the southern mood in, even in limited space.
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Prachtige bananenplant ontvangen. Groot, frisgroen blad en duidelijk van goede kwaliteit. Hij werd stevig verpakt geleverd en kwam zonder schade aan.
De plant staat hier in op kantoor en geeft meteen veel sfeer. Verzorging is tot nu toe eenvoudig en hij oogt erg gezond. Zeer tevreden over de kwaliteit en service. Zeker een aanrader om hier te bestellen. Ik had 3 planten tegelijk besteld - alle 3 waren ze top.
De Ficus Lyrata is precies zoals verwacht. Mooie volle plant, gezond blad en netjes op hoogte. Hij kwam goed verpakt binnen en had geen beschadigingen.
Staat hier nu een paar weken op kantoor en doet het uitstekend. Duidelijke verzorging, geen gedoe. Prijs-kwaliteit klopt en de levering was snel. Ik zou hier zeker opnieuw bestellen.
Prachtige Kentia palm echt een goed website om planten te kopen!
Prachtige palm. Volle bladeren. 15cm hoger dan aangegeven (altijd goed). Geen dode punten, mooi groen. Werd geleverd in een op maat gemaakte kartonnendoos. Erg stevig - blij mee!
