What's in a Label

LABELS

A plant label will tell you everything you need to know, from the best climatic zones, light and shade conditions, watering needs etc. Useful information is printed on these tags so when you get home or in later months you will be able to be reminded of the plant name and needs of the plant. We endeavour to have as much information as we can available, if not, we hand write details on signs or if you need more guidance, just ask a staff member for clarification.

They are produced as a guide only, the colour of the flowers and foliage of plants can vary in the printing process of tag.  Every state in Australia is different in weather conditions and they don’t print separate labels for each state. So ask an employee if the information on the tag is relevant to Western Australian conditions if you are not sure.

The labels are made of sturdy, weather resistant, insect proof material for a long life. They can be tie ons or push ins. They will show a colourful picture on the front of the plant and its scientific or botanical name also. The back will give you a common or trade name of the variety, then information to assist you in understanding your plants needs. This information is sometimes also depicted by illustrations. The basic headings are usually

1. Description of the plant …… e.g. (Graceful robust palm, aromatic, deep red, evergreen, rounded, multiple branches, disease resistant, blooms abundantly)

2. Height and width of plant ……e.g.  (Height 20cm, width 25cm)

3. Uses ………e.g. (Pots, cut flower, hanging baskets, borders, ground cover)

4. Position in the garden ………..e.g. (Part shade, prefers dappled light, frost hardy, open location away from salt winds)

5. Care of the plant ………..e.g (Requires humidity, sponge fronds regularly, water regularly after planting till established, mulch well)

6. How to plant it ………..e.g. ( Cultivate soil before planting, dig hole twice the width of the container and place into soil at the same level as surrounding ground)

7. Watering and feeding requirements ………e.g.(Sprinkle a handful of slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant in Autumn and Spring. Water only when the top of the potting mix has dried out)

8. Pruning requirements ……….e.g. (Regular clipping after flowering will maintain compact growth)

Refer to other sections on this website for further information on planting, watering and fertilising.