A plant label and a site record are two halves of the same decision. The label describes the conditions a plant can use; your record describes what the garden provides. Right plant, right place means comparing them before you buy.

A plant adapted to dry, sunny conditions is a better starting choice for a dry, sunny bed than one that needs a consistently moist root zone. But a newly planted drought-tolerant shrub still needs establishment care. A good match reduces avoidable work; it does not make watering, inspection or winter care unnecessary.

Begin with light and root conditions, then check exposure, temperature, space and any plant-specific needs. A promising match on two features can still fail on a third.