What defines a cultivar?

A cultivar is essentially a cultivated variety of a plant that has been selectively bred to showcase specific characteristics that distinguish it from other plants of the same species. These traits may include variations in flower color, leaf shape, plant size, or resistance to certain pests or diseases. The significance of a cultivar lies in its controlled breeding process, which ensures that its distinguishing features are consistently passed on through propagation. This makes cultivars vital in horticulture as they allow for the improvement of plant aesthetics, resilience, and adaptability.

The other options describe concepts relevant to botany and horticulture but do not accurately capture the essence of a cultivar. For example, hybrids are indeed created from different parent plants, but not all hybrids are cultivated varieties. Seasonal growth and regional native plants refer to broader biological definitions and ecological contexts, rather than the specific criteria for cultivars, which are based on deliberate breeding for specific traits.