ROOM TO BLOOM
HOW TO READ A NURSERY PLANT TAG
Shopping for new plants for a home can be an exciting undertaking. Nurseries and garden centers are often home to dozens of types of plant species that come in various colors, leaf variations and sizes. Such variety can make choosing plants more fun while also making the process of buying plants a bit complicated, especially for novices.
Understanding how to read plant tags is key to making good choices. Such labels contain a lot of information, and once a person knows how to decode that data, he or she is well on the way to choosing the right plants.
COMMON NAME
The common name of the plant tends to be the most noticeable word or words on the tag. This is the name the plant is referred to outside of scientific circles. Most plants have one or more common names in addition to their botanical name.
SCIENTIFIC (BOTANICAL) NAME
Scientific names are also known as the Latin names of the plant. Such names will be written in italics on the tag and are usually one or two words. The scientific name includes the genus (group) and the species of the plant.
SUN REQUIREMENTS
The tag should list how much sun exposure the plant requires to thrive. The exposure may be anywhere from full sun to full shade.
HEIGHT AND SPREAD
The label frequently includes the maximum growing height and width the plant should reach when mature. This gives gardeners an understanding of just how much room the plant will take up in the garden and how to space plants in a landscape.
HARDINESS OR ZONE
Tags that list zones will describe the coldest zone in which the plant can exist. Otherwise, the tag will give a range. Many annuals will not list a hardiness zone because they are not expected to last beyond one season.
PERENNIAL OR ANNUAL
The tag should designate the plant as an annual or perennial. Annuals are not expected to last through the winter and will need to be replanted the following year. Perennials can over-winter and will regenerate year after year.
WATER NEEDS
How much water the plant requires may be featured on the tag as well. This helps gardeners know if the soil needs to be damp or relatively dry.
Plant tags provide important information for selecting and growing plants. When noted, tags help gardeners make the right selections and keep the plants as healthy as possible.