1. Horticulture II - Landscape
Unit B Landscape Design

2. Objective 3.02
Understand factors used to select plants

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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