Plant Science 2075 Exam 3 - Herbaceous Ornamentals

advantages of herbaceous ornamentals

easiest to grow/maintain, inexpensive, huge variety

perennial

winter hardy; comes back every year; seasonal bloomers

annual

not winter hardy; planted new every year; quick color and continuous blooms

factors to consider for perennial vs annual

soil quality, microclimates, time required, cost

three categories of light

full sun, shade, part sun/part shade

full sun

6 hours of direct light a say; not enough light = won’t flower well

shade

no direct light most of the day; may tolerate early morning sun

part sun/part shade

in between

soil species consideration

most plants prefer rich, well drained soil

what to do with heavy clay soils

amend or choose a tolerant species

moisture level consideration

swampy areas/near water feature

extra dry areas

use xerophytic species

air circulation consideration

buildings, fences, other trees/shrubs can affect

maintenance consideration

pruning and deadheading

temperature/climate considerations

perennial - hardiness zone

annual - cool season vs warm season

cool season annual timing

plant in spring or fall; tolerates light frost not heat

warm season annual

tolerate heat not frost

mature size consideration

fits in space, not blocking windows/sidewalks

growth habits consideration

fast/slow, upright/ground cover

ornamental considerations

color, texture, fragrance, bloom time

theme considerations

monochromatic, succulent

additional function considerations

cut flower, edible, pollinators, reducing erosion, toxicity

perennial planting timing

spring or fall

perennial planting area prep

loosen/amend soil and add fertilizer per soil test

controlling perennial weeds

weed fabric, mulch, pre emergent herbicides

perennial aftercare

fertilizer once per year in spring, removal of old growths, water as needed

annual timing

cool season - mid to late march

warm season - early to mid may

annual seeds characteristics

large seeded, quick to germinate, short juvenile stage

annual transplants characteristics

small seeded, slow to germinate, long juvenile phase

annual seed option sow direct outside

later start and flower, soil temperature, over sow and thin

annual seed option start indoors and transplant

earlier flowering, good light needed

transplant planting area prep

loose. amend, fertilizer per soil test

transplant timing

plant in early morning or cloudy day

transplant spacing

based on species size; fill in but not overcrowded

transplant depth

barely deeper than orignal soil boil; don’t bury crown or leaves

perennial aftercare

control weeds, deadheading, fertilizing once a month

effect of saving annual seeds

not true to cultivar

timing to save annual seeds

once seeds develop/flowering stops or slow; allow to mature fully

storage to save annual seeds

cool and dry area for up to one year

planting in container

generally annual plants, single species or combo

compatible plants consideration

light, water, fertilizer

play nice together consideration

growth rate

size/form consideration

thriller:filler:spiller

ornamental qualities consideration

color, texture, fragrance

choosing container

drainage holes, size/shape, color, price, repurposed

prepping container

quality potting media, other materials to fill if tall planter

container planting considerations

number of plants, viewpoint

optional additions

water retention agent, slow release fertilizer