What Flowers are Suitable for Shiyuan
Situated in the Qinba Mountains, Shiyuan boasts a unique set of conditions for plant growth due to its subtropical monsoon climate. With an average annual temperature of 15.4°C and 769 millimeters of rainfall, combined with abundant summer precipitation and a mild winter climate, it forms a natural plant greenhouse. Understanding the local climatic characteristics is the key first step in creating a home garden.
Recommended Flower Varieties for Home Gardening in Shiyuan
Perennials That Withstand Weather Extremes
Crape myrtle and osmanthus are considered standard in Shiyuan gardens, with their drought and cold resistance perfectly matching the local climate. Crape myrtle has a flowering period of up to a hundred days, while osmanthus emits a fragrance in autumn. Combined with wintersweet in winter, it is possible to have flowers for three seasons. Pomegranate and camellia are also worth recommending, the former offering strong ornamental value with summer flowers and autumn fruit, and the latter blooming in winter to fill the floral gap.
Seasonal Herbaceous Plants
Iris and tickseed can be chosen for creating flower gardens in spring and summer, with their ability to withstand humid and hot conditions adapting to the rainy season. Planting cold-season flowers like pansy and chrysanthemum in autumn, combined with the fragrance of fragrant daphne, can sustain the vitality of the garden. Note that during heavy rain seasons, it is necessary to dig ditches for ground-planted plants to drain water, and using ceramic stones at the bottom of pots is recommended to enhance permeability.
Shrubs and Climbing Plants
Chinese wisteria and Chinese trumpet creeper create a three-dimensional greening effect, combined with fragrant shrubs like laughing orchid and Michelia. It is recommended to plant climbing plants like honeysuckle on the west side of buildings, which can provide shade and cooling while forming a natural green screen.
Ecological Insights from the City Flower and Tree
Preferred Solutions for Urban Greening
The combination of the double city flowers, crape myrtle and pomegranate, and the double city trees, camphor and goldenrain tree, reflects the scientific planning of Shiyuan's urban greening. The evergreen canopy of camphor trees can intercept 26% of rainwater, and the goldenrain tree's golden leaves last for more than 60 days in autumn, creating an ecological protection forest belt when combined.
Air Purification Measured Data
Environmental monitoring shows that a large area of crape myrtle can absorb PM2.5 at a rate of 37%, and the fine hairs on the surface of pomegranate leaves can effectively intercept dust. The essential oils released by camphor can inhibit the reproduction of 60% of the bacteria in the air, which is one of the important reasons why it was chosen as the city tree.
Key Points for Home Gardening Reference
Citizens can refer to the experience of municipal greening by planting young goldenrain trees in their yards as ornamental trees, combined with crape myrtle to form a micro-ecosystem. For balcony planting, dwarf pomegranate varieties are recommended, which not only offer ornamental flowers and fruit but also release negative oxygen ions day and night to improve indoor air quality.
From municipal greening to home gardening, the wisdom of plant selection in Shiyuan is reflected in the balance between ecology and aesthetics. By following the principles of strong adaptability and diverse functionality, whether it's courtyard landscaping or balcony greening, sustainable plant landscapes that adapt to the local climate can be created.