All of these names can sometimes feel confusing, or even a barrier to entry for new gardeners. Plant labels are meant to offer information, but can sometimes add to the confusion if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. This is a quick guide to the format of a plant label and how to read it so you know what you’re getting!

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How to Read a Plant Label

1. Most labels have a helpful picture! The picture should give you some indication of the type of plant and its colour.

2. Right above the picture is typically a two part naming system:

a. This is the “brand” of the plant. In this case, the “brand” name is “Supertunia,” but the brand name could also be “Supercal” or “Easy Wave.”
b. This is the “colour” within that brand.

3. Right below the picture is where the Latin name will go.

This label shows you a great example of when you can come into the greenhouse and ask for “Bubblegum”: this is a really popular petunia, so most of us know that you are referring to this type of petunia. You can also ask for “Supertunias,” and then we will show you this petunia as well as others like Supertunia Black Cherry, or Supertunia Bordeaux. If you ask for petunias, we will take you to the three aisles of trailing petunias!

Think of it another way: if I buy Levi’s jeans from our Fashion Department, I can say that I am buying “jeans.” But that’s just the general name for the whole family of pants. I could say that I want Levi’s – this is the brand name, like “Supertunia.” If I want a particular style, I could ask for the Ribcage, or the 90s 501. This would be like asking for the Bubblegum! (With thanks to my colleagues in Fashion for the examples!).

The best way to get what you’re looking for is to have the full name – or better yet, save your plant tags in a planting journal!