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The Mediterranean Terraces

The Mediterranean Terraces give a flavour of plants from Mediterranean climate zones, which can thrive in a hot summer and give interest all year

Looking its best in...

  • Summer Scents of oils hanging in the air, flowering drifts of lavenders and rosemaries
  • Winter Winter flowering Acacia (mimosa), architectural shapes, beautiful Eucalyptus bark 

Take a journey: passport not required!

The Mediterranean Terraces, on the south side of Battleston Hill, display plants from countries that enjoy a Mediterranean climate, as well as plants from the Mediterranean itself.

One of the few parts of Wisley laid out in a geographic order, it is home to plants from Chile, New Zealand and South Africa to name a few. 

Spring highlights

Admire spring colour against the eucalyptus

Euphorbias and ceanothus add spring colour

Rock rose flourishes on the sunny slopes

Right plant, right place

The Mediterranean Terraces were created after the 1987 hurricane blew down most of the Scots pine tree canopy that once covered the area, exposing the many shade loving plants to blistering direct sunshine.

Given its due south location and sandy soil, it was the perfect location to grow plants that demand milder conditions. Another advantage of the site is that the frost rolls downhill, keeping this area considerably warmer than other parts of Wisley in winter. 

Be transported to sunny climes

Good examples of Australian Eucalyptus quickly create an exotic feel, with the start of the plantings marked by a bold grouping of pencil cypress.

Discover cacti and succulents that are more cold tolerant than one would expect, to winter flowering mimosas and a fruiting Eriobotrya japonica (loquat).

On a hot day the scents from many of these trees and shrubs, which have naturally high oil contents in their leaves, is very obvious in the air. 

The Mediterranean Terraces are an example of taking advantage of frost drainage. Frost always gathers at the lowest point & this south facing slope not only benefits from great water drainage, but the cold air & frost rolls to the bottom of the hill, helping plants from warmer parts of the world succeed.

In your own garden, always consider where the frost will sit when experimenting with slightly tender plants. 

RHS Garden Wisley Horticulturist

The Mediterranean Terraces are an example of taking advantage of frost drainage. Frost always gathers at the lowest point & this south facing slope not only benefits from great water drainage, but the cold air & frost rolls to the bottom of the hill, helping plants from warmer parts of the world succeed.

In your own garden, always consider where the frost will sit when experimenting with slightly tender plants. 

RHS Garden Wisley Horticulturist

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.