
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
Bu hikaye Horticulture dergisinin May - June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Horticulture dergisinin May - June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap

GARDEN GOAL: MORE SPRING BULBS
Take these five steps now to ensure a better bulb display next spring

SAY HELLO TO HELICONIAS
Tired of the same ol' cannas or dahlias in your summer garden scheme? It's time to get acquainted with heliconias

PENSTEMONS ARE PERFECTION
THIS NORTH AMERICAN GENUS OFFERS INTRIGUING FLOWERS ON DROUGHT-TOLERANT PLANTS

A LIVELY LANDSCAPE
Historic garden cemeteries, such as Rhode Island's Swan Point, can delight a visiting plant lover

REALLY GOOD ROSES
The latest cultivars to prove themselves in nationwide trials

BOBBY WARD A scholar of plants and plantspeople
BOBBY WARD IS ONE of the most respected names in the world of horticulture.

BUDBURST
Gardeners can help scientists understand plants' responses to climate change

TANGLING WITH VINES
I'M GUESSING that vines, pound for pound, produce the highest ratio of leaf surface per support structure of any terrestrial plant.

HEADING NORTH
AS WINTERS TREND WARMER, NORTHERN GARDENERS CAN TURN TO THESE PROMISING SOUTHERN NATIVES

Unbridled COLOR Combos
PAIR A BRIGHT-LEAVED MAIN CHARACTER WITH EQUALLY BOLD COMPANIONS FOR LASTING DRAMA IN THE GARDEN