dcsimg

GROWING WOODLAND PLANTS

By The Old House Web

GROWING WOODLAND PLANTS


Growing native plants allows for a natural environment in the garden. However, these plants do require some cultivation to grow optimally - native plants must also be properly cared for.

Basic requirements for native woodland plants must be met for proper growth. Light shade or partial sun in morning or evening is necessary. Soil should consist of 50% humus (organic matter) - fallen leaves, compost, peat moss, rotten manure. This should be mixed with soil to a depth of 1 1/2 feet. Fresh manure should be avoided because it is very acidic and can hurt plants. The soil should be kept moderately moist, and watered once or twice a week during dry spells lasting over 2 weeks. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.5-7.0.

Several woodland plants have individual requirements, such as:

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), which gets its name from its red sap and requires: Light: Medium to heavy shade Soil: Rich in humus Moisture: Moderately moist conditions PH: Moderately acid Height: 6-12" Flowering Time: March-April Propagation: Seeds stratified; divisions in spring or summer.

Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), which remains vigorous even if its seeds are removed and requires: Light: Sun to medium shade Soil: Average Moisture: Dry to moderately moist conditions PH: Average Height: 1-2' Flowering time: May-July Propagation: Stratification not needed.

Hepatica, sharp-lobed (Hepatica acutiloba), which requires: Light: Medium to heavy shade Soil: Rich in humus Moisture: Moderately moist PH: Averagee Height: 4-9" Flowering Time: March-April Propagation: Seeds stratified; division after flowering.

Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema atrorubens), whose bulbs are poisonous requires: Light: Medium to heavy shade Soil: Rich in humus Moisture: Moderately moist Height: 1-3' Glowering Time: April-June Propagation: Seeds stratified

Meadowrue, early (Thalictrum dioicum), requires: Light: Light to heavy shade Soil: Rich in humus Moisture: Moderate to very moist PH: Average Height: 1-2' Flowering Time: April-May Propagation: Seeds stratified

Partridge berry (Mitchella repens), a plant with bright, durable berries, requires: Light: Light to heavy shade Soil: Rich in humus Moisture: Dry to moderately moist PH: Moderate to very acid Height: 1-4" Flowering Time: June-July Propagation: Seeds stratified; division in spring; stem cuttings in August.

Violets (viola spp.), require: Light: Sun to medium shade Soil: Rich in humus Moisture: Dry to moderately moist PH: Average Height: 2-12" Flowering Time: April-June Propagation: Seeds stratified; divisions in fall

Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), requires: Light: Light to medium shade Soil: Average Moisture: Moderately moist PH: Average Height: 2-12" Flowering Time: May-June Propagation: Stratification not needed; division in spring

Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) requires: Light: Medium to heavy shade Soil: Rich in humus Moisture: Moderately moist PH: Average Height: 6-12" Flowering Time: May-June Propagation: Division in spring; stem cuttings

Go To Top of File               Main Page for this Data Base



Search Improvement Project