Use Appropriate Plants

Decide on plants that will work in your zone and microclimate. By shopping carefully for plants with similar cultural requirements, your plants will be happier and your gardening experience more pleasurable.

Agastache 'Desert Sunrise'®
Item # 11834 		Agastache 'Desert Sunrise'®
Hybrid Hummingbird Mint

each $8.99
3 to 6 plants $8.79
7 or more $8.59
Aquilegia species 'Swallowtail'®
Item # 20822 		Aquilegia species 'Swallowtail'®
Swallowtail Columbine

each $7.99
3 to 6 plants $7.79
7 or more $7.59
Lavandula angustifolia 'Mitcham Gray'
Item # 63116 		Lavandula angustifolia 'Mitcham Gray'
Mitcham Gray Lavender

each $7.99
3 or more $7.79
Salvia x 'Raspberry Delight'®
Item # 84796 		Salvia 'Raspberry Delight'®
Raspberry Delight Hybrid Bush Sage

each $7.99
3 to 6 plants $7.79
7 or more $7.59
  • Topic: Plant Selection
  • Author: Mary Ann Walz
  • Keywords: Garden design, xeric pricipals, gardening help, plant selection, Use Appropriate Plants, gardens, xeriscape, xeriscaping, xeriscapes
  • Date: March 2008

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Use Appropriate Plants

When selecting plants for different bedding areas, remain aware of all the cultural requirements of all the plants you want to place together. This means taking into consideration each plant’s preferences for soil type, soil fertility, soil drainage, moisture and exposure to sun. Make sure like-minded plants are grouped together.

Those Hot and Sunny Spots

These areas are typically found on the south and west sides of structures. When planting in these spots, use plants that are drought tolerant and enjoy full sun.

Those Cool and Moist Spots

In shady, slightly moister areas usually near a canale or downspout and usually on the north or east sides of a structure, use plants that require a bit more water and appreciate a bit of afternoon shade.

Planning flower beds for “Hardy Garden Perennials” and “Xeric Perennials”

Many traditional garden plants (Hardy Garden Perennials ) like Shasta Daisies, Daylilies, Delphinium, Columbines and Garden Phlox grow best in very fertile (compost enriched) soils with good moisture retention. On the other hand many xeric plants like Penstemon, Salvia, Lavender, Russian Sage and Callirhoe (“Xeric Perennials”) require infertile (lean), fast draining soils that don’t stay wet. Keep these important distinctions in mind when planning your flower beds.

Place trees in areas where they’ll get some supplemental water from runoff and close enough to the house so you can water them when needed.

By shopping carefully for plants with similar cultural requirements, your plants will be happier and your gardening experience more pleasurable.