Many varieties of plants grow in alkaline or acidic soil environments. Alkaline soils are defined as those that have a pH level above 7.0 while acidic varieties have a pH level below 7.0. Grown in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and bloom colors, they liven up areas of the garden where other plants cannot thrive. To ensure the plants thrive within their preferred soil environment, have the soil site tested.
Winter Daphne
Winter daphne (Daphne odora 'Marginata') is an evergreen shrub that grows in soil somewhat alkaline to acidic in nature. Winter daphne grows 3 to 6 feet tall and wide and has a moderate growth rate and rounded form. Winter daphne produces aromatic rosy-pink flower buds that open to white in winter to early spring. The green foliage on winter daphne is edged in yellow to create a contrasting display in the garden. Versatile, winter daphne is frost tolerant and, as an evergreen, retains its foliage year-round. Winter daphne grows best in part to full shade in humus-rich, well=drained fertile soil. It resents being transplanted. Grow winter daphne in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 to 9.
American Arborvitae
American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Holmstrup') is a slow-growing evergreen shrub with a dense, narrow pyramidal shape. It grows 10 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide and features dense, scale-like foliage in vertical sprays that retains its rich color through winter, creating a brilliant screening or foundation plant. American arborvitae grows best in full sun to part shade and well-drained, moist soil. Versatile, it tolerates a wide range of soil types but prefers moist, alkaline to neutral soil. American arborvitae is intolerant of dry conditions. Grow American arborvitae in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 to 7.
Angel Wings
Angel wings (Caladium bicolor) is a tuberous perennial plant grown for its brilliant, colorful foliage. It grows up to 2 ½ feet tall and wide and features arrow-shaped foliage that grows up to 1 ½ feet long. The colorful, veined foliage on angel wings is mottled in green and blotched with white, pink, red or a combination thereof. Angel wings bear calla type flowers that, if present, are often hidden by the foliage. Angel wings grows best in part to bright shade and acidic, humus-rich soil. Grow angel wings in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 to 10.
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