These are categories characterizing the natural habitat of perennials, from which it can be deduced under what conditions the perennial will thrive best. 

 

 

G – Forest (Gehölz)  

This habitat circle represents a dense stand of deciduous trees – a forest, which results in specific conditions. The soil is very humus-rich due to the decomposition of fallen leaves, and water retention by tree canopies is weakest in the spring. During this period, the lighting conditions are also the most favorable. For these reasons, the herb layer of the forest stand is typically characterized by so-called. spring ephemerals – these are plants that bloom early in spring when there is plenty of moisture and light, and as the trees leaf out, they gradually retreat. A characteristic feature is the significant root competition between the roots of perennials and trees. 

We distinguish three subcategories:

G1 – dry soil,

G2 – fresh, vibrant soil,

G3 – wet soil.

In plantations where so-called Understory perennials, it is important to ensure suitable soil conditions - primarily with enough humus - and not to remove fallen leaves. The amount of watering depends on the specific subcategory. Plants can optionally be mulched in the spring with compost or partially decomposed leaves. 

Representatives: almost all types of ferns, Aruncus, Astilbe, Omphalodes verna, Anemone sylvestris, etc. 

 

 

GR – forest edge (Gehölzrand)

These are locations where the forest transitions into scattered groups of trees and shrubs. A characteristic feature is the reduced interception of rainfall by tree canopies. The soil is still very humus-rich. Light and temperature conditions depend on the exposure of a specific location (e.g. The southern exposure will be significantly brighter and warmer compared to the northern exposure) and the density of the vegetation. Shading is dependent on the time of day – so-called. wandering shadow. There is, as in the forest, a strong root competition. 

We distinguish three subcategories:

GR1 – drier soil in partial shade (S, SW) – Cyclamen or some species of the genus Carex (C. montana) etc.,

GR2 – fresh soil in partial shade (V, Z) – Geranium, Astilbe, Vinca, Anemone nemorosa, Convalaria, Carex morowii, etc.,

GR3 – moist soil in partial shade (S, SE) – Primula denticulata, Ajuga, Rodgersia etc.

 

In the garden, it mainly concerns plantings along buildings and hedges. Here it is again necessary to ensure sufficiently humus-rich soil, i.e. incorporate compost into the soil and do not remove fallen leaves. It is important to accept the thermal and light requirements of plants, resulting from the exposure of their natural occurrence – see subcategories.  

Other representatives: Aconitum, Digitalis, Aquilegia, Dicentra, Astrantia major, and others. 

 

 

FR – open areas (Freiflächen)

This habitat is characterized by open, unprotected areas without the presence of a tree layer, which results in the elimination of root competition with tree roots and the absence of rainfall interception by their canopies. The areas are fully sunlit. Specific site conditions can vary significantly depending on moisture conditions, which are often influenced by the slope of the terrain. For the above reasons, the soil structure is also highly variable, with the common characteristic being the absence of humus formed by the decomposition of fallen leaves. This category can include heathlands, steppe and meadow communities, prairies, or wetlands. 

Here we also distinguish three subcategories, derived from location and soil moisture:

FR1 – dry soil, most commonly on slopes with rapid water runoff – Centaurea, Nepeta, Salvia, Sedum, etc. 

FR2 – fresh soil on slopes with a smaller incline/flat areas with permeable soil – Salvia nemorosa, Deschampsia, Lupinus, Geranium himalayense, Achillea filipendulina, etc. 

FR3 – moist soil on plains with high groundwater level/clayey, poorly permeable soils – Eupatorium purpureum, Iris sibirica, Alchemilla, Persicaria, etc.  

These are plantings in open spaces outside the tree canopy - mixed perennial beds without regular watering and fertilization or extensive borders. The site conditions of the plantings vary according to the individual subcategories of the natural occurrence of the plants used, with the common feature being less humus-rich soil and the absence of leaf mulch. 

 

 

FS – Rock Steppe (Fels-Steppen)

Open areas with permeable, calcareous, nutritious, and warm soil. The vegetation layer is thin.

Plants used in plantings of this type are sensitive to high or prolonged soil moisture. The most suitable substrate is therefore gravel. 

Representatives: Lavandula, Thymus, Rosmarinus, etc. 

 

 

SH – steppe (Steppenheide)

Once again, these are warm habitats with calcareous, well-drained, and very nutrient-rich soil. However, the thickness of the vegetation layer is greater. 

High soil moisture is not beneficial for plantings, so it is important to ensure a well-draining substrate. Otherwise, the plants rot. 

Representatives: Linum, Stipa, Briza, Dictamnus, Origanum, etc. 

 

 

H – Heathland (Heide)  

Habitat with poor, sandy, and acidic soil. 

Most plants can also tolerate neutral soil. The absence of humus and ensuring good permeability of the soil substrate are important. 

Representatives: Sedum acre, Dianthus deltoides, Thymus serpyllum, Molinia, etc. 

 

 

SF – rock crevices (Steinfugen)   

These are locations characterized by a very limited volume of substrate, composed of skeleton, possibly with a small amount of decayed leaves that have fallen into the crevices. Light, temperature, and humidity conditions are closely related to the exposure of rock walls. 

According to exposure, we distinguish three subcategories:

SF1 – southern warm and sunny walls with dry soil – Alyssum saxatile, Veronica prostrata, etc., 

SF2 – eastern, western or and northern walls that are not fully sunlit and have water running down them, the soil is fresh – Armeria juniperifolia etc., 

SF3 – northern damp walls with moist soil, often completely without sunlight and low temperatures – Cymbalaria muralis, Phyllitis scolopendrium, etc.  

In the garden, it is primarily about walls. The plants used are accustomed to a lack of moisture and nutrients. Very often we can use classic xerophytes here, such as Sedum album, Thymus pulegioides, etc. However, it is necessary to accept the light and moisture requirements of the plants used. 

 

 

M – rocky stony mats (Matten)

Debris fields with a limited layer of substrate, characterized by sunny to semi-shaded conditions. 

According to soil moisture, we distinguish three subcategories:

M1 – dry soil,

M2 – fresh soil,

M3 – wet soil. 

It is necessary to provide plantings with very well-drained soil with a high proportion of skeleton – most commonly gravel. The amount of watering then varies according to individual subcategories, but it can generally be stated that most plants from this habitat range are of a xerophytic nature. 

Representatives: Arabis caucasica, Saxifraga trifurcata, Anemone narcissiflora, Crocus tommasinianus, etc. 

 

 

A – alpinum (Alpinum)

These are naturally high-altitude locations of rocky slopes, where prominently flowering plants inhabit stone crevices or gaps between stones. In the summer months, these habitats are exposed to direct sunlight, so most plants bloom in the spring period when they have sufficient rainfall available. The soil is significantly skeletal and poor in nutrients.  

Most plants from this group are used for rock gardens and dry stone walls. Plantings are harmed by impermeable soil and dry heat. 

Representatives: Armeria, Lewisia, Saxifraga, Gentiana, etc. 

 

 

B – Beds (Beet)

Location with high humus and nutrient content in the soil, which is ensured by regular fertilization. The soil is well-drained, moist, and loose. Characteristic is full sunlight and a thick layer of vegetation. 

Representatives: Phlox paniculata, Leucanthemum, Monarda, Aster, etc. 

 

 

WR – Water Edge (Wasserrand)

A typical example of this habitat circle is the edges of ponds, rivers, and streams, with a high groundwater level. A characteristic feature is the lack of oxygen. The rate of sunlight exposure varies depending on the presence of trees. 

We distinguish two subcategories:

WR1 – marsh zone, located on the outer edges of water bodies, soil moisture is variable, dependent on fluctuating groundwater levels – Calla palustris, Typha minima, etc. 

WR2 – reed zone with permanently waterlogged soil or shallow water – Phragmites australis, Typha latifolia, etc. 

These are very specific plantings, usually around garden ponds. It is important to meet the moisture requirements of the plants used, so they do not dry out or rot. 

 

W – Water Bodies (Wasser)

Ponds and water reservoirs of various sizes, depths, and substrate thickness. Lighting is variable depending on the presence of shading objects.  

We distinguish three subcategories:

W1 – plants root in the soil and grow above the surface – Nymphaea

W2 – plants not rooting in soil, floating on the surface – Utricularia vulgaris, Lemna minor

W3 – plants growing above the water surface – Elodea canadensis.  

Methods of establishment and care for plantings vary according to individual categories.