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Devon, United Kingdom Gb

I've ordered some Gillenia trifoliata. My preferred place for planting is dry clay. If I dig in compost, leaf mould and perllte, do you think the soil will be good enough.
There is another site I could use but I would love to have these little beauties at the bottom of my garden where I had to have tree taken down.




Answers

 

I find it is a shady lady and as long as the soil doesn't dry out she should be fine. mine is under an apple tree in a border that gets late evening sun if any at all.

I agree it is a lovely plant.

8 Sep, 2020

 

So pleased you said that SBG. If you think it's doable then I'm sure it is. Thankyou

8 Sep, 2020

 

If you are bothered by the dryness of the situation, then add some water retaining crystals to the planting hole.

8 Sep, 2020

 

Thanks for the suggestion Owdboggy. I thought perlite retained water or would the crystals be better?

8 Sep, 2020

 

Perlite is used to sharpen drainage, aerate, and dry the soil faster. Clay normally holds water very well, but it may be hard to get water into it, or tree and shrub roots can suck the moisture out. In fact, that is the most common cause of the expression "dry clay"--thirsty roots from other plants. Another cause would be a slope that keeps the rain--or sprinkling--from hanging around long enough to get absorbed.

9 Sep, 2020

 

Thanks for claryifying that Tug. I'll obtain some water-retaining crystals.

9 Sep, 2020

 

I should have been more specific, Merlinbabydog. I was trying to show why the crystals would be ineffective--they are intended to boost the water holding ability of sandy soils or soilless potting mixes. If the cause of the dryness is a slope, then terrace. If the cause of the dryness is competing roots, or overhanging roofs, then water--preferably slowly, deeply, and infrequently.

9 Sep, 2020

 

Wow! It's so complicated isn't it Tug? But I'm pleased you explained that to me so thankyou. It will be the the latter solution because the planting site is close to a large tree stump. The red oak was taken down two years ago. Also, my neighbour has a Leylandii hedge nearby.
One more question if you wouldn't mind. Why should the watering be done infrequently? Would it become waterlogged?

9 Sep, 2020

 

Once wet, clay soil stays moist for a long time. Even here in the desert, most plants only need a deep watering once every two weeks, once a week for water hogs like roses, in clay soil. In "cool", humid climates like the UK, that interval could stretch out much longer.

9 Sep, 2020

 

Thankyou so much Tug. Gardening is a never ending learning journey.

10 Sep, 2020

How do I say thanks?

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