Common types of ornamental plants

Agricultural science for S.S.S 2 Second Term

Week 1                            

Common types of ornamental plants

Performance objectives;

Students should be able to;

1. Mention ornamental plants used for different purposes.
2. Identify ornamental plants belonging to each category

Content.

Types of Ornamental Plants According to their Uses.

Ornamental plants can be used differently due to the different nature and unique features exhibited by these plants.

Based on the different uses ornamental plants can be classified into:

1. Hedging plants:

These are mainly shrubs and trees often used as hedges in gardens, homes, offices or similar structures. Examples of such plants are:

• Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)
• Alamanda (Allamanda cathartica)
• Wild Rose (Rosa aciculris)
• Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp)
• Ixora (Ixora coccinea)
• Crotons (Codiaeum variagatum)

2. Bedding plants:

These are mostly flowering plants used for decorative or commercial purposes in homes or gardens.

An example is Commelina (Commelina communis).

3. Landscape plants:

They commonly used for beautifying homes, offices, gardens and other open spaces.

            An example is Sunflower (Helianthus annus).

4. Lawn grasses:

These are made use of in homes, gardens, sports field, etc. Examples include:

• Carpet grass (Axonopus compressus)
• Bahama grass (Cynodon dactylon).

5.  Potted ornamental plants:

These are usually cultivated in pots to decorate places such as homes, offices and other public places.

An example is African violet (Saintpaulia spp).

6. Ornamental trees and palms:

These can also be used in the decoration of homes and other public places.

Examples include:

• Royal palm
• India Almond.
• Flame of the forest.