Horticulture II - Landscape Unit B Landscape Design

Objective 3.02 Understand factors used to select plants

Exposure Plant Exposure to the Sun Sun – at least 6 hours of full sun Semi-shade – morning sun, protected from the hot afternoon sun Shade – filtered light with little or no direct sun

Moisture Soil moisture conditions Dry soil – dry to the touch Moist soil – moist to the touch Wet soil – spongy to the touch

Plant Hardiness Zones The larger the number, the warmer the zone Ex: zone is 10 is warmer than zone 1 In North Carolina, zones range from 6 to 8 Plants grow best in the recommended zones. However, many (BUT NOT ALL) plants will grow in other hardiness zones, especially in zones that are warmer

Size Plants of certain maximum or minimum sizes are needed for specific locations in a landscape Example: foundation plants do not need to be tall enough to block windows and shade trees need to be tall enough to provide adequate shade

Other Factors Growth habits including shape Shrubs Ground covers Trees Wide-oval Vase-shaped Pyramidal Round Columnar Tall and weeping Shrubs Globular Low and weeping Spreading Arching Pyramidal Upright and loose columnar Ground covers Small plants used to cover the ground in place of turf Small shrubs others

Other Factors Color of leaves and flowers Different shades of green leaves Various colors of leaves in the fall Various colors of flowers Time of flowering Texture and density of foliage Large leaves make course texture, and small leaves make fine texture Density is determined by how much sunlight or wind can pass through the foliage. More density lets less sunlight or wind pass through plant’s foliage. Texture and density should be considered based on the function of the plant

Other Factors Cost and availability Affordable by client Available from local source It does not matter if plant meets other requirements if it is not available and if the client cannot afford it