Shrubs that will tolerate shallow chalk or alkaline soils in exposed locations

There is a good selection of hardy shrubs that will be quite happy on dry chalk soils, in fact there are many dry and sun loving shrubs - as well as a good selection of conifers – which will positively flourish on well drained shallow chalky soils.

On planting it is always sensible to stake and tie plants securely, especially if the planting location is open and exposed chalk down land. You might also considersome protection from rabbits and the worst excesses of cold damaging winds, especially if you are undertaking more naturalistic planting of hedging or screening plants. Always dig in plenty of compost and a sprinkling of fertilizer such as bone meal into the planting pit to give the young plant a good start. After planting always water in and use a generous mulch of bark or compost to help lock in any soil moisture. All of the above will help reduce the impact of drying that can so often damage young establishing plants; you will find this will become less of an issue as plants put out roots and provide for themselves, usually within the first year or two after planting.

There are also many attractive native trees and shrubs that are tough enough to tolerate extreme exposed alkaline conditions. Such plants can provide invaluable shelter for establishing ornamental plants.