Ornamental plants definition, classification, examples

One might think of an ornamental plant as one that is purely decorative and has no practical purpose, but this is not always the case. Ornamental plants can be used for a variety of purposes, including landscaping, agriculture, and even medicinal purposes. There are many different types of ornamental plants, and they can be classified in a variety of ways. This article will provide a definition of ornamental plants, as well as a classification system and some examples.

Ornamental plants are plants that are grown for their beauty rather than their practical use. There are many different types of ornamental plants, and they can be classified in many different ways. Some common ways to classify ornamental plants are by their type of flower, the way they grow, or the color of their leaves. Ornamental plants can be used to add beauty to any garden or landscape.

Ornamental plants are plants that are grown for their beauty rather than for their fruit or flowers. They are often used in landscaping to add color and interest to a garden. Some common ornamental plants include ivy, holly, and azaleas.

Ornamental plants

Definition of ornamental plants

Ornamental plants are those plants that are cultivated for the purpose of increasing the beauty of the garden, lawn, house, etc. such as Dahlia, Zinnia, Sunflower, Rose, etc.

Classification of ornamental plants with examples

The ornamental plants can be divided into two categories, which are –

  • Herbaceous ornamental plants
  • Woody ornamental plants

A)     Herbaceous ornamental plants:

1.      Annuals –

  • Winter season flowers: Dahlia, Poppy, Dianthus, Calendula, Marigold, Cosmos, Aster etc.
  • Summer season flowers: Balsam, Cocks comb etc.
  • Year round / All season flowers: Sunflower, Zinnia etc.

2.      Biennial –Holy hock, Sweet William

3.      Perennials –

  • For flowers: Phlox, Gladiolus etc.
  • For foliages: Asparagus officinalis

4.      Lilies –

There are three families which group as lilies. They are –

  • Amaryllidaceae: Tube rose, Daffodils
  • Scitaminae: Dolon chapa, Canna etc.
  • Liliaceae: Day lily, Lilium.

5.      Aquatic ornamental plants – Lotus, Water lily, Redwater lily, etc.

6.      Cactus, Orchid, Ferns –

  • Cactus: Star cactus, Rose cactus, Prickly pear, Orchid cactus, etc.
  • Orchids: Vanda, Dendrobium, Vanilla, etc.
  • Ferns: Bird nest ferns, Sword fern, etc.

B)     Woody ornamental plants –

  • Flowering shrubs: Rose, Jui, Beli, Mollika, Jasmine, Kamini, China rose, etc.
  • Non–flowering ornamental shrubs: Croton, Musanda
  • Flowering tree – a. Magnoliaceae: Magnolia, Iron wood tree, etc. b. Leguminoseae: Pea cock, Ashok
  • Foliage ornamental trees: Rubber, Ashok, Banyan trees, Eucalyptus, etc.
  • The palms: Bottle palm, Fishtail palm, Toddy palm, Butterfly palm, Oil palm, Chinese palm, etc.
  • Ornamental hedge plants: Duranta, Justicia, Iroxa, etc.
  • The conifers: Pine, Thuja, Juniper, etc.
  • The creepers and climbers: Madhobi lata, Jhumka lata, Bougainvillea, etc.

In conclusion, ornamental plants are an important part of any garden or landscape. They can add color, texture, and interest to an area, and there are a variety of different types to choose from. When selecting plants for your garden, be sure to consider the climate and conditions in your area, as well as the type of look you want to create. With a little bit of research and planning, you can create a beautiful and functional ornamental garden that will be enjoyed for years to come.

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