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Soil with a pH above 7 that produces a blue reaction when in contact with universal indicator solution (see pH). Alkaline soils are suitable for growing a wide range of plants, with the exception of those that are ericaceous or calcifuge (lime-hating).

roots, a low-growing habit and small foliage.

A method of propagating fruit trees and a wide range of other plants, by taking a cutting of a variety with buds attached (scion) and joining it on to another related variety (stock). The tissues grow together and a single plant is formed

An organism that grows and feeds on another. Completely parasitic plants have no leaves or chlorophyll, relying entirely upon the host for nourishment. Semi-parasitic plants have leaves and are able to produce some of their own food.

1) The dry, rocky detritus found at the base of mountains.2) A mixture of stones and sharp sand, which, when mixed with soil, forms a growing medium for alpines and other plants requiring good drainage.

A soil that has a high activity of hydrogen ions, which gives the soil a pH value below 7 and produces a yellow, orange or red reaction when in contact with universal indicator solution (see pH). Acid soils are suitable for growing ericaceous

A plant that completes its life cycle over the course of two growing seasons. The life cycle begins with germination in the spring or summer of the first season, during which stem and leaf growth occurs. The plants then overwinters, flowering

A problem that affects trees or shrubs when they've been planted in soil where a plant of the same species had been growing. It particularly applies to members of the Rosaceae family (roses, apples, cherries, plums). Symptoms include retarded

1) A plant or shrub pruned and trained to grow into a tree-like form, with one trunk or stem that's 3-6ft long before branches appear. The practice is entirely aesthetic, and often used for roses. See Half standard.2) The erect petals of the iris