Not All Plants are Equal

There are many trees and shrubs that do well in the landscapes here in the Miami Valley and there are some that don't do so well and then there are some that simply die in a couple of years. When you invest in plants for your property you don't want to have to replace them because they fail to grow well. These varieties should be avoided but you will find that some stores offer them, and that is unfortunate. They look so good in the spring and are very tempting when they are in full bloom. Don't be fooled, even if you go to extreme measures to try and have plants grow in this area that are not suited for our conditions, like some of us have, eventually these varieties will fail.

Spring blooming Sweetspire

One of the groups of plants that do not grow well, if at all, in the Miami Valley are members of the ericaceous or heath family. There may be a few "pockets" where these plants will grow but generally they do poorly, many of us know from firsthand experience. It isn't because they are not tolerant to cold temperatures; it is because of the soil conditions in this area. The native bedrock in the Miami Valley is limestone, unlike the east coast where it is granite. The limestone yields alkaline soils which is unfavorable to this group of acid loving plants. The second strike is our clay soils that do not drain well and the third strike is the lack of organic matter or humus/compost in the soils here.

This acid soil loving group of plants includes rhododendrons, azaleas, mountain laurel, andromada, heaths and heathers, blueberries and others. Some of these varieties will survive for a year or so but they will never grow like they do in northern Ohio, up by Lake Erie or in the eastern part of the U.S., from Maine to the Carolinas. In fact the experience of many who have tried to grow these varieties here find that the plants actually shrink in size over time and eventually become so poor looking that they are removed.

Shrubs that do well here are most of the flowering shrubs that are deciduous and a few broadleaved evergreens like the Blue Hollies, Sweetspire (Itea), Boxwood and Euonymus plus needled evergreens like Junipers and Arborvitae, the Yew family and a few others.

Selecting varieties that grow well in the Miami Valley is the beginning of success in your landscape. Proper planting is the next thing that is necessary. One of the most common mistakes made during installation is planting new plants too deeply. Always plant the top of the root ball level, or slightly above, the soil surrounding the hole. There is more to it than just putting pretty plants in the ground.

So don't be fooled, be sure to check with your local nursery or garden center for plants that grow well in this area before making a purchase.


30 years of Growing
Meadow View Growers
New Carlisle, OH
www.meadowview.com

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Landscaping/Gardening Information:

Related Articles


Preparing Successful Seedlings
Growing your own seedlings is very gratifying and far more economic than purchasing them. It also gives you far greater control over your existing growing conditions.
The Perfect Porch Swing
There is a magical quality to porch swings. In his summertime classic Dandelion Wine, Ray Bradbury describes the "ritual of the front-porch swing.
The String Algae Blues
Now that Spring is upon us and things are coming back to life in your pond with the warmer weather, many of us are battling with string algae. String algae is caused primarily by a combination of the buildup of organic nutrients in the water, and sunlight.
Feed the Birds
Elaborate and decorative or simple and functional, birdhouses and birdfeeders are lovingly coveted by many people (and birds)!The collector seeking a new piece for the den or study need only consider personal taste and aesthetics- many who enjoy the careful art and craftsmanship of a beautiful birdhouse or feeder would never think of placing their precious gift outside in the rain and other elements.The serious or novice birder, on the other hand, has just a bit more to consider.
A Rose is a Rose?
There are many varied definitions of what each color of rose symbolizes. Florists and floral experts alike will agree that flowers hold the meaning we give them and the feeling with which they are given.
The Benefits of Landscaping
How much have you thought about landscaping? Do you know that a beautiful and well put together lawn has many benefits? Landscaping is lawn art and, like any other art form, it takes time, patience, and research to get your methods just right. So, what other benefits does landscaping provide besides just being "pretty"?Firstly, landscaping can add value to your home and surrounding property.
Funky Garden Plants 2
What's a perennial garden plant that blooms in the winter? A hellebore! It is an outdoor plant that is shocking to see blooming sometimes in the snow. There are many varieties.
Landscaping Design - The Primary Principles
Principles refer to standards or prescriptions for working with or arranging various elements to produce the intended landscape design. Good landscape design follows a combination of seven principles: unity, balance, proportion, focalization or emphasis, sequence or transition, rhythm, and repetition.
How to Attract Birds to Your Backyard Paradise For Less Than $100
Like many Americans, you may find bird watching to be a fascinating hobby. At the same time, perhaps you wonder how you can attract regular visitors to your yard without busting the bank by purchasing expensive foliage, feeders, and food.
Gardening and Flowers
Gardening is one of life's pleasures whether you grow flowers, vegetables or herbs; we look forward to the planting season. But whether you are new or seasoned gardener, it's important to remember a few basic things.
Fertilizing Your Water Lilies...
Unfortunately, sunlight is not enough.Your water lilies will grow, thrive, and bloom much better if youget in the habit of fertilizing them regularly.
Introducting KOI-Cam!
This is a project I've had on the back burner for many monthsnow, but now it's finally ready!We rigged up a wireless camera and aimed it at the KOI pond here,directly where my KOI get their daily feedings. To check it outright now, visit www.
How to Grow Hydrangeas
Whether you call them Hydrangea Macrophylla, House Hydrangea, French Hydrangea,, or Mopheads, growing Hydrangeas in the home garden can be an enjoyable experience. They are lovely, whether used as single plants or in mass, such as in a hedge, or border.
How to Win the War Against Slugs and Snails
Slugs are one of the most hated of garden pests. You may have spent time carefully planting out your seedlings into the bed, but when you return next morning, you find chewed leaves, the growing points nibbled away and a mass of slimy trails all around.
How to Grow Apples
The first thing you need to grow apples is a long-term commitment. Growing apples takes considerable time and quite a bit of work.
Gardening For Birds
What a cruel trick the weather is playing on us.WE HAVE SNOW ! ! !A bit depressing for us outdoor types.
Grey Water- Not Drinking Water- For Your Garden
The average home can reduce their water consumption by around 30% by re-using grey water on their garden.The figures are compelling.
Tuberous Begonias
If you appreciate plants that have no hesitation in boldly stating their presence with huge, almost artificially perfect flowers, then tuberous begonias are for you. While some may find them rather too overstated, downright brazen even, if you like colour, and plenty of it, with subtlety an option rather than compulsory, then look no further.
Fun, Funky Garden Plants
I have a love for funky, fun and unique garden plants. Here's one to try.
Flowers Wilting? Tips for Making Your Flowers Last Longer
We all know one disadvantage of flowers is that they don't last very long. While they are here they bring happiness and warmth to any dull decorating space.