Retaining wall planting

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
LISPYJ Eleva, WI May 23, 2015

I am in zone 4 and am planning to put some shrubs and perennials behind a 4 ft retaining wall. I have often heard about micro climates in a yard, and I am wondering if the plants near the wall need to be hardier than normal for my zone. I am guessing that the roots would be exposed to colder temps, but I don't really know. Any advice?

Post #10079593
Quote
altagardener Calgary, AB(Zone 3b) May 23, 2015

What did you plan on planting? Zone ratings tend to be underestimated on the cold end of things.

Post #10079659
Quote
carrielamont Milton, MA(Zone 6a) May 24, 2015

I have a retaining wall and stuff behind it does tend to be more tender than elsewhere in the yard. What is your wall made out of? Ours was made out of pressure-treated wood which eventually rotted. Last fall my husband made an emergency quick one out of paving stones but it doesn't look good.

Post #10080176
Quote
Sequoiadendron4 Lititz, PA(Zone 6b) May 26, 2015

I'm not sure I agree with Alta, I find in a lot of nurseries they tend to be a little aggressive on zones toward the cold end. I've seen things say hardy to zone 6 that are not hardy in zone 6.

I would agree though that you might not want to plant anything that is only hardy to zone 4. You're going to have to plant things hardy to zone 2 or 3. I think it would also depend on how close the plants are to the edge of the wall.

Post #10081151
Quote
kevinkoh Frederick, MD Nov 10, 2016

Thanks for the information.

Post #10265728
Quote
GoPlantGo orangeville, Canada Nov 11, 2016

Sequoiadendron4 has a good point about the plantings at the front of the wall, as they are likely the only plants that will be affected by colder than normal temperatures. As it is a very focal location, I would personally be tempted to plant trailing annuals there each year, as they provide so much color! That's just if you like to plant annuals though, or perhaps you were thinking of a more permanent solution. It would be less work in the long run. Best wishes with the walled garden!

Post #10265854
Quote
carrielamont Milton, MA(Zone 6a) Nov 13, 2016

Trailing annuals do look fabulous in the front.

Post #10266099
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Ask-a-Dave's-Gardener Threads

Go to all Ask-a-Dave's-Gardener threads
BACK TO TOP