Landscape Design Plant Selection and Horticulture 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which USDA Plant Hardiness Zone covers most of Florida?
- Zone 9-10 (Correct answer)
- Zone 5-6
- Zone 3-4
- Zone 7-8
Correct answer: Zone 9-10
Most of Florida falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 9–10, supporting subtropical and tropical plants.
Question 2: What term describes plants adapted to dry conditions requiring minimal irrigation once established?
- Xerophytes (Correct answer)
- Hydrophytes
- Epiphytes
- Mesophytes
Correct answer: Xerophytes
Xerophytes are drought-tolerant plants adapted to dry conditions and require minimal supplemental water once established.
Question 3: Which growth habit describes a plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season?
- Annual (Correct answer)
- Perennial
- Biennial
- Evergreen
Correct answer: Annual
Annuals germinate, flower, set seed, and die within a single growing season.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of selecting plants with staggered bloom times in a landscape?
- Continuous seasonal color (Correct answer)
- Reduced irrigation
- Lower maintenance costs
- Improved soil fertility
Correct answer: Continuous seasonal color
Staggering bloom times ensures the landscape has color and visual interest throughout multiple seasons.
Question 5: Which factor is MOST critical when selecting trees for a parking lot island in the US?
- Heat and drought tolerance (Correct answer)
- Spring flower display
- Rapid height growth
- Dense shade canopy only
Correct answer: Heat and drought tolerance
Parking lot islands create extreme heat and drought stress, so plants must tolerate those harsh microclimatic conditions.
Question 6: What does 'pH' measure in relation to plant selection?
- Soil acidity or alkalinity (Correct answer)
- Soil moisture content
- Organic matter percentage
- Nutrient density
Correct answer: Soil acidity or alkalinity
Soil pH measures hydrogen ion concentration, determining whether soil is acidic, neutral, or alkaline, which affects nutrient availability to plants.
Landscape Design Plant Selection and Horticulture 1
Which USDA Plant Hardiness Zone covers most of Florida?