General Plant Tag Reading Tips
Check the plant tag when shopping for plants and refer back to it for proper care instructions. Here's the information you'll find:
- The Lowe's Grow Together indicator helps you find different plants that grow well together. 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.
- The hardiness of the plant tells you which USDA cold hardiness zones best suit the plant. Your local Lowe's stocks plants that are well suited to your region. Learn about the different zones and find your zone.
- Sunlight needs differ from plant to plant. Full sun means the plant requires six or more hours of direct sun per day. A plant that needs partial sun requires three to six hours of direct sun per day. Shade means the plant needs less than three hours of direct sun each day.
- Water requirements vary by plant. Follow the instructions carefully to keep from under- or over-watering. Read about tips for watering your lawn and garden and learn how to keep your plants well watered.
- The growth rate tells you how the plant grows. There may also be information about the plant or tree shape.
The Lowe's Plant Guide gives you attribute, growth and care information for thousands of plant types.
Common versus Scientific Names
While both the common and scientific names for a plant will be listed on most tags for plants, if you're searching for plants within a particular family, use the scientific name. The scientific designation often groups plants within the same family under similar names, which should streamline your search.
Measurements and Size
Tags for plants will usually provide the gardener with estimates of the plant's final sizing at its full growth. This will include height, width and general shape, which should help you plan the layout of your garden.
Sunlight and Water Needs
Though plants need both sunlight and water to survive, different types will have different levels of tolerance. Plant owners should dole out care accordingly. Read your plant tags for hints on optimal amounts for specific plants. Recommended sun exposure is typically indicated with a full sun, partial sun or fully-shaded sun icon. Recommended water requirements, meanwhile, are typically indicated by raindrop icons, with one raindrop indicating a preference for dry soil, three raindrops indicating a preference for moist soil and two raindrops indicating a happy medium.
Other Care Considerations
Additional useful plant care takeaways from tags for plants may include the following:
- Hardiness zones, which will display the lowest temperature at which a given plant can reliably survive.
- Specific planting tips for the plant in question.
- Fertilizer preferences.