Glossary P

Paniculate

This term refers to a branched cluster of flowers, where the inflorescence is branched into racemes.

pH

pH is a measure of how acidic/alkaline something is.

In horticulture, we often refer to soil pH. On the pH scale, a reading of 6.8-7.2 is termed near neutral, a reading below 6.8 is acidic, and above 7.2 is alkaline.

It is important to understand soil pH as it dictates chemical processes that can take place, and subsequently controls the plants that can grow in particular soils based on their adaptations.

Phosphorus

(P) A macronutrient. Like nitrogen it is an essential part of the process of photosynthesis. Helps in the transformation of solar energy into chemical energy. Causing and encouraging both root and flower growth. Phosphorus often comes from fertilizer, bone meal and superphosphate.