Picking Plants to Suit the Job

Buying plants calls for research.  What climate does each species need?  What requirements does it have for sunlight, drainage, or fertilizer?  Buying plants that flower takes special attention in terms of learning the blooming patterns and life cycle of each species.

Climate:  Passion flowers are from South America, a climate that stays warm most of the year.  Logically, a warm climate is what this showy vine needs to be at its best.  Peonies hail from China and range into northern Siberia; hot climates do not always promote their flowering.  Agapanthus and pelargoniums originally hail from South Africa, so while they will take some drought, they are also accustomed to warmth.  Though a plant may be available for purchase in your area, it may not be well suited to grow there.

Time of purchase:  Outdoor plants are seasonal.  Each may flower for a week, or a month, but then ever a foliage-only phase, or may die back altogether.  If you buy a plant in full bloom, it may be at the close of its blooming season.  Buy flowering plants at the beginning of their blooming season.

Time of flowering:  Plan ahead for color areas by checking the full flowering period of each plant in your growing zone.  Go beyond learning whether the species you are considering is an annual, perennial, or biennial; ascertain the habits of this particular variety.

Some plant species, such as pinks and bellflowers, have biennial, perennial and annual varieties.  Labels don’t always identify which a plant is.  If you unknowingly plant an annual variety, assuming it’s perennial, you may think you have a plant problem when the plant dies after a single blooming period.  To prevent such surprises, bring a reference book with you to the nursery or garden center, or consult one there.  Make sure the habits of the variety you choose suit the plants you have for your garden.

Containerized camouflage:  If you have a highly visible site that is homely unless kept camouflaged by colorful plants, select containerized flowering plants.  Chrysanthemums, daylilies, and may other vivid plants thrive this way.  The containers can be hidden with a natural mulch or redwood chips, or you can use large decorative pots.  When the plants’ blooming period is over, move the containers elsewhere and replace them with another set of full-flowered containerized plants.

Buying seeds:  Packets of seeds can provide an ample rainbow of beauty for a small amount of money.  Patient gardeners may find planting seeds more satisfying than installing transplants, and seed packets often offer a greater variety of plant species than local nurseries.  Take care when buying seeds, however.  Buy only from a reputable dealer and always check the package date to be sure the seeds are fresh.  Stale seeds don’t germinate as well as fresh ones.  In addition, the information given on the packet is often sparse and fairly generic.  Read up on the varieties you have chosen to determine appropriate sowing and transplanting times, and proper garden conditions.

-Information accredited to Ortho’s Home Gardener’s Problem Solver. page 73.