The local nurseries will soon be filled with the Spring season’s finest selections of annuals and perennials. Whether you are planting annual or perennial selections, there is a bit of information regarding the area to be planted that you will need to know BEFORE you purchase any plant material.
Sun Exposure
Knowing whether the area receives full sun, partial sun/partial shade, or full shade will allow you to choose plant material that grows best that type of sun exposure. For example, if you are choosing blooms for a plant bed that is in direct sunlight most of the day, you’ll want to pick plant material that grow best exposed to full sun. Annuals that grow best in full sun include Zinnia, Petunia, Salvia, Verbena, Cosmos, and Angelonia.
Soil Condition
Not all soil in a landscape can provide the nutrients that are needed for every plant to grow. Therefore, knowing the soil composition in the area you will be planting is important to promote successful growth. According to the plant material you choose, you may need to pick up some soil to supply additional nutrients. A few different types of soil include:
• Peaty Soil – this organic soil mainly known for containing carbon and nitrogen is perfect for azaleas, camellias, and blueberries.
• Loamy Soil – this sand, silt and clay soil containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium is good for many plants including roses, peonies, and delphinium.
• Sandy Soil – this grainy, gritty soil contains low levels of nutrients containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium sulfur, to name a few. It’s perfect for planting hibiscus, Black-eyed Susan, sedum, and rosemary.
• Potting Soil – this light and airy compost blend contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. It’s an excellent choice for container gardens with flowering plants like marigolds, foliage plants like pathos, and herbs like basil and mint.
Special Concerns
A planting bed that has special concerns will direct your plant material choice. An area holding water and that is exposed to sun all day is a good place to plant Creeping Jenny and forget-me-not. If you have compacted soil, daylily, butterfly bush and black-eyed Susan are excellent options. For soil that dries easily, ornamental grasses like native switch grass or little bluestem grow well. For an area frequented by deer, you can try ferns, butterfly weed, juniper, or allium just to name a few. Please note that where deer are concerned, there is no “one size fits all” fix. What repels deer in one area may attract them in another.
Because a nursery has such a wide variety of available plant options, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when deciding which to purchase. Knowing information about the area you will be planting BEFORE making your purchase will help ease your anxiety and point you to the plant material that will have a better chance of healthy growth.
Happy Planting!!
By Misty Johns, Coastal Greenery, Inc.
