Advanced Plant Search Instruction
Plant Search
Using the Plant Search
The Plant Search is very easy to use! - once you know how it works. Read through the basic instruction below and you'll be a pro at it in no time!
The Plant Search is a search tool that can help you find just the right type(s) of plant(s) or tree(s) for any particular area you intend to plant in your landscape garden. Before reading the instruction below, click here to open the Plant Search in a separate window. This way you can try the tips out below as you read through.
Here are some suggestions and tips for use:
- You could start by selecting your USDA Zone. If you don't know what Zone you are in find it here on the Zone Map
TIP: If you are looking for seasonal or annual plants that you intend to grow in containers or beds during just the warm or cool season(s), such as annual bedding flowers, tropicals, herbs and vegetables, not selecting a USDA Zone will provide you with more results.
NOTE: After making a selection, the plants that matched your selection will appear in two columns below the Plant Search as small images with a brief description. Clicking on any image or the "read more" link will take you to that plant's "Plant File" where you will find detailed information and a larger photo(s). Sometimes hundreds of images might match your Zone selection. You'll notice that the "number" of plants that match with your selection is noted on the page - just below the Your Search Options Bar:
Example: "(108) Plants Found. Showing 1 to 12 of 108" - to the right of this you can click on "1 2 3 4 Next >>" to view the additional pages of plants that matched your selection - or you can make a selection from another category to narrow down your search selections.
- Then you might want to narrow your search by selecting the Plant Type you are looking for: Shrub, Tree, Perennial, Annual, Herb, etc. Choose only one Plant Type.
- Then select the Sun Needs for the area you are planting in: Full Sun, Mostly Sun, Morning Sun, Shade, etc. Choose only one Sun Need.
Then you might want to further narrow your search by selecting from these other search categories:
Soil Needs. This is the type of soil you will be planting in. If you have clay soil you might want to select "Ammended Clay" since you will probably be ammending the clay soil with some type of a soil conditioner.
Water Needs: Under this category you can narrow your search based on the watering needs of a plant once it is established. For example, if you are planting a xeriscape (drought tolerant) garden, a good choice might be "Little to None"
Growth Rate: Under this category you can narrow your search based on growth rate. If you are looking to create a quick screen to block off an unwanted view you might select "Fast" or "Very Fast". Choose only one growth rate.
Flower Colors: Under this category you can narrow your search to plants that produce a certain color of flower: yellow, red, pink, etc. Choose only one color.
Attractions: Under this category you can narrow your search to plants that attract Hummingbirds, Butterflies, etc.
Foliage Color: Under this category you can narrow your search to plants that have a certain color of foliage: red, purple, yellow, etc.
Fragrances: Under this category you can narrow your search to plants that have fragrant flowers or foliage or no fragrance at all.
Season of Color: Under this category you can narrow your search to plants that bloom or show outstanding foliage color during a particular season: Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall.
Resistant To: Under this category you can narrow your search to plants that are resistant to deer, disease, drought, etc.
Landscape Uses: Under this category you can narrow your search to plants that work well in a particular area of the landscape, such as: entryways, slopes, containers, outdoor living areas, garden pond, etc. Choose only one use.
Growth Habit: Under this category you can narrow your search to plants that display certain habits of growth, such as: weeping, columnar, mounding, spreading, cascading, mat forming, etc.
Theme Garden: When using this category it is best to first select the USDA Zone you garden in. Then select what type of theme your are interested in under Theme Garden, such as Butterfly Garden, Japanese Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Perennial Garden, Rock Garden etc. Then select the Sun Needs to narrow your search to those plants that will thrive in the amount of sunlight your garden receives.
Height & Spread: Use these categories to narrow your search to plants that fit within certain parameters of mature height and width.
OTHER HELPFUL TIPS:
When using the Plant Search, make one selection from one category at a time and wait a second or two for results to load below the Plant Search.
If at any time during your search you want to remove a selection you've made simply click the "X" just to the right of the selection. The title of every selection you make shows up just below the Plant Search in the section titled: Your Search Options/Selections (pictured directly above). As you make selections they will be recorded and shown here. When you remove a selection the Plant Search will make the adjustment and display new results.
Try the Advanced Plant Search now!