Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Which of the following is a shade-loving border plant?

1. Chrysanthemum

2. Zinnia

3. Impatiens

4. Marigold

The correct answer is: Impatiens

The chosen answer, Impatiens, is recognized as a shade-loving border plant due to its preference for locations with partial to full shade. This plant thrives in lower light conditions, making it a popular choice for shaded garden areas or borders where sunlight is limited. Impatiens produce vibrant flowers and lush foliage, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of shady spots in the garden. In contrast, other options like Chrysanthemum, Zinnia, and Marigold are typically sun-loving plants that perform best in full sunlight. These plants generally require several hours of direct sunlight each day to grow vigorously and bloom prolifically, which is contrary to the needs of shade-loving species. Thus, Impatiens stands out as the appropriate choice for a border plant suited to shaded environments.