The orientation of your garden and the different climatic conditions associated with this are key factors when it comes to choosing the best plants.

There is no better or worse orientation for a home, any one is good. You just need to take into account its characteristics and choose a range of plants and vegetation according to its specific requirements.

Neither gardening nor landscaping is an exact science, and so we are going to give you the best tips for choosing your garden plants depending on the orientation of your home.

• South facing

South facing areas receive sunlight throughout the day which is perfect for those who like the sun and the heat.

The so-called succulent plants such as whale’s tongue agave will grow nicely in this type of garden, providing bulk and luxuriance. So will some flowering plants such as daisies, petunias and daffodils, that are perfect for terraces and gardens such as those of our development at San Jorge (Seville).

Orientation is not the only important factor; a home located in the north of Spain is not the same as one located in the south of the country. However, a southerly orientation is more benevolent in this respect. It allows you to make the most of the hours of sunlight to plant species such as aromatic plants and flowers that grow with the sun and don’t die off in the winter thanks to the extra light.

• North facing

North is the perfect orientation for plants like hydrangeas, pieris and rhododendrons, especially in the summer but also in the spring. Plants for north facing spaces result in gardens with a natural effect and very pleasant hints of forest.  Ferns, acanthus and leopard plants are perfect for this kind of garden.

A northern orientation means fewer hours of sunlight so in winter the plants can die due to a lack of sunlight and the colder weather, as occurs in the north of the country. In order to choose the perfect plants for this orientation is it important to take into account the geographical area and the hours of the day during which the garden is in shade.

Experts recommend plants with abundant foliage for northern orientations and plants with green leaves that prefer humid environments.

In addition to ferns, plants and shrubs such as laurel, begonias, yew or chestnut will help to create a cosy ambience. They are a good choice for all those seeking a long-lived garden due to their slow growth.

Our properties in Oviedo are north facing so if you take into account these recommendations when creating your garden, you are sure to be successful.

• East facing

East facing gardens only get direct sunlight in the mornings. Accordingly, it is a good idea to plant species that can tolerate both the sun and the shade and that can also adapt to different levels of light such as the evergreen mastic.

As regards trees, the holm oak is the most appropriate for this orientation as it prefers the shade as it grows and increases in height until it almost reaches the sunlight.

An easterly orientation is preferred by landscape gardeners as there is direct and indirect sunlight all morning until midday throughout the year, and it provides protection from westerly winds. It is one of the most forgiving and least demanding orientations.

Almost any plant is ideal for this location, but some such as sagebrush, hydrangeas and New Zealand flax will provide colour and harmony to the garden.

The gardens of Aldaia (Valencia) are perfect for these plants, their orientation means they don’t need protection from the sun as they receive indirect sunlight all day.

• West facing

With this orientation the sun is very harsh for plants. Although the sun’s presence is not constant throughout the day, from midday to sundown it is very strong, sometimes even causing sunburn on leaves and trunks.

For this orientation we recommend vegetation that helps to protect the garden from the sun, such as deciduous and resistant trees. Their foliage will protect the garden in the summer and in winter when their leaves have fallen off they will allow the sunlight through.

Rosemary and jasmine blossom in the sun and tolerate the heat and direct sunlight well, and are perfect for gardens such as those of our properties in Madrid.

With these tips you will be able to choose the best plants for your garden or terrace depending on its orientation and they will be grow to be healthy, fresh and leafy.

The plants you choose only depend on your tastes, as when choosing a home. At Testa we have different types of properties and orientations so you can find the ones that best suit your preferences.