What flowers are suitable for Zhoushan
The Zhoushan Archipelago, where the salty sea breeze intertwines with the warm monsoon, nurtures a unique plant ecosystem. This city, embraced by the East China Sea, boasts a temperate climate with an annual average temperature of 16℃ and abundant sunshine, creating a natural greenhouse for the growth of flowers and plants. When we open the courtyard gate of a Zhoushan resident, we can always find the plant code of the ocean city among the flowerpots and green belts.
Flower paradise in the subtropical climate
A list of plants nurtured by the gentle sea breeze
Zhoushan, with 251 frost-free days a year, can grow a variety of plants far exceeding those of mainland cities. Salt-tolerant wintersweet can stand tall in sea fog, and moisture-loving Monstera deliciosa can stretch its leaves in humid air. From courtyard trees to balcony potted plants, azaleas, camellias, and gardenias form a chain of flowers throughout the year, while sea buckthorn and holly create evergreen barriers. In the nearshore areas, reeds and hibiscus show ecological resilience.
Survival wisdom during the typhoon season
Facing the test of 3-4 typhoons per year, low灌木 become the preferred choice. Firethorn's extensive roots can resist wind and soil, and the leathery leaves of Photinia reduce water evaporation. Balcony gardeners often choose succulent plants like spider plants and aloe vera, which have water storage characteristics to withstand short-term drought. Experienced flower farmers complete tree pruning before July to reduce wind resistance.
Ecological code in the city's totem
The Buddhist origin of Putuo narcissus
As one of the top three narcissus in China, the wild population of Putuo narcissus is found only on Foding Mountain. Its flowers have six petals that open like a lotus seat, and from December to March of the following year, their delicate fragrance intertwines with the temple's sacred sounds. Zhoushan people cultivate them using intertidal sandy soil to simulate the native island environment.
The ecological miracle of Neolitsea
This national second-class protected plant has fewer than 3,000 remaining individuals worldwide, and its leaves glisten with a metallic sheen in the sunlight. The red fruits that appear at the end of spring are a delicacy for white-headed munias, and the essential oils secreted by the bark have insect-repelling properties. Mixed planting with camphor trees can form a natural protective forest, becoming a green长城 along the coastline.
In this city of sea and sky, every plant tells a philosophy of survival. From wind and salt-resistant courtyard flowers to city trees and flowers that carry culture, the greenery of Zhoushan always resonates with the ocean. When the sea mist drifts over the petals of the Putuo narcissus, we understand the ecological wisdom of this archipelago city—creating vitality by following nature.