Q:  Can you suggest good quality and plant-safe tags that will stand the test of time?

Several experts weigh in on that question:

Answer #1:

Hannu Saarilahti wrote an excellent article on labelling plants.  Here is a translation from the original Finnish, presented here with the kind permission of Hannu.  (Hannu Saarilahti. 2025. Kasvien merkitseminen. Rhododendronlehti 1-2025: 6-8):

Plants purchased from nurseries often come with a twist tag or a pot label indicating the plant’s name—if any label exists at all. Sometimes there is none. For plants acquired through informal channels, the name often relies on oral tradition, which hopefully survives the trip home. In such cases, it’s wise to jot down the plant’s details immediately.

However, naming issues don’t end there: marker labels are not long-lasting, and stake tags can easily get mixed up or disappear during transplanting or with “help” from animals. This leads to uncertainty about what’s growing in the garden. I enjoy plants more when their names and histories are clear, so I invest in durable labeling methods. Below, I share my experiments with different labeling techniques, balancing durability with the tools and effort required.

Stake Tags

In my opinion, stake tags are best for temporary labeling. Most are written with markers, which fade over time and eventually vanish entirely. Still, they have their uses. I use stake tags for seedlings too small to attach labels directly. I’ve even tried pushing larger stakes nearly underground, but they often disappear—hardly a reliable option.

For seed-sown seedlings, I place stake tags in pots and later at both ends (and sometimes between) rows after transplanting. Even then, I’ve had to reinforce marker labels by summer. Some use pencils instead of markers, as pencil marks last longer. You can also attach weather-resistant labels printed with a computer or label printer to stake tags for better durability. Recently, I cut labels from a printed sowing chart and laminated them. They should last readable for up to 10 years.  Printed labels require more time, tools, and dedication.

Nurseries often use plastic twist tags that last several years but become brittle and may detach. Better-quality, paper-like tags can be purchased from suppliers like Arboretum Mustila. Even these fade, but weather-resistant printed labels hold up well.

Attaching Labels to Plants

For labels to be useful, they must be securely attached with wire—ideally in a way that’s easy, permanent, and non-damaging over time. Rubber bands are simple but crumble within weeks. Craft stores sell elastic braided ribbon that lasts at least a year, likely longer. These are pleasant to use, though my tests haven’t confirmed their ultimate lifespan. Thin plastic tubing or coated copper wire (if flexible enough) may also endure. Floral twist ties, however, often snap within a year.

My latest experiment uses thin, flexible braided stainless steel wires, which are rustproof and long-lasting. These are affordable at craft stores, and sub-1mm wires work well. Similar wires are sold at fishing supply stores for making pike-resistant leaders.

Wires can’t be knotted; instead, ends are crimped with steel sleeves or aluminum terminals for electrical wires (available at electronics stores). I create closed loops with wire, attach the label, then loop it around a branch. Avoid wrapping around the main trunk to prevent girdling as the plant grows. Check labels every few years regardless.

Label Text and Record-Keeping

Tags hold limited text, but should include:

• Plant name (if known) or hybrid
• Year acquired
• Seller or grower
• Optional code

For hybrids, I often use simple seedling codes. Detailed records live in a spreadsheet, which I update and print as needed. I also store copies in the cloud for quick mobile access. Customize your system, but some form of documentation is essential to track what’s in your garden. Spreadsheets allow far more detail—plant history, descriptions, planting locations—than small labels.

 

Answer #2:

Kristian Theqvist is another rhododendron expert, and his advice is reproduced here with his kind permission:

I have been using Brother P-Touch labels glued onto aluminum plates since 2012 and have been very satisfied with them. My arboretum’s rhododendrons, azaleas, and woody plants have a total of about 1,500 name labels. The oldest labels in more humid areas have developed moss or lichen, but they are still very readable and can be cleaned if necessary.

I print a few hundred TZ-251 labels at a time from my computer, each with a width of 24 mm. I attach them to 25 mm wide, 0.5 mm thick aluminum plates that I have cleaned with acetone. I purchase the aluminum plates from a sheet metal shop, pre-cut into 1.6-meter-long strips. They are easy to cut into 10-12 cm pieces with tin snips, and I can drill a hole at the end for coated copper wire (electrical wire).

The labels have adhered firmly to the aluminum and have not come off in 13 years. I have not had to replace a single label due to damage. I expect the labels to last for the rest of my life. 🙂

For each name label, I print the following:

• The plant’s scientific name
• The common name, if applicable
• A unique identification number
• The plant’s origin

Here are some photos of the name labels I have made:

Answer #3:

Dr. Glen Jamieson says:

A Mount Arrowsmith Rhodo Society member, Art Prufer, is now making permanent labels using a computerizied laser on aluminium, which he sells. Here is his product description and images.

“Plant tags are made of anodized aluminum 50mm x 29mm x 1mm with a 3.5mm hole in one end. They are laser engraved with 3 lines of text, but can fit 4 in a pinch. There are several colours available, but the darker colours are more visible. Price available on request.”

Send an email with a list of your plants to along with your choice of colour.

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Please remember:  Gardening is part science, part art, part skill, and a large part luck.  Sometimes even if you do all the “right” things, a plant still won’t thrive.  We offer the best advice we can, but we can’t guarantee that your plant(s) will thrive… or even survive.  MARS assumes no liability for any damage that may occur to your plants, person, or property as a result of or coincidental to our advice.