How to Identify Patio Plants
- 1). Learn your region's plant hardiness zone. The United States Department of Agriculture has compiled information on the different annual low temperatures across the United States and has created a zone map of 11 different temperature zones. Look on the website located in Resources to see what plants can survive the average low temperature in your region to narrow down your list of possible plants.
- 2). When examining an actual plant, look at the soil it's potted in. Most plants grow in loamy soil; however, there are specific plants that survive in either clay or sandy soil. Grab a handful of the soil and squeeze. Soil that releases water is clay and soil that breaks into clumps is sandy. If the soil is malleable in the hand then it is loamy.
- 3). Examine the surrounding plants. Tropical plants generally have large leaves, fragrant blossoms and tall trunks because of the large amount of rainfall of their native region. Desert plants are generally water-storing plants like succulents or cacti. If your plant or the surrounding flora have any of these characteristics, you may be able to identify the plant in question.
- 4). Draw a picture of the plant and note the size of the stems, leaves or blossoms. Use a tape measuring to get the exact size of the plant's parts. Color your drawing with markers or colored pencils to depict the colors of the stems, bark or flowers.
- 5). Take a photo and bring it to a local florist or nursery. Typically, many patio plants are purchased locally and transplanted into patio containers. There is a good chance the patio plant was purchased nearby.
- 6). Look for local wildlife that may be attracted to the plant. Plants such as vegetables, petunias and impatiens attract birds.
