Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Which of the following plant types typically requires the least amount of maintenance?

1. Annuals

2. Perennials

3. Shrubs

4. Vines

The correct answer is: Perennials

Choosing perennials as the type of plant that typically requires the least amount of maintenance is accurate because perennials, once established, generally need less care compared to annuals, which must be replanted each year. Perennials can survive through winter months and re-emerge in spring, making them a more sustainable choice for gardeners who prefer lower upkeep. In contrast, annuals are plants that complete their life cycle within a single growing season, necessitating replanting each year, which can be labor-intensive. Shrubs may require periodic pruning and care, especially to control their growth and maintain aesthetic shape, though they can also be relatively low-maintenance once established. Vines might need support as they grow and may require trimming to prevent them from overtaking other plants, adding another layer of care. Thus, the long-term resilience and lower care requirements of perennials contribute to their classification as the plant type requiring the least amount of maintenance among the options provided.