Ornamental Plants – Definition, Characteristics, Types, Examples

What are Ornamental plants?

• Ornamental plants, also referred to as garden plants, are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, encompassing various characteristics such as color, shape, and fragrance. While their primary purpose is ornamental, these plants can also serve functional roles in landscaping, including providing privacy, enhancing spatial structure, and contributing to environmental quality. The diversity within ornamental plants is extensive, as they span a wide range of categories including trees, shrubs, climbing plants, grasses, succulents, aquatic species, herbaceous perennials, and annuals.
• The breeding of ornamental plants often focuses on enhancing specific traits, resulting in cultivars that surpass their wild relatives in beauty and utility. For instance, many flowering plants have been selectively bred to improve characteristics such as bloom duration, color vibrancy, and fragrance. Consequently, these cultivated varieties tend to exhibit more vivid colors, unique forms, and prolonged blooming periods compared to their natural counterparts. Therefore, they play a vital role in creating visually appealing gardens and landscapes.
• In addition to their visual attributes, ornamental plants may possess unique features that add interest and variety. For example, the striking thorns of Rosa sericea or the distinctive forms of various cacti can serve as focal points in a garden. The aesthetic qualities of ornamental plants encompass not just flowers but also foliage texture, fruit, bark, and overall plant form, allowing gardeners to create diverse and engaging environments.
• Historically, the cultivation of ornamental plants dates back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of ornamental horticulture found in Egyptian tomb paintings as early as 1500 BC. These paintings illustrate the importance of ornamental plants in the gardens of the wealthy, particularly in the tombs of pharaohs who utilized their expansive lands for diverse plantings. This tradition has evolved over millennia, influencing contemporary gardening practices and the broader field of horticulture.
• Ornamental plants are not limited to outdoor gardens; they also include various classifications such as houseplants, bedding plants, hedges, and cut flower plants. The categorization of these plants helps in their management and cultivation within specific contexts. The practice of cultivating ornamental plants falls under floriculture and tree nurseries, significant branches of horticulture that focus on the production and sale of these aesthetically appealing species.

Characteristics features of Ornamental Plants 

Below are the key characteristics and features that define ornamental plants:

• Aesthetic Appeal: The primary attribute of ornamental plants is their visual attractiveness. This can include vibrant flowers, interesting foliage, unique forms, and appealing colors. Their beauty enhances the overall landscape and can influence the ambiance of a space.
• Variety of Forms: Ornamental plants come in various growth forms, including trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, annuals, climbers, and grasses. Each form contributes differently to garden design, providing diversity in structure and height.
• Foliage Characteristics: The leaves of ornamental plants can vary widely in shape, size, color, and texture. Some may have variegated patterns, while others may exhibit unique shapes that add visual interest, even when flowers are not present.
• Flowering Traits: Many ornamental plants are chosen for their spectacular blooms. Flowering characteristics can include size, shape, color, and bloom time, providing seasonal interest. For instance, some plants may bloom in spring, while others may provide color in summer or fall.
• Growth Habit: Ornamental plants exhibit various growth habits, such as bushy, upright, trailing, or weeping. These growth patterns can influence their placement in gardens, making some suitable for borders, while others may serve as focal points or ground covers.
• Cultural Adaptability: Many ornamental plants can thrive in a variety of environmental conditions, including different soil types, moisture levels, and light conditions. This adaptability allows for their use in diverse landscapes, from urban gardens to rural settings.
• Longevity and Maintenance: Ornamental plants can be categorized as annuals, biennials, or perennials based on their life cycle. Annuals complete their life cycle in one growing season, while perennials return year after year. Maintenance requirements also vary, with some plants being low-maintenance and others requiring regular care.
• Functional Benefits: Beyond aesthetics, ornamental plants can provide functional benefits such as shade, privacy, and erosion control. Some varieties also attract pollinators, contributing to the ecological health of a garden.
• Symbolic and Cultural Significance: Many ornamental plants hold symbolic meanings in different cultures, making them popular choices for specific occasions or landscapes. For instance, roses often symbolize love, while cherry blossoms represent the transient beauty of life.
• Seasonal Interest: Ornamental plants can provide year-round interest through seasonal changes in foliage color, flower production, and overall form. Deciduous plants may showcase brilliant fall foliage, while evergreens maintain their structure and color throughout the winter.

Classification / Types of Ornamental plants

Ornamental plants are classified into several categories based on various criteria, such as growth habit and structure. This classification aids in understanding their features and cultivation requirements, ultimately enhancing their use in landscape design and gardening. The conventional classification of ornamental plants is comprehensive, encompassing growth habit, seasonal characteristics, and specific groups like palms, cacti, and succulents.

1. Classification According to Growth Habit
   • Herbs: These plants have succulent leaves and stems and can be further classified into:
     • Bushy Herbs: Examples include periwinkle and marigold, which have a dense, bushy growth.
     • Non-Bushy Herbs:
       • Vine Types:
         • Creepers: Such as Ipomoea and Oxalis, which spread horizontally along the ground.
         • Climbers: Including Cuscuta and Passiflora, these plants require support to grow vertically.
       • Non-Vine Types: Examples include lilies, which grow upright without the need for support.
   • Shrubs: Characterized by multiple semi-woody stems and a bushy appearance, shrubs typically grow to a height of less than 6 meters. They are categorized as:
     • Flowering Shrubs: Grown for their flowers, examples include roses and jasmines.
     • Foliage Shrubs: Valued for their attractive leaves, examples include croton and acalypha.
     • Hedges: These are closely planted shrubs used for boundary formation, examples include Duranta and Sesbania.
   • Trees: Defined as tall, perennial plants with a clear trunk and branching structure. They can be classified into:
     • Monocots: Such as palms, which have a single trunk.
     • Dicots:
       • Flowering Trees: These trees are known for their beautiful flowers, examples include magnolia and peacock tree.
       • Foliage Trees: Valued for their attractive leaves, with flowers being secondary in importance, such as Ficus and Eucalyptus.
   • Aquatic Ornamental Plants: These plants thrive in aquatic environments and are known as hydrophytes. They include:
     • Floating Plants: Such as water lettuce and water chestnut.
     • Rooted Floating Plants: Including water lilies and lotuses.
     • Bog Plants: Such as sweet flag and alocasia.
2. Classification According to Conventional Method
   • Seasonal Flowers: These flowering plants complete their life cycle within one growing season and are grouped as follows:
     • Winter Seasonal Flowers: Complete their life cycle in winter, examples include aster and cosmos.
     • Summer Seasonal Flowers: Complete their life cycle in summer, examples include zinnia and petunia.
     • Year-Round Flowers: Can be grown in both seasons, such as African daisy and butterfly pea.
   • Bulbous Plants: Characterized by underground modified structures like bulbs, corms, and tubers, these plants usually lack an aerial stem and develop long peduncles. Examples include tuberose and gladiolus.
   • Palms: Members of the family Palmaceae, these plants have long, unbranched stems topped with leaves and are categorized into:
     • Tall Palms: Such as coconut and royal palm.
     • Medium-Sized Palms: Such as wild areca and cane palm.
     • Pot Palms: Examples include butterfly palm and lady palm.
   • Climbers: These plants have weak stems and use modified structures to support their growth. Examples include Cuscuta and bougainvillea.
   • Conifers: Evergreen gymnosperms that bear cones, such as Pinus and Thuja. Their needle-like leaves are a distinguishing feature.
   • Cacti: Succulent plants from the family Cactaceae, known for their thickened stems and leaves that store water. Examples include prickly pear and orchid cactus.
   • Orchids: Plants belonging to the family Orchidaceae, which exhibit extensive diversity in flower form, size, and color. They thrive in humid, partially shaded environments.
   • Ferns: Cryptogams found in tropical, humid climates, requiring high temperatures and shade. Examples include Adiantum and Pteris.
   • Succulents: Known for their thickened and fleshy parts that retain water, examples include Agave and Euphorbia.
   • Miscellaneous Groups:
     • Cycads: Stout plants resembling palms, characterized by a crown of stiff, compound leaves. Examples include Cycas.
     • Traveller’s Tree: Known for its paddle-shaped leaves that hold rainwater, offering a potential emergency water source.

Identification and salient features of some ornamental plants

Understanding the identification and salient features of various ornamental plants enhances their appreciation and effective use in landscaping and gardening. Below is a detailed overview of some well-known ornamental plants, including their characteristics, habitat, and notable features.

• Rose (Rosa spp.)
  • Identification: Roses are characterized by their thorny stems, compound leaves, and a wide range of flower colors and sizes.
  • Salient Features: Renowned for their fragrance, roses bloom in various shapes and sizes, making them popular in gardens and bouquets. They require full sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth.
• Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
  • Identification: Marigolds feature bright, daisy-like flowers with vibrant orange and yellow hues. They have smooth, green leaves that are often aromatic.
  • Salient Features: These annual flowers are hardy and easy to grow, attracting pollinators while deterring pests. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
• Gladiolus (Gladiolus hortulanus)
  • Identification: Gladiolus is recognized by its tall flower spikes, which can reach several feet in height. The flowers bloom in succession from the bottom to the top of the spike.
  • Salient Features: These perennial plants have sword-shaped leaves and produce large, colorful blooms in various colors. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, often used in floral arrangements.
• Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)
  • Identification: Carnations possess a clove-like fragrance and feature fringed, ruffled petals that come in many colors. The stems are sturdy and can grow between 12 to 36 inches tall.
  • Salient Features: These perennial plants are popular for their long-lasting blooms and are often used in bouquets and arrangements. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun.
• Orchids (Orchidaceae family)
  • Identification: Orchids exhibit diverse forms, colors, and sizes, often featuring unique flower shapes. The leaves can be broad or strap-like, depending on the species.
  • Salient Features: Known for their exotic beauty, orchids prefer humid, partially shaded environments. They have specialized adaptations for pollination and often require specific growing conditions.
• Poppies (Papaver spp.)
  • Identification: Poppies are distinguished by their large, delicate flowers, typically with four petals and a prominent central capsule. They come in various colors, including red, orange, and white.
  • Salient Features: These annual or biennial plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are often associated with wildflower gardens and can attract pollinators.
• Gerberas (Gerbera jamesonii)
  • Identification: Gerberas are known for their large, bright, daisy-like flowers that can be found in various colors, including red, pink, orange, and yellow.
  • Salient Features: These perennial plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are widely used in floral arrangements due to their vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms.
• Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)
  • Identification: Tuberose features long, narrow leaves and tall spikes topped with fragrant, waxy white flowers that bloom successively.
  • Salient Features: This perennial plant is renowned for its intense fragrance, making it popular in perfumes. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
• Sages (Salvia spp.)
  • Identification: Sages exhibit square stems and whorled leaves, with tubular flowers often found in spikes, available in colors such as purple, blue, and red.
  • Salient Features: These hardy plants are known for attracting pollinators, particularly bees. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, often used in borders and herb gardens.
• Cacti (General Characteristics)
  • Identification: Cacti are characterized by their thick, fleshy stems, spines, and adaptations for water retention. They exhibit various shapes, from spherical to columnar.
  • Salient Features: These plants thrive in arid environments, requiring minimal water. Many species bloom in vibrant colors, producing flowers that are often short-lived but striking.
• Succulents (General Characteristics)
  • Identification: Succulents have thick, fleshy leaves or stems that store water. They come in diverse forms, including rosettes and trailing varieties.
  • Salient Features: These plants are adapted to dry conditions and are low-maintenance. They prefer well-drained soil and can thrive in a range of light conditions, making them popular for indoor and outdoor gardens.
• Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus)
  • Identification: Opuntia features flat, paddle-shaped stems with spines and vibrant flowers that can range from yellow to red.
  • Salient Features: This succulent is drought-tolerant and often produces edible fruits known as “tunas.” It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
• Agave (Agave spp.)
  • Identification: Agave plants have rosette-shaped leaves with sharp edges and can be large in size. The leaves are often fleshy and can vary in color from green to blue-gray.
  • Salient Features: Known for their dramatic appearance, agaves are hardy and drought-resistant. They require well-drained soil and full sun, commonly used in xeriscaping.
• Spurges (Euphorbia spp.)
  • Identification: Spurges are characterized by their milky sap and unique flower structures, known as cyathia, which resemble small clusters.
  • Salient Features: These plants come in various forms, including annuals and perennials. They are drought-tolerant and thrive in well-drained soil and full sun.

Examples of Ornamental flowering trees

Ornamental flowering trees play a significant role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of landscapes and gardens. Below is a detailed overview of several notable ornamental flowering trees, including their identification and salient features.

• Indian Laburnum (Cassia fistula)
  • Identification: The Indian laburnum, commonly known as “Golden Shower Tree,” is recognized for its striking, long clusters of bright yellow flowers that hang gracefully from the branches.
  • Salient Features: This tree typically grows to a height of 10-15 meters and is celebrated for its ornamental value during the blooming season, usually in late spring to early summer. The foliage is compound, with leaflets that have a smooth texture, and the tree is often used in parks and gardens for its attractive flowers.
• Gulmohar (Delonix regia)
  • Identification: The gulmohar, or “Flame Tree,” is distinguished by its large, feathery leaves and vibrant red, orange, or yellow flowers that bloom in large clusters.
  • Salient Features: Growing up to 8-12 meters tall, this tree is known for its wide, spreading canopy that provides ample shade. The flowers typically appear in late spring and early summer, making it a popular choice for streetscapes and public gardens.
• Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
  • Identification: The jacaranda tree is easily identifiable by its large clusters of trumpet-shaped, lavender-blue flowers that create a stunning display in late spring.
  • Salient Features: This medium-sized tree can reach heights of 10-15 meters and has finely divided, fern-like leaves that provide a soft texture. It is often planted as a shade tree and is prized for its striking floral display, which attracts bees and other pollinators.
• Lagerstroemia (Lagerstroemia indica)
  • Identification: Commonly known as crepe myrtle, Lagerstroemia is recognized for its smooth, mottled bark and clusters of vibrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, or white.
  • Salient Features: This small to medium-sized tree can grow up to 6-9 meters tall and blooms during the summer months, making it a favorite in ornamental gardening. Its foliage is deciduous, providing seasonal interest, and the bark adds visual appeal throughout the year.
• Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis)
  • Identification: The fishtail palm is distinguished by its unique, fishtail-shaped leaflets and can grow as a multi-stemmed tree reaching heights of 10-20 meters.
  • Salient Features: This palm produces clusters of small, white flowers followed by black fruits. It is often used in tropical landscaping and is valued for its striking foliage and dramatic appearance.
• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
  • Identification: The areca palm, also known as the butterfly palm, features feathery fronds that arch gracefully and can reach heights of 6-12 meters.
  • Salient Features: This palm is characterized by its clustering growth habit and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions. It produces small, yellow flowers and is often used as an ornamental feature in gardens and patios.
• Semul (Bombax ceiba)
  • Identification: The semul tree, or “silk cotton tree,” is recognized for its large, showy, red flowers that bloom in early spring, often before the leaves appear.
  • Salient Features: This tall deciduous tree can grow up to 20-30 meters, and its broad crown provides shade. The tree is significant in many cultures and often associated with traditional practices.
• Coral Tree (Erythrina spp.)
  • Identification: Coral trees are distinguished by their striking, tubular, bright red flowers that bloom in clusters, often attracting hummingbirds and bees.
  • Salient Features: This tree can vary in height but typically reaches 5-10 meters. The foliage is often trifoliate, and the tree is valued for its ornamental beauty and shade provision, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates.