Objectives Describe the origins and forms of the plant used in
landscapes Explain plant nomenclature Describe the factors relevant
to proper plant selection
Slide 3
Origins of Landscape Plants Native Plants Evolved naturally
within a certain geographic location over a long period of time.
Ex: Eastern White Pine, Douglas Fir Exotic Plants Introduced into
an area by some means other than nature. Ex: Junipers and Yews are
native to China and Japan Naturalized Plants Entered the country as
exotics but have adapted so well that they have escaped cultivation
and are often mistaken for native plants Ex: Bird of Paradise is a
plant native to South America but grows like a native plant in the
desert of the SW US.
Slide 4
Plant forms available Woody plants Trees, shrubs, vines, many
ground covers May be broken down further into coiferous and
flowering Herbaceous Vines, grasses, nearly all plants used to
create floral displays (flowers)
Slide 5
How Landscape plants are sold Bare rooted Balled and burlapped
containerized
Slide 6
Bare rooted plants Dug from the nursery field and then had the
soil washed away from the roots To prevent drying the roots may be
wrapped in damp moss and inserted into a plastic bag or dipped in
wax Plants sold in bare-rooted form are usually deciduous species
that are small and dormant at the time of harvest
Slide 7
Bare Rooted plants Advantages Light weight Least expensive
Disadvantages Harvesting techniques reduce the root system and
slows new growth Transplanting season is limited to early spring
and late fall
Slide 8
Balled & Burlapped (B & B) Dug at the nursery with a
ball of soil intact around the root system Ball size is determined
by plant size and standards established by The American Nursery and
Landscape Association Once the root ball is dug it is wrapped in
burlap and tied or pinned to prevent the soil ball from breaking
apart Another harvest trend is to replace or supplement the burlap
with a wire basket around the root ball Essential for the
successful transplant of all types of evergreens and large
deciduous wood plants
Slide 9
Balled & Burlaped Advantages Less disturbance to the root
system Allows a longer season for transplanting Allows large plants
to be moved and installed Disadvantages Added weight makes handling
difficult More costly
Slide 10
Containerized Plants are grown and sold in containers such as
metal cans, plastic buckets, bushel baskets, plastic bags and
wooden boxes No loss of roots because they are grown in the
container they are sold in Transplant easily with little to no
transplant shock and no loss of growth time Young plants3 to 4
years old or less Can be installed at almost any time of year
Slide 11
Containerized Advantages Usually small and easy to handle
Entire root system is intact. No harvest injuries to impede
transplanting success Few restrictions on time of transplant
Disadvantages Large plants seldom available Plants become rootbound
if in container too long
Slide 12
Herbaceous Plants May be started from seeds Bedding plants
bulbs
Slide 13
Plant nomenclature (X) Common name- the name the plant is know
by within a country or region of a country Botanical name- name
that is used and recognized internationally Expressed in Latin
Assigned to the plant by a taxonomist Important for landscapers to
know both the common and botanical names of plants
Slide 14
Selecting the proper plant Plants need to be selected for more
reasons than sentimentality, easy availability, low price or
trendiness.
Slide 15
Selection factors Role Hardiness Heat zone Physical Cultural
Factors
Slide 16
Role factors What function will it serve in the landscape?
Architectural element Engineering element Climate control Aesthetic
See fig 7-6 p. 103
Slide 17
Hardiness factor Will it survive the winter? Most reliable
measurment of a plants potential for survival is its hardiness
rating USDA prepares and periodically updates a Hardiness Zone Map
fig 7-10
Slide 18
Heat Zone Considerations Not as well studied Mid 90s the
American Horticultural Society tracked the number of days various
regions of the US experienced tempertures over 86F This is called a
heat day AHS developed a map similar to the one put out by USDA
only for heat To view a copy of a heat map go to http://www.ahs.org
http://www.ahs.org
Slide 19
Physical factors Mature size and rate of growth Density of the
canopy with and without leaves Branching habit Thorns Shape or
silhouette Leaf size and thickness Leaf pubescence Type of root
system Flowering characteristics Seasonal variation
Slide 20
Cultural factors The requirements for the growth and
maintenance of plantings
Slide 21
Summary Landscape plants can either be native, exotic or
naturalized Several types and forms available for use Plants are
sold bare rooted, balled and burlaped or containerized Flowers also
come in a variety of forms Important to know both the common and
botanical names of plants Plants should be selected based upon 4
factors- role, hardiness/heat zone, cultural and physical
Slide 22
Assignment Achievement Review parts A, B, C, E 35 points Due on
Thursday