Ornamental crops are grown for decorative purposes rather than food. If you want to spice up your yard or garden with unique plants, learning about ornamental crops is key. In this article, we’ll go through 10 examples of common ornamental crops and inform you about how they’re used. You’ll discover some interesting ornamental varieties you can try in your own outdoor space. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced green thumb, you’ll find some eye-catching options and creative ideas for beautifying your landscape.
What Are Ornamental Crops?
Ornamental crops, also known as ornamental plants, are plants that are grown for decorative purposes. Unlike food crops that are cultivated for consumption, ornamental crops are used to beautify gardens or indoor spaces. These plants come in a variety of forms, colors, and fragrances to suit different landscaping needs.
Some well-known ornamental crops include:
Flowers
Flowers are the most popular ornamental crops. They include annuals like petunias, marigolds, and snapdragons, as well as perennials such as roses, tulips, and orchids. Flowers are used in flower beds, borders, and rock gardens to add beauty and fragrance.
Shrubs
Shrubs refer to bushy, woody plants that are smaller than a tree. Popular ornamental shrubs include azaleas, camellias, lavender and boxwood. Shrubs are often used as foundation plants, hedges, or privacy screens. They provide greenery and flowers over a long period.
Trees
Ornamental trees, such as magnolias, crabapples, birches, and willows, are usually selected for their spring flowers, fall foliage, or bark. They are used as specimen plants, to line walkways, or to provide shade. Some ornamental trees also produce edible fruit, though they are primarily grown for their aesthetic appeal.
Ground Covers
Ground covers like ivy, vinca, sedum, and creeping phlox are low-growing plants used to fill in bare ground and prevent soil erosion. They are ideal for covering slopes or providing greenery where grass will not grow. Ground covers add visual interest to the landscape with their foliage and blooms.
Vines
Ornamental vines, such as clematis, grapes, honeysuckles, and climbing roses, are grown on trellises, arbors, and fences. They are useful for providing privacy, shade, or simply decorative greenery. Vines soften the hard edges of structures and create natural dividers in gardens.
Ornamental crops transform outdoor and indoor spaces with their colorful flowers, interesting foliage and pleasing forms. Using a variety of these plants, you can create a beautiful landscape that provides enjoyment throughout the seasons.
Examples of Ornamental Crops & Their Uses
Ornamental crops, also known as decorative crops, are plants grown for their aesthetic value rather than for food. They add beauty and curb appeal to homes, gardens, parks, and businesses. Some common examples of ornamental crops include the following:
Rose
The rose is one of the most popular ornamental plants, with a long and colorful history. Roses are believed to have originated in Central Asia but were first cultivated in Ancient Egypt, Persia, and China. During the Roman Empire, roses were popular in art and perfume. European rose hybridization began in the 19th century, leading to the creation of many popular rose cultivars for gardens.
There are over 100 species of roses and thousands of cultivated varieties. The major types are:
- Hybrid Tea Roses: Large flowers, long stems, and a sweet fragrance. Popular for cut flowers and gardens.
- Grandiflora Roses: Cross between hybrid teas and floribunda roses. Produce large clusters of medium-sized flowers.
- Floribunda Roses: Produce large clusters of smaller flowers. Bloom throughout the growing season. Popular for landscape and garden use.
- Shrub Roses: Low-maintenance, produce medium-sized flowers. Ideal for borders and hedges.
- Old Garden Roses: Roses introduced before 1867. Often highly fragrant with full, open blooms. Require minimal pruning and care.
- Climbing Roses: Produce long, flexible canes that can be trained along fences, arbors, and trellises. Bloom heavily, with some producing flowers throughout the summer.
Roses require full sun and well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Plant roses in early spring, spacing them at least 2 to 3 feet apart. Water roses regularly, especially in hot or dry weather.
Lavender
Lavender is a popular ornamental plant that is prized for its fragrant purple flowers and aromatic foliage.
Lavender is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1-3 feet tall with a similar spread. It has narrow, grayish-green leaves and produces spikes of lavender-colored flowers in the summer. Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6 and 8.
The flowers and leaves of lavender have a fresh, floral scent that is used in potpourris, sachets, and various beauty products like lotions, perfumes, and bath products. Dried lavender flowers are also used to make lavender essential oil, which has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lavender requires minimal care once established but needs full sun and moderate watering and fertilizing. Water lavender regularly, especially for the first few years after planting. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Lavenders also benefit from the application of balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Prune lavender after flowering to shape the plant and promote new growth. Cutting spent flower stems off at their base will encourage a second flush of blooms.
With its aromatic and colorful flowers, lavender makes a wonderful addition to any sunny garden or container. With some basic care and pruning, lavender plants can thrive for 15 years or more, filling your garden with beauty and fragrance year after year.
Tulips
Tulips are one of the most popular ornamental crops, known for their beautiful and colorful blooms. Originally from Central Asia and the Middle East, tulips were introduced to Europe in the 16th century and quickly became a sought-after luxury item. Today, tulips are grown commercially and used widely in gardens, public spaces, and the floral industry.
There are over 3,000 varieties of tulips classified into 15 groups based on bloom time, flower shape, and color. The most well-known types are Darwin hybrids, Parrot tulips, and Double Late tulips. Darwin tulips produce large, oval flowers in vibrant colors like red, orange and yellow. Parrot tulips have frilly, feathered petals in striking color combinations. Double Late tulips have full, peony-like flowers in pinks, reds and yellows.
Tulips require a period of cold dormancy to bloom, so they are best planted in fall. Choose a spot with well-drained, fertile soil and full sun. Bury the bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting and add a layer of mulch. In spring, fertilize once the foliage emerges and water regularly until the flowers fade. After blooming, allow the foliage to die back naturally before removing it. This allows the bulbs to store energy for next year’s blooms.
Tulips are popular in home gardens, public parks, and commercial cut flower production. They are commonly planted in large groups called “drifts” for maximum visual impact. Tulips also make wonderful cut flowers, lasting up to a week in a vase. However, the bulbs produce toxins that can irritate the skin, so handle them carefully and avoid ingesting any part of the plant.
Growing tulips is a rewarding endeavor. With minimal maintenance, these bulbs will produce a dazzling floral display year after year.
Lilies
Lilies are a very popular ornamental crop, with their large, showy flowers and pleasant fragrance. There are many varieties of lilies to choose from for your garden.
The most well-known lily is probably the tiger lily, with its bright orange flowers spotted with black. Calla lilies also have a distinctive flower, with their yellow spadix surrounded by a colored spathe. Asiatic lilies come in a variety of bright colors, like red, pink, yellow, and orange. Oriental lilies are very fragrant and come in white or pink.
To grow lilies, plant the bulbs in the spring after the last frost. Bury the bulbs about 6 to 8 inches deep, with the roots facing downwards. Lilies require well-drained, fertile soil and full sun for at least 6 hours per day. Water the bulbs regularly, especially for the first few months after planting.
Once the flowers bloom, you can cut them for stunning floral arrangements. The flowers last up to a week after cutting. After the flowers fade, the seed pods will form. You can collect the seeds once the pods split open to propagate new lily plants. However, some lily varieties are sterile and do not produce seeds.
Hibiscus
The hibiscus is a gorgeous ornamental plant known for its large, colorful blooms. With over 200 species, there are many varieties to choose from in a range of colors like red, pink, yellow and orange.
One of the most popular types is the tropical hibiscus or Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. It has glossy green leaves and flowers that can reach up to 6 inches across. The blooms only last a day, but the plant continuously produces new buds throughout the growing season. Tropical hibiscus can be grown outdoors year-round in warm climates or indoors as houseplants in cooler areas. They need lots of light and moisture to thrive.
No matter the variety, hibiscus flowers make a bold statement and are ideal for decorative purposes. The blooms are commonly used in leis and floral arrangements. They can also be dried or pressed to create colorful decorations. An easy way to preserve hibiscus flowers is to place them face down on a flat surface to air dry completely undisturbed. Once dried, you can display the blooms in a vase or picture frame.
The hibiscus plant itself also has ornamental value with its tropical-looking foliage. When not in bloom, the shiny leaves provide an attractive pop of green.
Shrubs
Shrubs are woody plants with multiple stems growing from the base. They are generally medium-sized, usually ranging from 3 to 10 feet in height. Shrubs come in a variety of shapes, from rounded to sprawling. They are popular for landscaping and gardening because they provide greenery without overtaking the space like trees.
Some popular ornamental shrubs include:
- Azaleas – Azaleas produce colorful flowers in the spring, with shades of pink, red, white and purple. They do best in partial shade and moist, acidic soil. Azaleas are often used to add color to shady areas of the garden.
- Hydrangeas – Hydrangeas are prized for their large blooms, available in shades of pink, blue and white. The flower color depends on the pH level of the soil. Hydrangeas do well in partial shade and moist soil. They are ideal for borders, foundations or as specimen plants.
- Rhododendrons – Like azaleas, rhododendrons produce colorful spring flowers and thrive in acidic soil and partial shade. Rhododendrons have large, broad leaves and clusters of red, pink, or white flowers. They are often used in woodland gardens or as foundation plants.
There are many types of shrubs to choose from, with a range of sizes, foliage, flowers, and other attributes. Shrubs are versatile and useful for landscaping, providing structure, greenery, seasonal color, and more to your outdoor space.
Petunia
Petunias are popular ornamental plants that produce colorful and fragrant flowers. They are a gardener’s delight and relatively low-maintenance. Petunias come in a variety of colors, like pink, purple, red, blue, yellow, and white.
The petunia plant has green, hairy leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from spring through fall. Petunias can be planted in gardens, containers, or hanging baskets. They do best in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH. Petunias require moderate amounts of water and fertilizer. During hot summer months, petunias may need watering daily.
Some popular types of petunias include:
- Grandiflora petunias: Large, showy flowers, ideal for beds and borders.
- Multiflora petunias produce an abundance of small flowers that are great for baskets and containers.
- Wave petunias: Low-growing, spreading petunias are ideal for colorful ground cover.
- Supertunia petunias: Exceptionally vigorous, weather-resistant petunias perfect for high-impact areas.
With their trumpet-shaped blooms and a wide array of colors, petunias add beauty and curb appeal to any garden. Proper care and maintenance will reward you with a vibrant display of these ornamental flowers all season long.
Palms
Palms are one of the most recognizable ornamental plants. With their tall, columnar trunks and large, fan-like fronds, palms make a striking addition to any landscape. There are over 2,600 species of palms, so you have lots of options to choose from.
Some of the most popular ornamental palms include:
- Kentia palms: Kentia palms have graceful, arching fronds and trunks. They do well indoors and can tolerate low-light conditions. Kentia palms are very tolerant of neglect and are easy to care for.
- Date palms: Date palms, also known as Phoenix palms, have a more tropical look with their spiny, feather-like fronds. They require lots of light and warmth to thrive. Date palms can grow up to 100 feet tall, so they are best for large outdoor spaces.
- Sago palms: Sago palms have stiff, oval-shaped fronds that emerge from a bulbous base. They are very low maintenance but also very slow growing, only producing one new frond each year. Sago palms can live for many decades. They do well in tropical and subtropical climates.
- King palms: King palms have elegant, bright green fronds that can reach up to 15 feet long. They require plenty of sunlight and moisture. King palms can tolerate a variety of soil types and are relatively fast-growing, gaining up to 2 to 3 feet per year.
To care for most ornamental palms, plant them in a spot with plenty of bright light and well-drained, fertile soil. Water palms regularly, especially when they are young. Fertilize palms during the growing season and prune away dead or dying fronds. Palms grown indoors will need to be dusted regularly with a damp cloth to keep their foliage clean and may require a humidity tray. With the proper care and conditions, most palms can thrive for many years.
Sunflowers
One of the most popular ornamental crops are sunflowers. Their bright yellow petals and fuzzy brown centers attract birds, bees, and human admirers alike.
Sunflowers come in a variety of sizes, from dwarf types that only reach 2-3 feet tall to giant varieties that can tower over 12 feet high. The dwarf sunflowers are perfect for small gardens or containers on a patio, while the giant sunflowers make an impressive backdrop at the rear of a flower bed.
Sunflowers are very easy to grow and are suitable for beginning gardeners. They require full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours per day, fertile, well-drained soil, and moderate amounts of water. Plant the seeds in late spring after the chance of frost has passed. Bury the seeds 1 inch deep and 3 to 6 inches apart. Once the seedlings sprout, thin them so the remaining plants are at least 6 inches apart. Add a balanced fertilizer once a month. Stake the giant varieties to provide support for their heavy flower heads.
The sunflower seeds have a hard black and white striped shell with a creamy white kernel inside that is high in vitamin E, selenium, and healthy fats. Squirrels, birds, and some people enjoy eating the raw seeds. You can also roast the seeds for a snack by rinsing, drying, and baking them in the oven with a little salt.
Money Plant
The money plant is a popular houseplant that is thought to bring good luck and fortune. This viney plant has become naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
With its heart-shaped leaves and trailing stems, the money plant makes an attractive hanging or tabletop plant. The stems can reach up to 40 feet in length, so regular pruning is needed to keep it under control in your home. The money plant does well in medium to low light conditions, so a spot out of direct sunlight, such as near an east- or west-facing window, is ideal.
When it comes to watering, allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. The money plant prefers moist but not soggy soil. Water less in the fall and winter when growth slows down. During the growing season in spring and summer, fertilize your money plant every few weeks. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
With the proper care and conditions, a money plant can live for several decades and bring you good fortune for years to come! Following these guidelines will ensure your money plant prospers.
Using a variety of ornamental crops is key to creating an attractive and inviting outdoor space. With options for sun or shade, seasonal color, and different forms, there’s an ornamental plant for every garden and landscape.
Do Ornamental Crops Have Any Uses Beyond Decoration?
Yes, many ornamental crops have uses beyond simply being decorative. For example:
- Essential oils and fragrances are extracted from some flowers like roses, lavender, and jasmine.
- Some flowers, like chrysanthemums, tulips, and lilies, are used in the floral industry for bouquets and arrangements.
- Certain ornamental crops have medicinal uses. For example, echinacea is used as an herbal remedy to boost the immune system.
- Spices like chili peppers, rosemary, and thyme are considered ornamental crops but are also used for cooking.
- Beekeepers place hives near flowering ornamental crops to produce floral honey.
Ornamental crops can add beauty to any garden or landscape. With the right care and maintenance, you’ll be enjoying these decorative and useful plants for years to come.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 10 of the most common ornamental crops and how they can spruce up your yard or garden. From showy flowers to interesting foliage, ornamentals bring color, texture, and visual interest to outdoor spaces. And the variety of options means you can pick ones well-suited to your climate and growing conditions. Hopefully, these examples sparked some inspiration for ways to beautify your landscape. The right ornamentals can really enhance the curb appeal and character of a home.