What is an essential factor to consider when selecting plants for a landscape?

When selecting plants for a landscape, one of the most essential factors to consider is the hardiness zone of the area. The hardiness zone indicates the climatic conditions of a specific region, including the lowest temperatures that plants can endure in winter. This information is critical because it helps ensure that the chosen plants can survive and thrive in the environment where they will be planted.

Understanding the hardiness zone allows landscapers to select plants that are well-suited for the local climate, which minimizes the risk of plant failure due to environmental stressors. For instance, selecting a plant that is not hardy for the given zone could result in damage or death during extreme weather conditions, while choosing plants that are well-adapted enhances growth and reduces maintenance efforts over time.

While factors like soil texture, type of insects present, and availability of sunlight also play important roles in plant selection, the hardiness zone primarily influences the plant's ability to survive and grow in a particular climate, making it a foundational consideration in the overall landscape design process.