I am interested in putting some perennials in the right-of-way between sidewalk and street. The strip gets full sun, but will get a fair amount of ice-melt during the winter months. Any suggestions?
Salt Tolerant Perennials
Quote from iowhen :
... but will get a fair amount of ice-melt during the winter months. Any suggestions?
Are you the one who will apply the ice-melt? If so, don't use the ice-melt that contains salt (sodium chloride). Sodium chloride in excess is harmful to most plants, and has been used in the past as a herbicide. Salt is harmful to most plants. The list of salt tolerant plants is rather limited.
If you are the one who applies the ice-melt, use a "plant friendly" version that is based on Magnesium chloride or Calcium chloride or something other than Sodium chloride. Or consider using hot water or sand to deal with the ice. Or install some edging to keep the ice-melt out of the bed.
ZM