Question:

Which of the following are tender annuals?
(A). Oxalis
(B). Digitalis
(C). Pansy
(D). Rudbeckia

Show Hint

To solve classification questions by elimination, remember that Pansy (Viola) is a classic, highly frost-hardy winter annual, which immediately rules out options containing (C).
  • (A) and (B) only
  • (A) and (C) only
  • (A) and (D) only
  • (B) and (D) only
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Annual flowering plants are classified into three ecological groups based on their temperature requirements and tolerance to frost: hardy annuals, half-hardy annuals, and tender annuals.
Hardy annuals can tolerate frost and cold temperatures, making them suitable for early spring or autumn planting.
Tender annuals are highly sensitive to cold temperatures and frost.
They require warm soil and air temperatures to grow and are planted outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed in late spring or summer.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze the given genera to determine their classification:
(A). Oxalis:
The genus Oxalis comprises mostly bulbous or rhizomatous perennial herbs (such as wood sorrel), which are not classified as true annuals.
Thus, (A) is incorrect.
(B). Digitalis (Foxglove):
Foxgloves are biennial or short-lived perennial plants grown as annuals in some climates.
They are highly sensitive to extreme cold and frost during their active flowering stage, making them perform as tender plants in cold regions.
Thus, (B) can be grouped under tender annuals.
(C). Pansy (Viola \(\times\) wittrockiana):
Pansies are classic cool-season, hardy annuals (or short-lived perennials).
They are highly frost-tolerant and can survive freezing winter temperatures, blooming beautifully in early spring.
Thus, (C) is a hardy annual.
(D). Rudbeckia (Coneflower Black-eyed Susan):
While some coneflowers are perennials, species like Rudbeckia hirta are grown as warm-season annuals.
They require warm temperatures and full sun to thrive, making them tender annuals that are sensitive to frost.
Thus, (D) is a tender annual.
By eliminating (A) (since Oxalis is a bulbous perennial) and (C) (since Pansy is a hardy annual), the only correct combination of tender/warm-loving annuals is (B) and (D) only.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Therefore, the correct option containing only tender annuals is (D).
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