What is a major consideration when selecting plants for a landscape?

When selecting plants for a landscape, adaptation to local conditions is a major consideration because it ensures that the plants can thrive in the environment where they are being planted. Factors such as climate, soil type, moisture availability, and exposure to sunlight play crucial roles in plant health and growth. Plants that are well adapted to their surroundings are more likely to resist pests and diseases, require less maintenance, and achieve optimal growth and aesthetics.

Choosing plants solely based on their size, flower color, or popularity may lead to challenges in successfully establishing and maintaining a landscape. For instance, a plant that is too large for the designated space may overcrowd other plants, while selecting based only on color may ignore the plant's needs for soil type or water. Popularity in gardening magazines may not reflect the best choices for specific local conditions, leading to potential failures in the landscape design. Therefore, ensuring that the plants are well suited to the local environment is essential for creating a sustainable and beautiful landscape.