Blossoming Plants Prefer High Alkalinity: Top Picks for Alkaline-Rich Environments
Gardening in Alkaline Soil: A Guide to the Best Plants
CRUSHING IT with an alkaline soil garden? Kudos, my friend! Turns out, soils rich in chalk or limestone are quite the thing in the UK. You'll find these babies on chalk downlands, like the South Downs, Chiltern Hills, or Salisbury Plain.
But, what plants will truly slay in this high-pH environment? Fret not, for I've got you covered. Check out these sweet picks that go from lavender to olive trees, all loving the alkaline life.
Plant Power
- Godsend for ol' Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme, and Artemisia: These aromatic buddies thrive in alkaline soil, thanks to their fondness for free-draining, chalky conditions. To get the best of 'em, remember: full sun, well-drained soil, and a chill on the watering.
- Ornamental Clovers: Easy peasy, these beauties prefer well-drained, light to medium-humid soil types. Try 'em in loam, clay, chalk, or sandy bases — they're a win for your garden and your soil!
- Wild Marjoram: Craving some low-maintenance action? Plant wild marjoram in well-drained alkaline soil. It'll bring its 20-90 cm height to cottage garden borders, rock gardens, or scree beds.
- Olive Trees: If you're growing 'em in pots, feed them regularly. And every few years, repot these bad boys in fresh nutrient-rich compost, adding sand or horticultural grit for added drainage.
- Clematis Vines: Sun-loving and hardy, these vines can withstand a good half-day in the sun (6 hours minimum). Water 'em, but make sure the soil doesn't get soggy, as that can lead to root neglect and leaf shedding.
Garden Tips
Soil pH
- If you've got sandy soil, it's a match made in heaven with roses!
- Ornamental clovers? They're more than just a pretty face; they boost nitrogen into the ground, helping your garden thrive.
- Langbeinite: It's a winner for supercharging soil and plant health, as it amends soil analysis and textural properties.
7 or above
FAQ
Wondering how these plants adapt to alkaline soils? Fear not! They're equipped with roots and nutrient uptake systems designed for higher pH and less fertile soils. Plus, they're drought-tolerant and excel in free-draining conditions. Far from being a hardship, alkaline soils actually support these plants, allowing them to push through nutrient deficiencies that acid-loving plants might face.
Examples of plants
[1] Dig destiny: Soil types in the UK and their dynamics https://www.british-gardening.ru/en/blog/soil-types-in-the-uk-and-their-dynamics[2] Kick butts with alkaline soil: Best plants for UK gardens https://www.chalkandsmall.co.uk/blog/kalijanye-pochvuchki-dlya-angliyskih-sadov[3] Set your garden free: 10 plants that love alkaline soil https://www.tmstria.co.uk/budubanki-dlya-kalnyh-pochv-v-iditorov-doma/
Lavender, rosemary, thyme, artemisia, honeysuckle, lilac, sweet potato, parsley, olive trees, Deutzia gracilis, bluebeard, clematis vines, lily of the valley, phacelia, clover, wild marjoram, Jacob's ladder plant, blue moor grass
- Initiate your home-and-garden renovation by exploring plants that thrive in alkaline soil, such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, artemisia, and even olive trees.
- For a captivating home-and-garden display, consider introducing plants like ornamental clovers and wild marjoram, which not only bloom beautifully but also prefer well-draining, alkaline soil conditions.
