What Flowers are Suitable for Lanzhou
In the golden city of Lanzhou, where the Yellow River runs through the city, growing flowers and plants is not only a pastime but also a science of communicating with nature. The unique geographical location of this northwestern city has created a distinct four-season climate. Which plants can bloom here? Let's follow the clues of the city flower and city tree to uncover the green gene code of this city.
Ⅰ. The Natural Law of Flower Planting in Lanzhou
The Gift of the Temperate Continental Climate
The pleasant annual average temperature of 10.3℃ and 2446 hours of sufficient sunlight, combined with an average annual precipitation of 327 millimeters, have formed a natural plant filter. The 180-day frost-free period allows herbaceous flowers such as evening primroses and February兰花 to complete their growth cycle, while the low temperature of about -10℃ in winter tests the cold resistance of plants.
Principle of Soil and Sunlight Adaptation
The unique loess layer in Lanzhou has good drainage, making it suitable for drought-resistant plants such as cacti and wire蕨. The sunny slopes formed by the urban building layout provide an ideal habitat for plants that love light, such as roses and flowering peaches.
Ⅱ. The Plant Atlas for Urban Greening
Preferred List of Courtyard Flowers
From drought-resistant狼尾蕨 to moisture-loving hydrangeas, Lanzhou families can choose according to their orientation: • South-facing balcony: Dahlias, cannas, flowering pomegranates • North-facing windowsill: Bird's-nest fern, centipede grass, purple-leaf oxalis • Open courtyard: Pearl梅花, 合欢树, and four-season begonias
Common Varieties for Street Greening
Torch trees and catalpa trees form shaded avenues, clove flower corridors adorn street corner parks, and hollyhocks and sage create a natural flower landscape in green belts. These drought-resistant and wind-resistant plants have withstood the test of sandstorms.
Ⅲ. Ecological Enlightenment from the City Flower and Tree
The city flower, roses, designated in 1984, have formed a sea of flowers in the Kuhai Township of Yongdeng County. The double red roses here not only have strong ornamental value but also have an oil yield of up to 0.04%, which is of significant industrial value. As the city tree, the sophora, accounts for more than 60% of the over 3400 ancient trees in Gaolan Mountain. Its deep root system is a survival wisdom against drought.
When we plant the first rose on our balcony, we are actually participating in the ecological narrative of this city. From family gardening to urban greening, choosing plants that adapt to the local climate is both science and art. The roses blooming by the Yellow River and the centennial-old sophora trees are all telling a truth: the best gardening is the wisdom of reaching a reconciliation with the land.