# QR codes on plant tags and garden markers

> A garden QR code faces UV, rain, frost and soil splash. Use error correction H, a UV-stable material, and expect to replace printed tags every two seasons unless you use engraved or anodised metal.

Source: https://useqr.app/qr-codes-on/plant-tags · Last reviewed 2026-08-21 · UseQR is free forever, MIT licensed, no signup.

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| Typical scan distance | **20–40 cm** |
|---|---|
| Minimum code width | **2–4 cm** |
| Error correction | **H** |

## What actually degrades

| Factor | Effect | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| UV | Ink fades, plastic yellows | UV-stable ink and substrate; the code fades before the tag does |
| Rain and soil splash | Obscures the pattern | Mount at 15 cm+ above soil; angle to shed water |
| Frost | Cracks laminate, delaminates labels | Anodised aluminium or engraved plastic |
| Algae and lichen | Reduces contrast | Matt surfaces clean more easily than textured ones |

## Materials, by expected life

- **Laminated paper**: one season. Fine for annual bedding.
- **UV-stable vinyl on rigid PVC**: 2–3 years.
- **Engraved two-colour acrylic**: 5+ years, and contrast is structural rather than printed.
- **Anodised aluminium** (photo-anodised or laser-marked): 10+ years, the standard for
  botanic gardens.

## Specification

- **2–4 cm** — visitors lean in, so the distance is short.
- Error correction **H**, because partial obscuring by leaves and soil is routine.
- **Matt finish**; a glossy tag in direct sun is unreadable.
- Angle the tag **15–30° from vertical**, facing the path. Flat tags collect water and
  debris; vertical ones are scanned at a steep angle by someone standing.

## What to link

A page that survives replanting: the species page, not "the plant in bed 4". Beds get
redesigned; species do not.

## Try it

- https://useqr.app/url
- https://useqr.app/size-calculator
- https://useqr.app/validate