Practical advice for Mallorca's climate and soils: what to do each month, which plant to choose and how to care for it.
Seasonal jobs adapted to the islands' Mediterranean climate. Pick a month to see it.
Filter by light, water, pets or plants native to the Balearics. Can't find it? Ask us at the nursery.
Takes full sun, wind and drought. Flowers in winter and is a magnet for bees. Avoid waterlogging.
Very hardy native shrub, ideal for informal hedges and unwatered areas once established.
The islands' wild olive. Takes formative pruning and grows in poor, limy soils.
Europe's only native palm. Very drought tolerant and less affected by the red palm weevil.
Aromatic shrub with white summer flowers. Takes clipping and suits low hedges.
Pink spring flowers and grey heat-proof leaves. Needs good drainage.
A traditional Majorcan tree that gives good shade and needs little water once rooted.
Sun and well-drained soil. Trim lightly after flowering to keep it compact. Toxic to dogs and cats if eaten.
Very heat and drought tolerant, but every part is highly toxic to people and animals.
Ground cover with bright flowers that open in the sun. Great for banks and sunny planters.
A balcony classic. Water when the soil is dry and watch for the geranium bronze butterfly in summer. Toxic to pets.
Large flowers all summer. Likes sun and regular watering; protect it from cold in winter.
Evergreen climber with a strong spring scent. Ideal for fences and pergolas.
Regular watering and spring feeding. On limy soils leaves may yellow: add iron chelate.
Little water and very free-draining soil. Toxic to dogs and cats.
An almost indestructible, pet-safe houseplant. Indirect light and moderate watering.
Indoors with soft light and humidity. Pet-safe. Use lime-free water if you can.
Copes with low light and missed watering. Toxic to dogs and cats.
The toughest houseplant: water only when the soil is completely dry. Toxic to pets.
Bright indirect light; water when the top layer dries. Toxic to pets.
No plants match those filters.
Pet information is for guidance only. If in doubt, ask your vet.
The most common problems in island gardens, their likely cause and what to do. Not sure? Send us a photo on WhatsApp.
Send a photo on WhatsAppLikely cause: Iron chlorosis: very common on Mallorca's limy soils. The plant can't take up iron.
What to do: Apply iron chelate and add organic matter if you can. Use less limy water for pots.
Likely cause: Overwatering or poor drainage; the roots are suffocating.
What to do: Let the soil dry before watering again and make sure the pot has drainage holes.
Likely cause: Lack of water, too much sun or wind, or salt build-up.
What to do: Water deeply but less often, mulch the soil and flush pot compost with plenty of water now and then.
Likely cause: Powdery mildew, a fungus that thrives in warm, humid weather.
What to do: Remove the worst leaves, improve air flow and treat with sulphur outside the hottest hours.
Likely cause: Aphids, mealybugs or whitefly; the black film is sooty mould growing on honeydew.
What to do: Wash with water and potassium soap and repeat after 7 days. Check the undersides of leaves.
Likely cause: Spider mites, common in hot, dry weather.
What to do: Mist the undersides of leaves and use a specific miticide if it persists.
Likely cause: Caterpillars, snails or slugs.
What to do: Check at dusk and remove them by hand. For caterpillars, use Bacillus thuringiensis.
Likely cause: Possibly red palm weevil, a very serious pest in the Balearics.
What to do: Contact us as soon as possible: the palm needs a professional check and immediate treatment.
Likely cause: It may be Xylella fastidiosa, present in the Balearics since 2016.
What to do: Don't move cuttings or plants. Ask us and report it to the regional plant health service.
Water is scarce in the Balearics. Xeriscaping gives you a lively, colourful garden while using far less water.
Group plants by how much water they need so you don't overwater.
Soil rich in organic matter holds water better.
Keep grass where it's used and replace the rest with ground cover or gravel.
Native and Mediterranean species that thrive in the islands' climate.
Drip lines, a timer and watering at dawn or dusk.
Bark, gravel or shredded prunings cut evaporation and weeds.
Prune and feed only what's needed: a forced plant asks for more water.
Native species are already adapted to the islands' climate, soil and wildlife. Rosemary, myrtle, cistus or mastic will attract bees, butterflies and birds, and your garden will need less water and fewer treatments.
See native plants