Life Without Plant Labels (or

photo by Erin Mahaney

Long ago, I learned the importance of labeling my plants even when I was confident that I would remember what I planted and where.  It turns out that my confidence was gravely misplaced too many times.  I now diligently attempt to label everything but the most obvious plants, ranging from unusual specimens to bulbs to seedlings.  Aside from the clear benefit of being able to identify a plant, labeling helps avoid overplanting dormant bulbs and seeds.  More specifically, given that I have a tendency to chuck extra plants, bulbs, and seeds into the ground wherever I have room, labeling lets me know whether I deliberately planted something in an odd place or whether I am growing an attractive and mysterious weed.  It happens more than I care to admit. 

For example, for the past 4 months, I've been eyeing a plant that has been aggressively growing in a pot with a dripper.  I planted in that location so long ago (perhaps 2 years) that I couldn't remember what I planted.  I also typically label plants, but there was no label.  Did the original plant die and was a weed taking advantage of an irrigated pot?  It has happened before.  I had to wait until the plant bloomed and then ask for help identifying it before learning that I had a charming, and vigorous, Clematis crispa running rampant across my vegetable beds.

The problem, however, is finding labels that last.  (If you are searching for them, they are also referred to as markers or tags.)  I've tried wooden labels, different heights and thicknesses of plastic labels, and aluminum labels that are tied to the plant.  The wood rots, the plastic breaks, and I find the aluminum labels scattered on the ground (perhaps due to my large dogs brushing past them). 

The bigger problem is that the labels fade even if they stay in place.  I've tried permanent markers, markers marketed as fade resistant and water resistant, CD markers, oil-based paint pens, and old-fashioned pencils.  All of my plants are on drip irrigation, so there is no water spray on the labels.  I also try to tuck them out of the sun.  But, nonetheless, they all fade within a season or even sooner.  I don't mind redoing the labels, but realistically, I'm not going relabel everything every 4 months. 

There are lots of suggestions on the internet to prevent fading, including laminating labels (I don't have a laminator), lacquer spray, and clear nail polish.  I've decided that my next effort will involve metal plant stakes with labels printed by a label maker using laminated tape that is supposedly fade proof and waterproof.  I'm skeptical, but I'll give it a try.

My question for you is - how do you label your plants?  How do you prevent the labels from disappearing or fading?  What works for you?

Now if I can just figure out two other mystery plants so I can label them!

Read more