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Gardening is a great way to spend time outdoors and relax. If you want to add some color to your garden, try growing ornamental plants.
These colorful blooms are sure to brighten up your yard.
Ornamental plants come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures.
They also offer a number of benefits, such as attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, providing food for birds and other animals, and adding beauty to your home.
In this article, we have put together the top 21 ornamental plants that you should be growing in your garden.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Be Growing Ornamental Flowers?
Ornamental flowers have no use for humans. However, they provide many benefits for wildlife and pollinators.
Many types of flowers attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Other types of flowers can help repel pests or attract predators.
They are very beautiful and attractive to look at. Some people even use them as houseplants. You just enjoy watching these colorful beauties bloom every spring.
Whatever the reason, there are plenty of different types of ornamental plants to choose from.
You can grow these plants indoors or out. Most of the plants listed below can be grown both inside and outside.
If you live in a cold climate, then you can plant tropical and subtropical plants in pots. These plants require a long period of winter dormancy before they flower.
When it comes time to plant them, you’ll need to wait until spring.
Some plants only bloom once per year.
Others bloom multiple times throughout the season.
Still, others flower all year round. It’s important to know which type of plant you’d like to grow so that you don’t end up with dead plants.
Ornamental Plants To Grow In Your Garden
Roses
Roses are one of the most popular types of flowering plants.
They are easy to grow and produce large quantities of fragrant flowers. Alongside this, roses are available in almost any color imaginable.
There are two main varieties of rose: hybrid tea roses and shrub roses. Hybrid tea roses are more common than shrub roses. Both types of roses are easy to grow.
Hybrid tea roses are often used for cut flowers because their blooms last longer than those of shrub roses. Shrub roses are usually planted in full sun and well-drained soil.
Roses can be grown as border plants, as a sidewalk, or in flowered beds and pots.
Desert Rose
The desert rose is native to North Africa. It has small pink or white flowers that grow on stems up to 1 meter (3 ft) tall.
The desert rose grows best in hot climates where it gets lots of sunlight.
It requires little maintenance and produces an abundance of flowers. Desert roses are perfect for planting along walkways, fences, and borders.
Lavender
This perennial herb is native to Europe and Asia. It has attractive lavender-blue flowers that smell wonderful when crushed.
Lavender is extremely hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -15 degrees Celsius (-5 Fahrenheit). It prefers moist but well-drained soils and will not do well in wet conditions.
This plant can be grown in containers or beds. It does best if given partial shade and watered regularly.
Thyme
Thyme is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia. It has aromatic leaves and flowers that smell great when crushed.
Thyme is a hardy perennial that thrives in dry, sunny locations. It needs good drainage and regular watering.
This plant can be propagated by seed or division. You can plant various types of thyme plants, but English Thyme is the most common variety.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a bushy evergreen shrub that can reach heights of 3 meters (10 feet).
It will produce beautiful, delicate blue flowers. The leaves contain oils that make them useful for cooking and medicinal purposes.
Rosemary is also known for its strong scent. It can be grown either in a container or in a garden. Rosemary thrives in dry, sunny locations and requires regular watering.
However, it is one of the easiest plants to maintain.
Mint
Mint leaves have a strong menthol scent. Thus, mint is widely used in cooking and medicine. It is also used to make mouthwash and toothpaste.
Also, this plant is a great mosquito repellent plant to have in your garden.
Mint plants prefer high humidity and cool temperatures.
They can be grown both indoors and out. If you want to grow your own mint, remember to keep it away from other plants that may compete with it for nutrients.
However, also beware because this plant is considered a weed as it will easily spread everywhere. Therefore, it is best to keep this plant contained.
Sage
Sage is a member of the mint family. It has aromatic leaves that contain essential oils. Sage is commonly used to flavor foods and drinks.
It is also known for its medicinal properties. As it can help to relieve pain and fight infections. It is also said to improve memory and concentration.
Sage can be grown either outdoors or indoors. It likes bright light and warm weather. It needs regular watering during dry periods.
You can grow sage in various colors including blue, white, and purple.
Basil
Basil is a popular kitchen herb that adds freshness to many dishes. Its leaves have a sweet aroma and taste. Basil is easy to grow and can thrive in any environment.
Like all herbs, basil should be kept away from direct sun exposure. It can be grown in pots or beds. It can be planted directly into the soil or started from seed.
There are various different basil plants to grow, all that are different colors and scents. Some of the varieties include lemon basil and purple basil.
Marigold
Marigolds are easy to grow and come in many colors. This can include yellow, gold, red, and copper. Marigolds have been around since Ancient Egypt.
Their flowers were used to decorate tombs. Nowadays, marigolds are widely used in gardens and landscaping projects.
They are very easy to care for and can withstand drought. If your garden is exposed to direct sunlight, you may want to consider growing marigolds under a tree or other shady areas.
They know to bloom during the late summer, so you need patience with these flowers.
Lilies
Lilies are often associated with springtime. However, they are actually an excellent choice for fall and winter. Lilies are perfect for containers because their roots do not spread much.
Most varieties of lily are fragrant and produce large blooms.
Some common types include Oriental lilies, Easter lilies, Lily-of-the-valley, and Tiger lilies.
All of these varieties are beautiful and can add some color to your garden. Some of the most popular lilies colors include purple, red, and pink.
Also, these plants will attract a lot of pollinators such as birds and bees, who are after their nectar.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis is one of the easiest ornamental plants to grow. These bulbs are usually sold in stores already planted. The bulb itself is the part we use to eat.
Amaryllis are native to South America but are now being grown worldwide. They are great for adding a splash of color to your garden.
These flowers will catch everyone’s eyes with the array of colors that they can bloom in. These colors could be pink, salmon, red, and orange to just name a few.
Amaryllis plants are easy to grow and require little maintenance. They like full sun and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly during dry spells.
Tulips
Tulips are easy to grow and require little maintenance. These flowers can be grown in containers or planted directly into the ground.
The bulbs can be planted at any time of year. When planting them, make sure to place them in full sun.
You can choose between single or double-flowered tulips. Single-flowered tulips are more compact than double-flowered ones.
Double flowered tulips are usually larger and have more petals. These flowers are known for their vibrant and bold colors that will stand out in your garden.
Typically, tulips will bloom once the weather begins to warm up and there is no more sign of frost looming.
Daffodils
Daffodils are a favorite ornamental plant. They are one of the first flowers to pop up in spring. Daffodils are perennial plants that like to live in moist soil.
They prefer full sun but tolerate partial shade.
The best time to plant daffodils is when the weather starts getting warmer. You can start seeds indoors or buy pre-planted bulbs.
Once you get your bulbs, just stick them to the ground.
You can pick between upright and semi-upright varieties. Upright varieties tend to have more foliage, while semi-upright varieties have fewer leaves.
Daffodils are easily recognizable for their bold yellow center and pale white petals. They are another hardy plant that will bloom in spring to add some joy to your garden.
Onion Plants
Onions are easy to grow and can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. You may be surprised to find them on our list.
However, they are also available in a wide range of colors including green, white, orange, and purple.
This is as long as you let some of the onions continue to sprout and a beautiful purple flower will bloom.
Alongside that, onion plants are really easy to grow and maintain. Also, the onions produced taste great and add more flavor to your dishes.
Lilac
Lilacs are a classic ornamental plant. They come in many different colors including white, blue, pink, lavender, and purple.
Alongside this, they have a really sweet scent that everyone loves the smell of.
Lilacs are easy to grow and only require water every few weeks. They love well-drained soils and should be placed in full sun.
If you’re looking for something unique, try growing lilacs in pots. It’s a good idea to plant them in groups if you plan to use them as a centerpiece.
You can also use them to cut flowers by cutting off the stems before they fully bloom. Also, pollinators love lilac and will be attracted to your plant.
American Wisteria
Wisterias are among the easiest plants to grow. Their vines can reach heights of 30 feet. They are native to North America and grow well in both temperate and tropical climates.
These plants are also known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. They also provide food for many animals including rabbits, squirrels, and deer.
They produce small clusters of tiny dark blue or purple flowers. These flowers then form into acorns.
Wisteria prefers full sunlight, however, if you live in a hot climate then you should plant them under partial shade. You can train this plant to grow where you want it and in the shape you desire.
Petunias
Petunias are easy to grow and produce blooms all summer long. Petunias are perfect for adding color to any landscape.
They come in a wide array of colors, ranging from red to pink to purple. Petunias are also very easy to maintain.
All you need to do is water them regularly and fertilize them every two weeks.
They are also very attractive to butterflies and other insects. If you don’t have much space, you can grow them in pots. Or you can even grow them in hanging baskets.
However, they are a hardy plant that can withstand any weather conditions that it is faced with.
Geranium
You can find these plants at most nurseries. Geraniums are one of the best plants to grow when you first start out gardening because they are so easy to grow and take up little room.
They also produce lots of flowers, which makes them ideal for attracting bees and butterflies. While also giving you a pleasant scent in your garden as well.
They prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Once established, geraniums can survive in almost any soil type. The roots enjoy moist soil, so make sure you keep the potting mix slightly damp.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are an excellent choice for beginners who are just starting to learn how to grow their own plants. Spider plants are extremely easy to care for and grow quickly.
They are also great for beginners because they are not fussy about what kind of soil they are planted in. They can handle a variety of conditions, such as dry and wet.
The leaves on these plants look like spiders, hence the name.
They also produce beautiful flowers that range from yellow to orange to red. They are also able to withstand temperatures between -10 degrees Fahrenheit and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most people will plant these plants indoors, but you can plant them in your garden if you wish to.
Golden Pothos
This is another plant that is easy to grow and provides a lot of benefits. Golden pothos is also known as the money plant.
This plant is drought tolerant and requires very minimal maintenance. They also produce large amounts of foliage, which means you won’t have to worry about watering them too often.
Golden Pothos plants are also quite pretty and add some nice texture to your garden. You can easily grow them inside or outside. They don’t enjoy direct sunlight, thus they prefer a more shaded area in your garden.
Lantana
Lantanas are a popular flowering shrub, they are ideal to grow outdoors in hanging baskets or as ground cover.
They are also very low maintenance and thrive in full sun and regular watering. They are also very heat and drought tolerant.
Lantana plants will produce clusters of brightly colored yet small blooms, that can be white, yellow, orange, pink, purple, red, or blue.
In each color, you will see two or more colors in one bloom. Making these flowers really pleasing to look at. These blooms will last throughout the summer months.
Lantanas are also very easy to grow. All you need to do is give it plenty of water and fertilize it regularly. It may flower every year or two, depending on the weather.
The foliage doesn’t have the best aroma, yet the blooms will attract butterflies.
Final Thoughts
Ornamental flowers can help make your garden look much more beautiful. As you can see, there is a wide variety of plants to choose from.
However, all the plants we have mentioned will help make your garden not look the best it can, but also smell amazing as well.
Alongside also attracting beautiful animals and insects like butterflies to your garden.