60-second guide: plant sites
By Julie Hollobone
Tips for planting in moist, hot, dry, shady and coastal sites
'Many plants are more able to cope with the dry if they are planted when small, and watered and mulched for the first couple of years.'
Fortunately, many plants are quite adaptable and will grow reliably in most conditions, but it's always wise to do some homework in case you make a costly mistake. If you think a plant is in the wrong place, you may be able to move it carefully to a more suitable site. Here are the general categories to guide you:
Plants for moist soil These include: Astilbe, candelabra primulas, Caltha palustris, Carex elata, Hosta, Iris sibirica, Ligularia, Trollius and Rodgersia. These can be planted either in a boggy place that is in full sun, or in a position where the soil is moist and shaded so that it doesn't dry out.
If the soil is wet in winter, such as with clay, improve the drainage by digging in plenty of grit or well-rotted organic matter. Many plants are more able to cope with the dry if they are planted when small and watered and mulched for the first couple of years.
Plants for a hot, dry site These include: Cistus, Helianthemum, Lavandula, Santolina, Sedum, Sempervivum, Senecio and thyme. These will suit a sunny site where the soil is dry in summer, but they may also thrive in a dry soil in a lightly shaded site. Spring bulbs, such as species tulips or alliums, may also cope as they are dormant in summer when the soil is at its driest.
Plants for moist shade These include: Acer palmatum, Astrantia, Crocosmia, Dicentra, Fatsia japonica, Skimmia and any woodland plants to include ferns and bulbs. These are plants that enjoy a cooler situation out of the strong sun, and soil that is rich in organic matter.
Plants for dry shade Some plants prefer a moister shade but will tolerate dry shade. Vigorous ground-cover plants, for instance, are robust enough to cope with tough growing conditions. Others worth trying include Bergenia, Digitalis purpurea, Epimedium, Geranium phaeum, Hedera, Ilex, Mahonia aquifolium, Pyracantha and Symphytum. These are best planted when still young so that they can adapt to the dry conditions, and they will probably grow quite slowly.
Plants for coastal areas Tough plants for strong coastal winds that protect other plants include: Escallonia var. macrantha, Elaeagnus x ebbingei, Euonymus japonicus, Phormium tenax and Tamarix.
Bear in mind that for difficult sites, plant choice is more limited and only certain species may be suitable, so be patient if they are difficult to source, or take advice before choosing alternatives.
For further gardening advice, hints and tips, go to www.gardensmonthly.co.uk