Editorial policy
Gardening advice is only useful if you can trust it. This page explains how every Rootwise page is put together.
Who writes the content
Pages are written and reviewed by Hannah Price. Each page shows the author and the date it was last updated. When we make a meaningful change — new advice, a corrected fact, a revised calendar — we update that date. Small fixes such as typos do not change it.
Sources we use
- Plant names: accepted botanical names follow Plants of the World Online, published by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Plant attributes (height, spread, hardiness, soil and light preferences): cross-checked against university and extension service plant databases, botanic garden plant finders and well-referenced encyclopaedia entries. The references used for each plant are listed at the foot of its profile and recorded in our data files.
- Pet safety: we only mark a plant as toxic or non-toxic when we can cite a published poison-control list. If a plant has no pet note, that means we have not found a reliable source — not that it is safe.
- Experience: timings and practical tips draw on hands-on growing in a temperate UK garden and allotment.
Original writing
All text on Rootwise is written by us. We do not copy or reword other publishers' articles, and we do not use photographs or illustrations we do not have the right to use. Line icons and illustrations on the site are our own.
Hardiness and climate
Instead of proprietary rating schemes we give an approximate minimum winter temperature in °C, plus the equivalent USDA hardiness zone range for readers outside the UK. These are guides for established plants in reasonably drained soil; young plants, pots and waterlogged ground are more vulnerable.
Pests, diseases and chemicals
We put prevention and non-chemical controls first. Where a product might be mentioned, we describe the type of treatment rather than recommending brands, and you should always follow the label and local regulations.
What we don't do
- No paid placements, sponsored posts or affiliate links at present. If that ever changes, it will be clearly labelled.
- No invented reviews, ratings or testimonials.
- No claims to speak for any official body, society or charity.
Corrections
If you think something is wrong or out of date, email hello@rhsorguk.com with the page address. We review every report and correct confirmed errors promptly, updating the page date.