Monaco’s compact coastline and steep terraces pack a surprising variety of plants into a very small area; the principality’s Mediterranean microclimate and careful public landscaping create many spots where both native and introduced species thrive. Strolling the gardens and promenades reveals a mix of sheltered pockets and exposed cliffside plantings that support diverse greenery.
There are 17 Plants of Monaco, ranging from Aloe to Tree aeonium. For each entry I list Scientific name,Location in Monaco,Height (m) — which you’ll find below.
Where in Monaco can I see these species in public spaces?
Many of the plants on the list are visible in public gardens like the Jardin Exotique, the Japanese Garden, and along the Larvotto promenade; smaller specimens appear on private terraces and municipal planters too. Check the Location in Monaco column below to plan visits and know which neighborhoods or sites to explore.
How can the Scientific name and Height (m) help me identify these plants?
Scientific names remove ambiguity between common names and local variants, while the Height (m) helps confirm whether a specimen is a sapling, shrub, or mature specimen; use both columns together when comparing what you see in the field to the entries you’ll find below.
Plants of Monaco
| Name | Scientific name | Location in Monaco | Height (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive | Olea europaea | Various historic trees and park plantings (Jardin Exotique, public squares) | 6 |
| European fan palm | Chamaerops humilis | Promenade plantings, Casino gardens, Fontvieille | 3 |
| Canary Island date palm | Phoenix canariensis | Casino gardens, Monte‑Carlo terraces, Port areas | 12 |
| Prickly pear | Opuntia ficus-indica | Jardin Exotique, rocky cliff edges and terraced walls | 3 |
| Century plant (Agave) | Agave americana | Jardin Exotique, public xeriscape beds near Larvotto | 1.5 |
| Aloe | Aloe arborescens | Jardin Exotique, Mediterranean rockeries and coastal beds | 1.2 |
| Tree aeonium | Aeonium arboreum | Jardin Exotique, cliff-top plantings and private gardens | 2 |
| Sago palm | Cycas revoluta | Casino gardens, private villas and public planters | 3 |
| Oleander | Nerium oleander | Larvotto promenade, public medians, park hedges | 3 |
| Bougainvillea | Bougainvillea glabra | Monte‑Carlo façades, Casino terraces, private walls | 6 |
| Lavender | Lavandula stoechas | Promenade beds, public borders and rock gardens | 0.8 |
| Rosemary (rosemary) | Salvia rosmarinus | Promenades, public planters, ornamental hedging | 1.5 |
| Stone pine | Pinus pinea | Promenade and park trees, some elevated terraces | 15 |
| Japanese maple | Acer palmatum | Jardin Japonais (Japanese Garden), shaded private gardens | 5 |
| Camellia | Camellia japonica | Jardin Japonais and shaded municipal gardens | 3.5 |
| Roses | Rosa spp. | Princess Grace Rose Garden (Roseraie), public beds and private gardens | 1 |
| Mediterranean spurge | Euphorbia characias | Rocky beds, some public xeriscape plantings and Jardin Exotique | 1.5 |
Images and Descriptions
Olive
Mediterranean native cultivated across Monaco; gnarled trunks and silvery leaves are notable in older plantings. Evergreen form with small white spring flowers and summer fruit; valued for historic character and Mediterranean atmosphere.
European fan palm
Native Mediterranean palm often used in Monaco’s streets and terraces. Clumping habit with fan-shaped leaves; hardy and salt-tolerant. Evergreen, decorative year-round and typically shows slow, compact growth suitable for urban planting.
Canary Island date palm
Impressive ornamental palm from the Canary Islands widely planted in Monaco. Tall trunk and arching fronds create a subtropical skyline. Cultivated and long-lived; flowers in spring and often used as a landmark tree in public gardens.
Prickly pear
Introduced cactus now common in Monaco’s exotic collections and dry cliff plantings. Large flat pads bear edible fruits in late summer. Drought-tolerant and eye-catching; flowers spring–summer, then fruits into autumn.
Century plant (Agave)
Large Mexican succulent widely cultivated in Monaco’s exotic garden displays. Dramatic rosettes of blue-green leaves; long-lived and drought-tolerant. Rarely flowers (century-type bloom), otherwise valued for architectural form year-round.
Aloe
South African succulent planted in Monaco for winter–spring orange-red flower spikes that attract pollinators. Hardy and suited to rocky maritime gardens; evergreen rosettes used in Mediterranean-style landscaping.
Tree aeonium
Rosette-forming succulent tree native to the Canary Islands, commonly seen in Monaco’s exotic collections. Glossy green to purplish rosettes on branching stems; drought-tolerant and ornamental throughout the year.
Sago palm
Ancient cycad species from Japan used widely as a tropical-looking ornamental. Palm-like but not a true palm; slow-growing with stiff pinnate leaves. Cultivated outdoors in sheltered spots and valued for year-round architectural interest.
Oleander
Mediterranean evergreen shrub commonly planted along Monaco’s promenades. Clusters of pink, white or red flowers summer through autumn. Hardy, salt-tolerant and widely used for colorful hedging and coastal planting.
Bougainvillea
Vigorous Brazilian vine widely cultivated on walls and terraces in Monaco. Brilliant bracts in summer and autumn create vibrant displays. Climbing habit suits narrow urban settings; evergreen in mild winters and floriferous most of the year.
Lavender
Mediterranean-native lavender with distinctive tufted flower heads; fragrant foliage and purple blooms in spring and early summer. Used for low hedging and coastal rockeries; attracts pollinators and offers drought-tolerant seasonal color.
Rosemary (rosemary)
Mediterranean aromatic shrub commonly used across Monaco as hedging and coastal planting. Evergreen, with small pale-blue flowers in spring and sporadically year-round. Drought-tolerant and valued for fragrance and informal structure.
Stone pine
Iconic Mediterranean umbrella‑shaped pine planted in Monaco’s parks and promenades. Large canopy and edible pine nuts; evergreen and drought-adapted. Provides high-canopy shade and a classic Riviera silhouette in public green spaces.
Japanese maple
Asian ornamental tree featured in Monaco’s Japanese Garden. Delicate palmate leaves with vivid autumn color; deciduous and prized for form and seasonal interest. Cultivated in sheltered, moist sites for best foliage display.
Camellia
Evergreen Asian shrub cultivated in Monaco’s Japanese Garden for winter and spring blooms. Glossy leaves and large, rose-like flowers from late winter into spring; valued for off-season color and classic garden style.
Roses
Cultivated garden roses form the heart of Monaco’s dedicated rose garden and numerous public beds. Wide range of cultivars with seasonal spring–autumn flowering; celebrated for fragrance and formal displays in the principality.
Mediterranean spurge
Native Mediterranean shrub used in Monaco for architectural evergreen form and chartreuse spring flower clusters. Drought‑tolerant and suited to sunny, well-drained sites; notable for long-lasting seasonal interest and structural foliage.
