Choose plants for your garden to save the planet

Deep-rooted trees, indigenous grasses, and herbaceous perennials are all carbon-capturing plants that can have an impact on climate change. Choose wise when gardening!

While all plants store carbon in the soil through their network of roots and microbes, some plants are more effective than others.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PanAmerican Seed (@panamseed)

Trees head the list because they can store more carbon in the soil at greater depths.

Indigenous grasses with deep taproots are another good alternative and then there are drought-tolerant perennials that have developed deep and expansive root systems which help them to survive the effects of climate change.

In the average urban garden, it’s possible to have a mix of all three, although it’s likely that flowering perennials will form the backbone of the garden. Prioritise varieties with flowers that attract beneficial insects, especially pollinators like butterflies and bees.

Artisan echinacea

Echinacea, also known as cone flower for its central orange-brown cone, has large daisy-like flowers in autumn that are particularly attractive to bees.

The ‘Artisan Collection’ consists of sturdy well-branched plants that grow up to 70cm high and almost as wide. The flower colours are Red Ombre (brick red), Soft Orange, and Yellow Ombre. They grow best in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Deadhead the flowers as they start to fade to keep them flowering for longer.

Deep-rooted Gaillardia

Gaillardia has a particularly deep tap root that enables it to store carbon at a deeper level. It is an excellent bedding perennial with a long flowering season.

Gaillardia ‘Mesa’ is very drought tolerant once established and the flowers do not fade in the hot sun. It’s a vigorous, upright-growing plant that doesn’t flop over.

It grows best in fertile drained soil but will tolerate poor soil as well as very hot sun. Its three colours are red, yellow, and a red and yellow bicolour.

Cabon sequestering Sedum

Sedum spectabile ‘Brilliant’ is aptly named. It grows into an upright, water-wise shrub 50cm high and wide, with smooth grey-green leaves and clusters of light pink to deep rose-pink star-shaped flowers that draw butterflies and bees. In winter the seed heads provide food for the birds.

What makes sedum such an important plant for combatting climate change is that its stomata close during the day and open at night to take in carbon dioxide. The stored carbon dioxide is then photosynthesised during the day.

Water conserving

Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos) is an ultra-drought tolerant perennial from down under, that has an underground rhizome that conserves water to keep the foliage hydrated during times of drought.

Bush Gems Celebrations™ are a collection with large tubular flowers resembling a furry kangaroo paw and slender strappy leaves similar to daylilies.

The compact plants are quick growers with a long flowering period from mid-Spring to mid-Autumn. They need well-drained soil on the sandy side and can be planted in full sun or partial shade.

Non-stop flowers

Coreopsis flowers from the end of spring right through to autumn. They grow in almost every kind of soil, are drought tolerant, and thrive without much attention.

Coreopsis Uptick ‘Gold and Bronze’ has vivid golden-yellow flowers with a bronze-red eye. Its large flowers attract pollinators and its growth is neat, compact, and tidy.

It’s not fussy about soil and has mildew-resistant foliage. Cut stems back after flowering to encourage a second flush.

Aromatic foliage

Perovskia also known as Russian sage has aromatic silvery foliage and spikes of small blue flowers that are a magnet for bees. 

Perovskia ‘Bluesette’ is a compact plant that grows into a medium-high, bushy shrub (56cm high) with deep blue flowers from spring through to autumn. Plants tolerate both heat and frost.

Fertilise once a month. It can be planted as a hedge, along a pathway, or in drifts.

NOW READ: Keep the autumn roses flowering for longer

For more information visit www.ballstraathof.co.za