Sep 235 min read

What Are Some Plants Commonly Used In Landscaping?

Common plants used in landscaping include shrubs like boxwood and hydrangeas, flowering plants such as roses and lavender, ornamental grasses like fountain grass, trees such as maple and dogwood, and groundcovers like creeping thyme and sedum.

Landscaping is more than just planting flowers and trees—it's about creating a harmonious and functional outdoor space that reflects your personal style and enhances the beauty of your property. At Ironhills Landscaping, we understand that the right plants can transform your garden into a lush, inviting sanctuary. Whether you're looking to add structure with trees, create privacy with shrubs, or infuse color with perennials, selecting the right plants is crucial.

In this article, we'll explore the various types of plants commonly used in landscaping and how they can contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality of your outdoor spaces.

Key Takeaways

Trees provide height, shade, and structure, with options including evergreen and deciduous varieties.
Shrubs can serve as hedges, privacy screens, or foundation plantings, available in evergreen and deciduous forms.
Vines add vertical interest and can cover structures or serve as ground covers.
Ground covers prevent soil erosion and fill in gaps between other plants.
Ornamental grasses add texture and movement to landscapes.
Aquatic plants enhance the beauty of water features and provide habitat for wildlife.
Perennials offer long-term beauty, while annuals provide seasonal color and interest.
Low-maintenance plants are ideal for those seeking minimal upkeep with lasting appeal.

Types of Landscaping Plants

Trees

Evergreen Trees: These trees maintain their foliage throughout the year, providing consistent coverage and color. Common examples include junipers and spruces, which are perfect for creating a year-round backdrop or serving as windbreaks.
Deciduous Trees: Unlike evergreens, deciduous trees shed their leaves seasonally, offering a dynamic change in appearance. Maples and oaks are popular choices, providing vibrant autumn colors and a refreshing canopy during the summer.

Shrubs

Evergreen Shrubs: Ideal for creating structured landscapes and providing year-round greenery, evergreen shrubs like boxwoods and hollies can serve as hedges, borders, or foundation plantings.
Deciduous Shrubs: These shrubs, such as azaleas and forsythias, offer seasonal interest with blooming flowers and changing foliage. They can be used for privacy screens or to add color to garden beds.

Vines

Climbing Vines: Vines like wisteria and morning glory are perfect for adding vertical interest to your landscape. They can cover trellises, arbors, or walls, creating a lush, green backdrop or a burst of colorful blooms.

Ground Covers

Low-Growing Plants: Ground covers such as wooly thyme and Irish moss are excellent for filling in gaps between other plants and preventing soil erosion. They work well in shaded areas or as a living mulch.

Grasses

Ornamental Grasses: Grasses like feather reed grass and pampas grass add texture and movement to your landscape. They can be used as borders, mass plantings, or to create a naturalistic look.

Aquatic Plants

Water Plants: For landscapes with water features, aquatic plants such as water lilies and lotus not only enhance the beauty of ponds and water gardens but also provide habitat for wildlife.

Perennials and Annuals

Perennials: These plants, like hostas and daylilies, return year after year, offering reliable color and texture. They are ideal for adding long-term beauty to garden beds.
Annuals: Annuals such as petunias and marigolds need to be replanted each season, but they provide vibrant colors and can be used to fill in gaps or add seasonal interest.

Low-Maintenance Options

Resilient Plants: For those who prefer minimal upkeep, plants like euphorbia, Russian sage, and junipers are great choices. They are known for their hardiness and require less maintenance while still providing visual appeal.

Choosing the Right Trees for Your Landscape

Trees are crucial for both function and aesthetics in any landscape. They provide shade, privacy, and seasonal interest. Here’s what to consider when selecting trees:

Local Climate: Choose species suited to your climate zone.
Soil Conditions: Ensure the tree can thrive in your soil type.
Space Available: Consider the tree’s mature size and growth habits.
Evergreen Trees: Provide year-round greenery (e.g., pines, spruces).
Deciduous Trees: Offer seasonal color and cooling shade (e.g., maples, oaks).

How to Incorporate Shrubs into Your Garden Design

Shrubs add structure, privacy, and color to your garden design. They can enhance various garden styles and functions. Consider these factors:

Evergreen Shrubs: Provide constant greenery and structure (e.g., boxwoods, hollies).
Deciduous Shrubs: Offer seasonal interest and blooms (e.g., azaleas, hydrangeas).
Mature Size: Choose shrubs that fit your space when fully grown.
Growth Habits: Ensure they complement other plants in your garden.

Creating a Stunning Vertical Garden with Vines

Vines can add vertical interest and lush greenery to your garden. They are perfect for covering structures and enhancing visual appeal. Key points include:

Climbing Vines: Ideal for trellises and arbors (e.g., wisteria, morning glory).
Softening Hardscapes: Use vines to soften walls and fences.
Privacy: Select vines that provide dense coverage.
Growth Habits: Choose varieties that fit your space and maintenance preferences.

The Benefits of Ground Covers in Landscaping

Ground covers are vital for a healthy, low-maintenance garden. They prevent erosion and add beauty. Consider the following:

Soil Erosion Control: Ground covers help stabilize soil.
Weed Suppression: They reduce the growth of unwanted plants.
Aesthetic Appeal: Enhance the garden’s look with plants like wooly thyme and Irish moss.
Sunlight and Soil Conditions: Choose ground covers based on these factors to ensure they thrive.

Ornamental Grasses: Adding Texture and Movement to Your Landscape

Ornamental grasses bring texture, movement, and visual interest to landscapes. They can enhance various garden designs. Key considerations are:

Texture and Movement: Adds dynamic elements to your garden (e.g., feather reed grass, pampas grass).
Borders and Mass Plantings: Use grasses for edges or large areas.
Garden Styles: Complement different styles with the right grass varieties.
Height and Growth Habits: Select grasses that fit your garden’s scale and design.

Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping

What are the four kinds of plantings used in landscaping?

Trees, shrubs, ground covers, and ornamental grasses.

Which type of plant form should be used the most in a landscape?

It depends on the design goals, but a mix of trees, shrubs, and ground covers is commonly used for balanced aesthetics and functionality.

What is landscaping planting?

Landscaping planting involves selecting and placing plants to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of outdoor spaces.

Why are plants important in landscaping?

Plants provide beauty, structure, privacy, shade, and contribute to environmental benefits like erosion control and air quality improvement.

What are the 3 major landscape types?

Residential, commercial, and public landscapes.

Elevate Your Outdoor Space with Ironhills Landscaping

Transforming your landscape into a vibrant and functional oasis begins with selecting the right plants. From the grandeur of trees to the delicate beauty of perennials, each plant plays a unique role in creating your ideal outdoor space. At Ironhills Landscaping, we’re passionate about helping you choose and incorporate the perfect plants to bring your vision to life.