Plants, which do not fit together

Plants, which do not fit together

Plants, that don't go together - how to avoid fatal mistakes in the garden

When designing flower beds and plant arrays, visual factors are most often taken into account - a combination of colors, leaf texture and height stratification. In landscape biology, however, there is a much more important one, invisible factor: chemical and structural compatibility underground. Some species develop the so-called. allelopathy – the ability to release specific biochemical compounds through their roots or fallen leaves, which suppress or completely destroy neighboring plants. Planting incompatible species in close proximity results in molting, illness and subsequent withering of the weaker species. Here are the combinations you should definitely avoid in your yard.

Content

The nut (The royal juggler): Absolute isolation in the garden

The walnut is the most striking example of plant selfishness. It releases the powerful organic toxin juglone, which is contained in all parts of the tree - roots, crust, leaves and fruit sheaths.

  • Risk combinations: Planting Magnolias, Rhododendrons, Azalea, Hydrangeas, as well as on most bulbous flowers and vegetable crops under the crown of a walnut tree or near its roots, is fatal. Juglone blocks the respiration of their cells and they die.
  • The solution: Only highly resistant species such as ivy can grow around and under a walnut, pinch, some types of Ferns or Japanese Pachysandra.

Conifers vs. Delicate Flowering Shrubs

The big evergreen trees (pine trees, spruces, ate) affect the environment in two ways - chemically and mechanically.

  • Soil acidification: Fallen needles dramatically increase the acidity of the soil layer below. Most classic flowering shrubs and standard ryegrass do not tolerate highly acidic environments.
  • Moisture deficit: The dense and superficial root system of plants such as thuja (Thuja) quickly sucks the water from the top layer, leaving the more tender neighboring plants in constant dry mode.
  • The right combination: Next to conifers, plant only acid-loving and drought-resistant species such as Kaluna (Calluna), Erika (Erica) or Rhododendrons.

The roses: Demanding species, which do not tolerate competition

Garden roses are resource monopolists in beds. To bloom profusely, they require maximum sunlight, intensive fertilization and excellent air flow.

Important distance rule: Never plant fast-growing evergreen shrubs or aggressive climbers less than 1 meter from the base of the roses. Shading and closing the air space around them dramatically increases the risk of developing dangerous fungal diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew.

Competition of root systems:

When designing a multi-layer bed, planting two or more species with the same type of root system at the same level should be avoided.

  • If you combine two delicate shrubs with shallow roots too close, they enter into aggressive competition for nutrients from the surface soil layer.
  • The right approach: Combine plants with deep (axial) root system with such, which have a shallow or soil cover system. Thus, they draw resources from different soil horizons without interfering with each other.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can the negative effect of allelopathy be compensated by more watering and fertilizing?
Not. When a plant releases toxic compounds (such as juglone or specific phenols), additional feeding cannot neutralize the chemical poisoning of the vulnerable species. The only solution is to physically separate them.

2. Which popular ornamental species are perfect partners?
A classic example of a useful symbiosis is Roses and Lavender. Lavender not only complements their aesthetics, but thanks to its essential oils it acts as a natural repellent against aphids and mites.

3. Can new vegetation be planted immediately after the removal of an old tree?
It is recommended to wait or partially replace the soil on the site. The old roots that remain underground continue to release chemical compounds during their decay process, which can stress young plants.

Conclusion

The correct combination of plants in the garden is important for their healthy development and the good appearance of the space. Some plants do not grow well next to each other, as they interfere with each other through the roots, water and light needs or the attraction of various pests. Knowing the inappropriate combinations helps to avoid problems such as poor growth, diseases and low harvest. With careful planning and the right selection of plants, you can create a harmonious, a beautiful and well-functioning garden.

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