Throughout my career working in both the commercial plant industry and public horticulture, I have been exposed to an amazing diversity of plants. Particularly fascinating are the array of plants (genera) taxonomists have categorized into different plant families and why.
Members of a plant family share characteristics, such as flower form and leaf arrangement, that distinguish them from other families. They typically have similar cultural requirements, as well. Yet delving into one plant family can be an eye-opening experience, leaving you scratching your head at its unexpected members.
The Ericaceae, or heath family, consists of more than 4,000 species organized into about 120 genera. Most members are evergreen, woody plants ranging from groundcovers to trees. Their flowers, made of fused petals, come in a kaleidoscope of colors and can be tubular or bell-shaped, often resembling miniature urns. Form aside, flowers develop into fruit that are typically either a capsule or berry, occasionally a drupe.
Ericaceous plants can be found worldwide from temperate and cold regions to mountainous, tropical climates. Commonly occurring in acidic, well-drained and typically nutrient-poor soils, they prosper thanks to a close relationship with mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi allow the plants to absorb valuable nutrients not otherwise readily available.
Gardeners are probably most familiar with members in the genera Rhododendron (rhododendron and azaleas) and Vaccinium (blueberries and cranberries), valuable ornamentally and economically, respectively. In addition to these treasured plants, many other beautiful relatives provide effective landscape applications. Let’s look at some of my favorites.
Mountain laurel
Denne historien er fra May - June 2023-utgaven av Horticulture.
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Denne historien er fra May - June 2023-utgaven av Horticulture.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
GAGA FOR GALANTHUS
As easy as they are irresistible, snowdrops boast a devoted and growing following
NEW PLANTS
Multiseason Marvels
BLUEBERRIES & CO.
Members of the genus Vaccinium provide sweet flavor, health benefits and beauty in the garden
AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT
How three great minds think alike
Take It Indoors
Cs the growing season dwindles, _ potted cittus became a summer souuenir
ROOTED IN PLACE
LAYERING IS A PROPAGATION TECHNIQUE THAT TAKES A WHILE TO COMPLETE, BUT IT DEMANDS LITTLE EFFORT FROM THE GARDENER
AT HOME WITH PLANTS
Business travel and pleasure trips helped inspire this Cincinnati garden
THE GARDEN GOES DARK
Yes, gardens have their dark side. But-surprise! A garden's darkness can be good, not sinister.
LOW-WATER WONDERS
EXPLORE ONE PLANTSMAN'S DROUGHT-TOLERANT FAVORITES FOR EACH LEVEL OF THE GARDEN
Succeed With Succession- The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right
The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right. Once a crop like spring turnips or snap peas has finished, I tidy up the bed, amend the soil with a thin layer of compost and replant. Depending on the new crop, I may be sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings.
