Landscape Plants

Plant Characteristics

• Take into consideration the size of the landscape plant when fully grown and height and width of above-ground parts and roots. Learn the plant's light requirements, heat and wind tolerance, and soil type needs. Find out if the plant is susceptible to disease and insect pests. Landscape plants are usually perennials so know if they are hardy to your climate zone. Learn the proper care of your landscape plants in terms of watering, fertilizing and pruning for optimal growth.

Environment Considerations

• Get a soil test for the area of your property being landscaped. This will tell you the soil nutrients availability, organic matter, pH, drainage and water retention. Your landscape plants will not grow vigorously and provide your landscape with desired beauty if soil conditions are inadequate. Depending on your needs, modify the soil with fertilizer, organic matter, sand or lime before planting.

Plant Functions

• Landscape plants function to enhance your outdoor living space. Choose plants for shade, filtered light, erosion control, tolerance to foot traffic and privacy screens. Plants will influence how you walk through your landscape. Plants can hide unsightly areas in your landscape, and border walkways. Plants can attract wildlife, birds and butterflies to your landscape.

Aesthetics

• Learn the plant's form, or shape, and how it will look with other plants in your landscape. You should also know the plant's texture and the color of foliage, fruit and flowers at all times of the year. Choose showy focal plants. Avoid straight lines that have an unnatural look unless you are bordering a pathway. Mulch around your plants for a finished look.