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haunma

Growing media for plants on a rock wall?

haunma
14 years ago

I would like to try growing a perennial that I saw frequently while hiking in Patagonia, Ourisia poeppigii:

http://www.chileflora.com/Florachilena/FloraEnglish/HighResPages/EH0207.htm

The plant needs constant wet conditions, so it is commonly found growing in rock crevices alongside waterfalls or rushing streams. I have a short wall in my yard with the right lighting conditions, and it occurred to me to try starting this on the wall in some kind of water-holding substrate. I'm envisioning something like a peat mat which could be fastened to the wall to serve as a growth media. Being Seattle, this area is plenty damp most of the year and I already have drip irrigation to assist over the summer.

Has anyone else tried this type of setup in a rock garden? Does it work?

Comment (1)

  • mollymaples
    14 years ago

    I think if you use something with clay in the mix you will be ok. It needs to hold together when you squish it in your hands. While a peat mat would work if you don't let it dry out, it would take a soaking to rehydrate it. Maybe a combination of peat and clay???

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