I haven't really put this marker to the test yet, but unlike the other "permanent" Sharpies I've used ( which faded within 6 months) this one is the "Sharpie Extreme Fade Resistant permanent marker". It's available on Amazon.
I certainly hope it works better than its predecessor.
I use an electric hedge trimmer to cut back the mums to the ground in March, so I can't use metal garden markers for them. I'll just put string labels showing colors on the ones that I want to propagate by clump division in the spring. Then after that I can easily cut them all back without worrying that I'll ruin my electric hedge trimmers on a metal plant marker. This time the ink really needs to last for just 5 months.
For permanent garden markers for my iris I use a Brother P-Touch label maker, which takes the newer laminated Tze tape, which does not fade. If you are going to buy a new labelmaker, be aware that some of the old P-Touch models are still being sold, and they do not take this new Tze fade- proof tape. So make sure that the one you are buying does take the Tze tape.
Once my tape labels have been printed out, I apply them to the garden markers shown here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BHMFSQB/
I have tried a lot of garden markers in the past that turned out to be very flimsy. These are STURDY and give ample room for even two label strips. And they come in different colors. I like the black, because it's not as obtrusive in the garden. I may even switch to the black label tape with white print.
