Plant Selection and Horticulture Flashcards

What is the recommended minimum soil depth for planting a 2-inch caliper shade tree?

Answer: 24 inches

A minimum of 24 inches of quality soil depth is generally required to support the root system of a 2-inch caliper shade tree.

Which characteristic defines a 'specimen plant' in landscape design?

Answer: Unique ornamental quality that draws attention

A specimen plant has a striking ornamental quality such as unusual form, color, texture, or bloom that makes it a focal point in the landscape.

What is the term for the gradual transition from taller plants at the back to shorter plants at the front of a border?

Answer: Layering

Layering creates visual depth by placing tall plants at the rear, mid-sized plants in the middle, and low plants at the front.

Which invasive grass species commonly encroaches into cool-season lawns and must be considered when specifying turf?

Answer: Bermudagrass

Bermudagrass spreads aggressively into cool-season lawns and is considered invasive outside its intended warm-season application zones.

What are 'chill hours' in horticulture and why do they matter for plant selection?

Answer: Hours below 45F needed for fruit or flower production

Chill hours are cumulative hours at temperatures below 45 degrees F that deciduous fruit trees and some ornamentals need to break dormancy and bloom or fruit properly.

Which landscape design principle involves repeating plants, colors, or forms throughout a design to create visual unity?

Answer: Rhythm

Rhythm uses repetition of design elements such as plant species, color, texture, or form to create a cohesive, flowing visual pattern.