Plants for chalk soil

Plants that cope with chalk soil, with size and aspect for each.

Thin soil over chalk is alkaline, often shallow and stony, and drains very freely, so it dries out fast and locks up iron, which can yellow unsuitable plants. Forget acid-lovers such as rhododendrons; instead choose lime-tolerant plants that revel in the open, alkaline conditions. Add organic matter every year to deepen the topsoil and hold moisture over the chalk, and mulch to protect shallow roots. Plant firmly and water in well, as stony ground can leave air pockets. Many fragrant, nectar-rich plants are native to chalk downland and thrive here. The plants listed are reliably happy on alkaline ground and will not languish reaching for iron they cannot get.

Border Builder is a garden border planner for iPhone and iPad. Pick from the 262 plants below and it works them into a full plan: how many of each, where they go, and how the bed reads through the seasons.

262 plants for this

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