Ornamental Garden Plant Groups – Part 2
This is the second part of the article describing the various ornamental plant groups.
Orchids
All orchids belong to the Orchidaceae family comprising around 25,000 species and more than 70,000 hybrids. Most orchid species come from tropical rainforests and often have fleshy, aerial roots. The most popular come from Asia, though there are many wild orchids in South America. The flowers often have fantastic colour combinations.
Bromeliads
Bromeliads are mainly rainforest plants, originating from the southern states of the USA down through to South America. Their structure is usually a rosette shape, with long, stiff (often variegated) leaves and striking blooms. They can be grown outdoors in warmer climes but are more often grown as an indoor plant.
Cacti and Succulents
Cacti and succulents come a fascinating variety of shapes and this is a result of them living in adverse conditions, often prolonged periods of drought. They range from small pincushion shapes to the familiar tall branching desert cacti. They will thrive in desert gardens but are mostly grown indoors in greenhouses or as houseplants.
Palms and Cycads
Palms are evergreen trees or shrubs often with big spiky leaves and bold foliage. They range in size from dwarf shrubs to tall, unbranched trees and mainly originate from tropical and sub-tropical regions. Cycads resemble palms or tree ferns in appearance but they are not related and are primitive seed plants.
Ferns
Ferns are primitive plants that produce evergreen or deciduous fronds. They like damp, shady places and can provide elegant symmetry and texture in a garden. Tropical ferns can be grown in a greenhouse or conservatory and make great specimens. Ferns do not flower and reproduce by spores rather than seeds.
Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants are those that grow submerged, rooted or floating in water. Many aquatic plants are both functional and ornamental. They can suppress the growth of algae and provide a habitat for microorganisms while providing attractive foliage and flowers. A wide variety of plants can be used around small ponds, natural water features or boggy habitats.
Grasses and Bamboos
Grasses and bamboos are members of a vast family of plants that grow throughout the world. A few of the grasses are commonly grown as lawns, whilst others are grown in clumps for their height and wonderful flowering spikes. Bamboos are woody-caned, perennial grasses most of which originate in tropical and sub-tropical climates. There are a few hardy varieties from more temperate regions.
Tags: Aquatic Plants, bamboos, Bromeliads, cacti, cycads, Ferns, garden plant, grasses, Orchids, ornamental garden plant, ornamental plant groups, palms, Plant Groups, succulents
