May 18, 2015
Scientific name
Every plant has a scientific name. The first part is Latin and usually italicized on the tag. It describes the genus, or group, the plant belongs to and its species. The scientific name also includes the cultivar, which is in single quote marks and classifies the plant even further in terms of color and leaf and petal shape.
Mature height and spread
This is the maximum height and width the plant is likely to reach when fully grown.
Sun exposure
You’ll see this info written out or as an icon. When tag indicates a plant needs full sun, it should get at least six hours of direct sunlight per
day. Partial sun/shade means it needs about half the amount. If tag says a plant needs full shade, it should get less than three hours of sun a day.
Common name
This is what the plant is generally called. If you want a certain color or shape, you’ll need more specifics.
Hardiness zone
These numbers let you know the region a plant grows best in. Zones are established by the U.S. department of Agriculture based on temperature. You can still grow plants that aren’t in your hardiness zone, but you’ll have to treat them as annuals. Michigan is in Zone 5.
Water needs & animal resistance
If a tag doesn’t say how often to water the plant, look for the number of raindrops. One means you should let soil dry out between waterings. Two drops mean soil should keep
Moist constantly. An icon with a crossed-out rabbit or deer for example, means that animal won’t nibble the plant.
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