The Right Plant in the Right Place

There is a big difference between a gardener and a plant collector. A gardener knows their garden with its soil, light levels and microclimates, and selects plants that will thrive in the growing environment.

A plant collector often makes purchases based on an impulse. Many nurseries rely on these impulse buyers making purchases without planning ahead. Unfortunately, many of these plants fail to thrive in the home landscape because they are not in the right location.

A good garden begins with a good plan. The plan should take into account the goals of the garden. The goals are set after evaluating the needs, wants and desired uses for the new landscape.

Plant selection follows the planning and evaluation. There are two basic principles which should be followed when selecting plants: “Does the site provide for all of the needs of the plant?” and “Which species of plant creates the intended aesthetic to fit the plan?”

Before the plan is developed, the intended garden site should be evaluated to determine permanent and seasonal characteristics present. The plant selection plan should conform to the site’s characteristics.

Holly ferns have specific light requirements. The one in the foreground is receiving too much light as the result of a single limb being removed and is severely stressed. The one is the background remains in heavy shade and is heathy.

A very important characteristic is available space, both above ground and below ground. Accurate measurements of the site are essential.

Above ground space must be considered three dimensionally. The chosen plants must fit within the space when they reach their mature size.

Knowledge of what a plant will become in the future is vital. A good estimation of a plant’s potential size is often given on the plant label.

Do not make the mistake of underestimating the plant’s potential. Plants are living organisms and will, if properly cared for, continue to increase in size throughout their life.

Below ground space is every bit as important as above ground space. The average woody tree or shrub has just as much mass in the root system as in the canopy, and that root volume increases annually, matching the above ground growth.

The majority of plant roots are found in the upper 8 to 10 inches of soil to allow for adequate oxygen exchange. The roots of an average tree will extend out from 2 to 4 times the width of the tree canopy. For example, a tree with a 30 foot canopy spread could potentially have roots spreading out 60 to 120 feet.

Plants should match the environment of the site. Again, the plant label on the container is a good source for information on the conditions a particular plant requires.

Confirm the plant is suitable for your growing zone. The US Department of Agriculture has a zone map to help identify the zone and the minimum temperatures reasonably expected.

Please keep in mind local microclimates will affect the temperatures actually experienced. For example, the north and east sides of a building typically will be cooler than the south or west sides.

The amount of water retained in an area is affected by the soil type and the terrain. Sandy soils drain faster and retain less water than soils with a higher clay content.

Organic soils hold water better. Adding organic matter and organic mulches will aid in moisture retention.

Florida’s warm and moist climate speeds organic matter’s decomposition so it will need to be reapplied frequently.

All plants need light to grow, but different plants need different light levels. It is important to understand the light levels on the intended planting site.

Full sun is considered at least 6 hours daily. Remember, the plant can be shaded by an adjacent structure or by trees overhead.

The plant label and reference sources will give a good indication of what light levels a particular plant requires. Some plants tolerate a range of light, but others have more specific requirements.

Plants not receiving the proper amount of light (too much or too little) will not thrive and will be prone to insect and disease problems.

It is important to understand the soil characteristics in the intended growing site. Soil composition (amount of sand, silt, clay), texture and amount of organic matter will affect characteristics like drainage, water retention and compaction.

Sandy soils typically have little ability to retain plant nutrients, making careful monitoring of fertilization a necessity. Clay soils drain poorly, but they tend to hold water and nutrients better than sandy soils. However, clay soils are more prone to compaction. Organic soils have high nutrient contents with a higher water-holding capacity.

The pH of a soil is a measurement of its alkalinity or acidity. How high or low the pH is will affect the ability of the soil to absorb and retain essential plant nutrients.

It is critically important to know the pH of the soil in the growing site is. Accurate measurements can be obtained by submitting soil samples through the local County Extension Office or other soil testing labs.

Most plants grow best in soils that are slightly acidic. Lime may be added to raise the pH of acidic soils, but it is seldom needed in most parts of Florida. Organic matter addition is an excellent way to lower the pH of alkaline soils.

Plant aesthetics, or the selection’s appearance will be the final deciding factor. Personal preferences will prevail, but success is likely only if the previously discussed factors are addressed.

Purchase the plant from a reputable establishment which warrants the health of the specimen to be installed. Select healthy, well-shaped plants which are free of any obvious parasite or damage issues.

The largest plant available may not be the best selection. Plants which are oversized for their containers are likely to be root bound and will perform poorly.

Placing the right plant in the right place will all its needs met will deliver the best and most successful gardening experience.