Which of the following is a common criterion for landscape plant selection?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of hardiness, growth habit, and disease resistance when selecting landscape plants. These criteria are crucial because they ensure that the plants chosen will thrive in the specific environmental conditions of the landscape.

Hardiness refers to a plant's ability to survive adverse weather conditions, including temperature fluctuations, frost, and drought. This factor is vital for the sustainability of the landscape, as it helps prevent plant loss and reduces maintenance efforts.

Growth habit pertains to the physical characteristics of the plant, such as its shape and size at maturity. Understanding these traits allows landscapers to create balanced designs where plants fit well in their designated spaces without overcrowding or overshadowing each other.

Disease resistance is another critical aspect; selecting plants that are less susceptible to pests and diseases contributes to the health of the landscape and minimizes the need for chemical treatments, promoting an eco-friendlier approach to landscaping.

While cost effectiveness, height and width, and popularity might influence plant selection, they do not address the long-term viability and health of the plants in the landscape, which is why focusing on hardiness, growth habit, and disease resistance is fundamental for successful landscaping practices.