Ornamental Landscape Plants Notes

Ornamental Landscape Plants

Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum' (Bishop's Goutweed)
  • Common name: Goutweed
  • Uses: Variegated foliage; ground cover in shady areas.
  • Note: Can be invasive if not managed adequately.
Allium giganteum (Giant Allium)
  • Characteristics: Tall plants with large purple globes of flowers.
  • Origin: Holland; requires well-drained soil.
  • Note: Ideal for dramatic impact in garden designs.
Baptisia australis (False Indigo or Baptisia)
  • Features: Blue flowers; attractive to pollinators.
  • Growth: Deep taproot; drought tolerant once established.
Cotinus coggygria (Smoketree, Smokebush)
  • Description: Known for its deep purple foliage; produces plume-like flower clusters.
  • Uses: Specimen planting, creating visual interest in landscapes.
Digitalis purpurea (Common Foxglove)
  • Characteristics: Tall spikes of tubular flowers in various colors.
  • Note: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Cranesbill)
  • Features: Ground cover with vibrant pink flowers; attracts butterflies.
  • Growth: Prefers well-draining soil; drought tolerant.
Heuchera micrantha (Small-flowered Alumroot)
  • Description: Low-growing perennial; can tolerate shade and drought.
  • Uses: Foliage colors range from silver to burgundy.
Heuchera sanguinea (Coral Bells)
  • Features: Known for its striking flower spikes and attractive foliage.
  • Uses: Ideal for borders, rock gardens, and containers.
Lamium galeobdolon variegatum (Yellow Archangel or Golden Dead Nettle)
  • Characteristics: Ground cover known for its variegated leaves and yellow flowers.
  • Growth: Thrives in shady areas; can spread quickly.
Leucojum aestivum (Summer Snowflake)
  • Description: White bell-shaped flowers; appears in late spring.
  • Uses: Excellent for naturalizing in moist woodland areas.
Philadelphus coronarius (Mockorange)
  • Features: Fragrant white flowers resembling orange blossoms.
  • Growth: Adaptable; prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Rhododendron x. spp. (Hybrid Azalea)
  • Characteristics: Known for their spectacular blooms.
  • Growth: Requires acidic soils and partial shade for best performance.
Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust)
  • Description: Fast-growing tree known for its fragrant white flowers and durable wood.
  • Note: Can be invasive in certain regions; attracts bees.
Tilia cordata (Little Leaf Linden)
  • Features: Heart-shaped leaves and fragrant yellow blooms.
  • Uses: Often planted as a street tree; excellent shade provider.
Tilia tomentosa (Silver Linden)
  • Characteristics: Similar to Little Leaf Linden but with silvery foliage.
  • Uses: Suitable for urban environments; excellent resilience to pollution.
Citations
  • Dirr, Michael A. (2009). Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation, and Uses. Stipes Publishing L.L.C.
  • Still, Steven M. (1994). Manual of Herbaceous Ornamental Plants. Stipes Publishing L.L.C.
  • Missouri Botanical Garden. Plant Finder. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx
  • Photos for educational use: Combination of sourced online images and personal photographs by Tim Moloney.