Why do English perenniel gardens do so well in drab weather?
I have a north facing backyard. I live at the beach in Southern California. Can’t figure out why the perenniel gardens in England are so beautiful but get so little sun and are invariably damp from the rain. I would love an English perenniel garden back yard, but most everything dies. Any thoughts?
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add plant food it always helps. also use perenials that like dry conditions that califorina can provide.
Plants need sun – yes, but they need water – regularly. England is perfect. Temperate – never gets too cold, and more importantly, never gets too hot (although they are starting to have issues what with global warming…that heat wave a couple years ago made them suffer…there’s almost no such thing as air conditioning over there…just not needed!- can you imagine doing without a/c in SoCal??)
In other words – it almost never is dry. And almost never is too hot. Perfect conditions for most cottage garden perennials.
Southern California is TOO hot and dry for a lot of plants. English perennial plants do best in England-type conditions…damp, and moderate temperatures. You’d need to give them lots of attention and extra coddling to get them through (shade cloths, extra water, etc).
Look for native plants, and plants that LIKE hot & dry for your garden…you’ll have much more success.
Primarily due to the moist,cool weather we enjoy here in the UK.Suggestions for your north border,
1.Anemone hupehensis.Pink,red and white flowers,grow well in partial shade.
2.Astilbe (Spirea).The arendsii hybrids suit any moist position.
3.Dicentra spectabilis.Requires moisture at roots,shade from strong sunshine.
4.Helleborus.Christmas rose.For a sheltered position in partial shade.
5.Hosta.Useful for north borders.
6.Phlox.Likes rich soil and shade from strong sun.
7.Primula.In variety.Growing as Phlox.
8.Ranunculus.aconitifolius flor-pleno,for a moist shady border.
9.Solidago.golden rod.
Hydrangeas and hardy fuchsia are others which may suit.Good luck,send me some oranges,please!
Everyone missed the most important part of English weather, their extremely long summer days. All of England is further north than the continental US. RScott