Courtyard gardens are an ideal way to bring beauty, structure, and calm into a home’s outdoor space—especially in places like Los Altos, where the mild climate allows for year-round enjoyment. Whether you’re working with a small patio or a spacious enclosed courtyard, plant selection plays a key role in setting the tone.
As a team rooted in luxury landscape design, we’ve installed many courtyard gardens throughout the Bay Area, and Los Altos is one of our favorite places to create charming, elegant outdoor escapes.
In this blog, we’re sharing the best plants for courtyard gardens in Los Altos, especially those that thrive in the Mediterranean climate and can elevate your home with a touch of color, texture, or structure.
Why Courtyard Gardens Work So Well in Los Altos
Courtyard gardens offer privacy, intimacy, and often a sense of symmetry or order. These designs work particularly well in Los Altos homes, which are known for their upscale architecture, thoughtful outdoor planning, and balance between indoor-outdoor living.
Courtyards often benefit from partial protection from the elements (thanks to walls or structures), which means you can successfully grow a mix of sun- and shade-loving plants. With professional hardscaping, elegant garden design, and the right plant palette, you can transform your courtyard into a serene retreat or a vibrant entertaining area.
1. Boxwood (Buxus)
Photo Source: Canva
Boxwoods are a staple in formal courtyard gardens. These evergreen shrubs are prized for their dense foliage and ability to be pruned into hedges, spheres, or even intricate topiary designs.
Ideal for: Structure, symmetry, and evergreen interest
Light: Partial to full sun
Why it works in Los Altos: Tolerates light shade, low maintenance, and adds a refined, architectural touch to your landscape.
2. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Photo Source: Canva
Japanese maples bring elegance and seasonal drama to any courtyard. Varieties like ‘Sango Kaku’ offer brilliant coral-colored bark and delicate green foliage that turns fiery in fall. Some weeping varieties add grace and softness to stone or paver hardscaping.
Ideal for: Focal points, seasonal interest
Light: Morning sun, afternoon shade
Why it works in Los Altos: They thrive in sheltered spots, and their compact size makes them perfect for courtyards.
3. Clematis
Photo Source: Canva
This vining perennial offers eye-catching blooms and works beautifully when trained along trellises, brick walls, or even existing trees like Cypress or Olive. With the right support, Clematis becomes an instant vertical feature in any courtyard.
Ideal for: Vertical interest, color contrast
Light: At least 6 hours of sun, cool roots
Why it works in Los Altos: Can thrive in containers or raised beds and adds instant drama to walls or fences.
4. Lavender (Lavandula)
Photo Source: Canva
Lavender is a garden classic for a reason. Its fragrant spikes of purple flowers, silvery-green foliage, and drought resistance make it a must-have in a sustainable landscaping plan. It’s also pollinator-friendly and thrives in Los Altos’ dry summers.
Ideal for: Fragrance, color, pollinators
Light: Full sun
Why it works in Los Altos: Loves dry climates and requires little water—perfect for water-wise design.
5. Citrus Trees in Pots
Photo Source: Canva
A courtyard wouldn’t be complete without the Mediterranean charm of potted citrus trees. Lemons, limes, or mandarins add color, structure, and even the opportunity for homegrown fruit.
Ideal for: Structure, scent, edible landscaping
Light: Full sun
Why it works in Los Altos: Thrive in pots, especially when placed in sunny corners of the courtyard.
6. Camellias
Photo Source: Canva
Camellias are one of the best shrubs for bringing winter and early spring color to shaded courtyards. Their glossy leaves and delicate blooms elevate quiet corners with a classic feel.
Ideal for: Winter interest, soft color, evergreen form
Light: Partial to full shade
Why it works in Los Altos: Courtyards often provide the filtered light they love, and they’re long-lived, dependable performers.
7. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Photo Source: Canva
If you want to add texture and color at the base level of your courtyard garden, Coral Bells are a perfect fit. Their foliage comes in a variety of colors—from lime green to deep burgundy—and they perform well in part shade.
Ideal for: Groundcover, foliage contrast
Light: Partial sun to shade
Why it works in Los Altos: Adaptable and colorful, perfect under trees or along borders.
Making It All Work: Design Tips for Courtyard Gardens
When working with a landscape designer in Los Altos, your courtyard garden can become more than a pretty space—it can be a functional, peaceful outdoor room. Here’s how to tie it all together:
Use symmetry or geometry to organize your space for a formal vibe
Incorporate hardscaping like pavers, benches, and raised beds
Layer your plantings to create depth: start with trees or tall shrubs, then mid-height perennials, and finish with low growers or groundcover
Choose containers wisely for citrus or ferns to add mobility and style
Add lighting to make the space usable at night and extend the garden’s charm beyond daylight hours
The beauty of courtyard gardens in Los Altos lies in their versatility and elegance. With the right combination of structure, greenery, and seasonal color, you can create an inviting space that reflects your style and supports your lifestyle.
At Petrus Landscape, we specialize in luxury landscape design across the Bay Area, including Los Altos, Atherton, Menlo Park, and surrounding communities. Whether you’re envisioning a formal garden, a Mediterranean courtyard, or a modern outdoor lounge, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.
Ready to transform your courtyard garden? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
