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what is a plant tag

by Mrs. Deborah Gutkowski MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Plant tags tell you everything you need to know about taking care of new plants, but first you need to interpret information from the gardening symbols.

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What does a plant tag tell you?

A plant tag can tell you everything you need to know about taking care of a new plant, but first you need to decode and interpret information from the gardening symbols. This guide will explain what information can be found on a plant tag, the plant care symbol meanings and how to apply this information when gardening.

What is a plant ID tag and do I need one?

A plant ID tag will be stuck in the soil of your new plant. Usually, it will include a picture of the mature plant, the scientific and common name (this is helpful for looking up additional information online), and several care directions.

How do I use the information on the tag in the garden?

Here's how to use the information on the tag in the garden. Almost every nursery plant tag includes both the common and botanical names for each plant. For example, the tag for 'Disco Queen' French marigolds would include that name, but would also include its botanical name, Tagetes patula 'Disco Queen'.

How do I select plants with the same number tags?

Just select plants with the same numbers on the tags. In addition to the plant's common name, you'll also see its scientific name. Size information helps you provide enough space for the plant to grow to its full, mature size.

What does a tag on a plant mean?

What does a deer plant tag include?

What does a deadheading blanketflower mean?

What does the raindrop symbol mean?

How many hours of sun does a plant need?

What are the three shapes of plants?

Can you throw away a plant information tag?

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Why is it important to look at a plant tag?

Plant tags will explain what the plant looks like, its colors and when it will bloom. Many tags add qualities the plant has, like resistance to deer or the ability to handle foot traffic.

What are plant markers used for?

Plant labels and markers are an ideal way to distinguish one plant from another and help identify different species to any admirers of your garden.

What information should be included on a retail plant tag?

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 and classifies the plant even further in terms of color and leaf and petal shape.

How do you tag plants?

DIY Plant LabelsIce Lolly Sticks. Really simple to create. ... Wine Corks. Grab a permanent marker and write directly onto the cork. ... Pebbles. Use a permanent marker and write directly onto the pebble. ... Yogurt Pots. ... Broken fragments of terracotta pots. ... Twigs. ... Blackboard paint. ... Pegs.

How do I organize my plant tags?

1:262:09GardenScribe: How to organize your garden plant tags and photosYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPage store the plant tag right alongside. Care details or keep your favorite photo in the archivalMorePage store the plant tag right alongside. Care details or keep your favorite photo in the archival quality photo pocket. Include your new plant on an index page for easy reference.

How do you read a plant passport?

What should the printed plant passport look like?A - Botanical name.B - Registration number.C - Traceability code.D - Country code of origin.

What does spread of a plant mean?

Plant spread is the maximum width of the plant as measured at its widest part from leaf tip to leaf tip at maturity. The density of a plant refers to the amount of open space within the plant's stem, leaf, and flower growth.

What does spacing mean on plant tags?

Spacing:This is how much space to leave between plants in the garden. Exposure or Light:This details what kind of sunlight the plant needs to thrive. This part of the label can be confusing. Here's the lowdown on light needs: Full sun–Plants need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.

What can I use for garden markers?

Cheap and Cheerful DIY Plant MarkersTerracotta/Clay Pots and China. Sometimes pots and crockery break. ... Glass Jar + Seed Packet Plant Labels. ... Cork Plant Labels. ... Tin or Plastic Lids as Plant Markers. ... Corflute. ... Print Plant Labels and Cover with Contact. ... Seed Packets and Popsicle Sticks. ... Popsicle Stick Stencilled Plant Markers.More items...

How do you mark where seeds are planted?

0:131:03Marking Seed Rows With Sand - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you can take the sand. And if you put the sand over the top of the row. Like this right here. YouMoreSo you can take the sand. And if you put the sand over the top of the row. Like this right here. You've now marked the role you know exactly where the seeds are.

How do you mark where you plant bulbs?

Plant tags are always an option but often considered unsightly. So, some gardeners use colorful long-stemmed golf tees to mark their bulb plantings. Coordinate the color of the tee with the bulb color or mark the tip with a number that matches the list of bulbs planted. Sections of dowel rods can also be used.

What to use to write on plant labels?

Many prefer to use a permanent markers (also called a nursery marker) to write directly on the label as they are inexpensive, readily available, and easy to read.

How to Read a Plant Tag for Planting Instructions

Take the guesswork out of caring for plants and learn how to read a plant tag. Find sunlight needs, watering requirements, growth rate and more so you can find the best plants for your landscape and keep them healthy and growing.

What is the scientific name of a plant?

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. 3.

What does it mean when a plant has an icon with a crossed out rabbit?

Three means you should keep soil moist constantly. An icon with a crossed-out rabbit or deer, like this one, means that animal won’t nibble the plant.

High-Quality Plant Tag: A Buying Guide

Purchasing plant tags without any knowledge of the factors that you must consider during the buying decision can be a costly mistake. And, if you're buying the labels for the first time, it can be tough to find the best ones as markets are full of numerous kinds of tags.

Identifying the Leading Plant Tags of 2022 in Detail

LUXLIA white garden labels are among the best plant tags available out there. They are best for labeling plants, gardens, shrubs, garden gifts, herbs, flowers, and holiday stocking stuffers. There is no need to pluck them out while watering plants because they are waterproof, saving you time and effort.

People Also Asked

A: Yes, you can use a pencil to write on a tag. Anything written with a g raphite pencil will not come off. But you should prefer a permanent marker if you want to create permanent labels.

Common and Scientific Names

The plant label front features the plant’s common and scientific names, often with a photo of the fully-grown plant. The scientific name (or cultivar) is often in italics below the common name. When you search for a specific plant within the same family, use the scientific name for the most accurate i.d..

Mature Size and Shape

The plant label lists measurements and descriptions of the plant’s fully grown size. This helps you plan placement in your garden.

Sun Tolerance

How much sun exposure a plant needs is often represented by a full or partly shaded sun icon. In general, there are three degrees of sun tolerance: full sun, partial sun/shade and full shade.

Water Requirements

Water requirements are detailed or shown as raindrop icons. A plant label may also list the water requirements by saying the soil should be “dry/well-drained,” “normal” or “moist.”

Hardiness Zones

The zones listed on the back of a plant tag refer to the USDA Hardiness Zones, which measure the lowest winter temperature a plant can survive. The USDA Hardiness Zones are divided into 11 planting zones, whose average winter temperatures differ from their neighboring zones by an average of 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizer

A section for fertilizer specifications may appear on the plant label, or fertilization may be bundled into the “Features” section. Sometimes, no mention of fertilization is present, and you will have to do your own research in this area.

Care and Features

The back of the plant label often has additional notes about the plant’s features and care instructions. These notes may include specific planting tips, interesting facts about the plant, the plant’s drought and heat tolerance, when and how to deadhead or wildlife interactions.

What is a plant ID tag?

A plant ID tag will be stuck in the soil of your new plant. Usually, it will include a picture of the mature plant, the scientific and common name (this is helpful for looking up additional information online), and several care directions.

What does the raindrop on a plant label mean?

Three raindrops on the plant label: Your plant is thirsty! This plant symbol denotes a plant that prefers consistently damp soil.

What does it mean when a plant has two raindrops on the label?

Two raindrops on the plant label: This plant requires normal, moderate watering. Wait until the top inch of soil has dried but the lower layers are still moist. Three raindrops on the plant label: Your plant is thirsty! This plant symbol denotes a plant that prefers consistently damp soil.

What does the dark sun symbol on a plant mean?

A darkened sun symbol on the plant label means it prefers full shade. Full-shade plants are sensitive to direct rays from the sun and cannot handle more than three hours of direct sunlight a day.

What does the full sun symbol mean on a plant?

Full Sun Symbol. A full sun symbol on the plant label indicates its “high tolerance” to light, or that it thrives in full sunlight. How much sun is “full sun”? Full sun is at least six hours a day, but your plant will be happiest with eight to ten hours of direct sunlight daily.

What does the color of a flower mean?

This symbol is often labeled with a month or season. This tells you when your flowering plant will bloom. (Colored flowers indicate what hue you can expect. )

What is the best way to protect your houseplants from bugs?

Protect your houseplant from insects, bacteria, and fungus with our Houseplant Leaf Armor. (As an added bonus, the Leaf Armor also cleans and adds shine to your houseplant’s leaves!)

What does a tag on a plant mean?

Size and Shape. Some tags indicate how tall a plant will grow, or how wide it will spread in the case of groundcovers. Make sure to check the tag to see how far apart you should plant certain plants from each other, and how much growing room you need to provide.

What does a deer plant tag include?

deer walking through clearing. Detailed plant tags may include information on wildlife and how certain creatures interact with a specific plant. If a plant attracts pollinators, it may state that on the tag or have a bee symbol.

What does a deadheading blanketflower mean?

Larger tags often give gardeners tips and recommendations on how to care for and use certain flowers in the garden. They indicate if a plant is good for containers, needs a particular fertilizer, or works well in containers.

What does the raindrop symbol mean?

Raindrop symbols also indicate water needs: one drop meaning to let the soil dry out between watering, two meaning that soil an inch below the surface should be moist, or three meaning that the soil should stay moist at all times.

How many hours of sun does a plant need?

Here’s what each term means: Full sun— A plant that requires full sun needs to get at least six hours of sun a day. Full sun can also be indicated as “afternoon sun,” since that is when the sun is hottest and highest.

What are the three shapes of plants?

Plants can be categorized into three general shapes: mounding, trailing, and straight up . Pay attention to this information when planning landscaping and layering plants—you want to place plants somewhere they can be shown off.

Can you throw away a plant information tag?

They contain some important information about the plants you just brought home. It’s easy to take a plant out of its nursery pot and throw the pot away. Experienced gardeners often feel like they can throw the plant information tag away if it’s a species they’ve planted in the past.

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Plant Name

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Almost every nursery plant tag includes both the common and botanical names for each plant. For example, the tag for 'Disco Queen' French marigolds would include that name, but would also include its botanical name, Tagetes patula 'Disco Queen'. Botanical names follow a system of Latin nomenclature. The first word in the plan…
See more on bhg.com

Light Requirements

  • Different plants prefer different levels of sunlight exposure. Most ferns are too delicate to thrive in a sunny place—it fries their leaves. Coneflowers, on the other hand, need to be in a hot, sunny spot to look their best. They are used to growing in open prairie areas where they are exposed to a lot of sun, and shade may stunt their growth. On a nursery tag, light requirements for a particular pl…
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Watering Needs

  • It's important to pay attention to water requirements because some plants will drown in soil with too much moisture, while others are not drought-tolerant and will shrivel in dry soil. Some nursery tags will state watering directions clearly—"water twice a week" or "keep soil moist." Other tags will rank the water level needs by dry, normal, or moist. Dry soil may also be called "well-drained" soil…
See more on bhg.com

Size and Shape

  • Some tags indicate how tall a plant will grow, or how wide it will spread in the case of groundcovers. Make sure to check the tag to see how far apart you should plant certain plants from each other, and how much growing room you need to provide. Otherwise, growth could be stunted and roots could have a difficult time establishing in the soil. Plants can be categorized i…
See more on bhg.com

Hardiness Zones

  • Many tags include a plant's hardiness zone. Plants are rated according to the USDA Hardiness Zones, which is the minimum winter temperature they can survive. Choose plants best adapted to your planting zone and plant them at the right time to increase your chance of success.
See more on bhg.com

Care and Use

  • Some plant tags have more information than others. Larger tags often give gardeners tips and recommendations on how to care for and use certain flowers in the garden. They indicate if a plant is good for containers, needs a particular fertilizer, or works well in containers. Tags may also let you know how to deadhead or prune.
See more on bhg.com

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