ORNAMENTAL USE OF LABIATES FOR XERISCAPE IN MEDITERRANEAN AREA

The shortage of water in some Spanish regions and the renewed interest in everything related to nature has led to an increased fondness for wild plants, especially species autochthonous in these areas. The attraction is particularly intense as regards the family of labiates. Their introduction as garden plants makes it necessary to study the ornamental behaviour of the plants throughout the year and to describe the aesthetic response to the different phenological moments it goes through, from flowering to vegetative evolution. In addition, it is convenient to verify the response of these species to the simple techniques of cultivation used in xeriscape, such as when they are provided with low doses of water to maintain growth. Within the regional species of possible interest, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Lavender (Lavandula dentata), Teucrium (Teucrium fruticans) and Salvia (Salvia officinalis ) have been studied. The behaviour of seed produced plants was studied during their three first years of growth in experimental plots under Mediterranean type environmental conditions. Their good ornamental behaviour was demonstrated, although in some cases of the leaves of the basal part of the stem showed aging, which could possibly be avoid by practicing occasional pruning so to prevent the plants from growing excessively.