Flowering Trees/Shrubs
Showing 1–12 of 51 results
-
Acer Palmatum – Japanese Maple “Bloodgood”
-
Acer Palmatum – Japanese Maple “Fireglow”
-
Acer Palmatum – Japanese Maple “Tamukeyama”
-
Acer Palmatum – Japanese Maple “Viridis”
-
Acer Rubrum – Red Maple
-
Acer Rubrum – Red Sunset Maple
-
Amelanchier Laevis – Allegheny Serviceberry
-
Asclepias Spp. – Asclepias
-
Astilbe spp – Astilbe
-
Baptisia Australis – Baptisia
-
Buddleia – Butterfly Bush
-
Calamintha Nepeta – Calamintha
How to Use Decorative Plants for Color, Contrast, and Seasonal Interest
Decorative plants give your landscape its personality. These are the flowering trees, blooming shrubs, colorful perennials, and textured groundcovers that make beds feel alive and layered. They shift with the seasons, break up hard surfaces, and draw attention where it matters most, such as entries, paths, patios, and mixed borders.
You don’t need large spaces to make decorative plants work. You need a plan that layers texture, color, and bloom time into the layout. Innovative Nursery & Supply in Chardon, Ohio offers a wide selection of trees, shrubs, and perennials that bring variety and balance to landscapes across Northeast Ohio.
Where Decorative Plants Belong in a Landscape Plan
Use decorative plants to bring movement and contrast into beds that might otherwise feel static or overstructured. Match plant size and shape to the location so color supports the design instead of overwhelming it.
- Along walkways and entries: Low-growing varieties like Heuchera, Sedum, and Vinca fill gaps near paths and soften hard edges. These plants add texture and color without growing into walkways.
- In mixed perennial borders: Plants like Verbena, Gaura, and Dicentra extend the bloom season and draw attention with soft motion and shifting colors. These fit between larger shrubs or behind groundcovers.
- In focal planting zones: Flowering trees such as Red Maple, Japanese Maple, or Serviceberry anchor entry beds and patios with form and seasonal interest. These work well where height or structure is needed in a visible space.
- To define space with color: Shrubs like Weigela, Lilac, Forsythia, and Hydrangea help divide lawn and bed areas. These varieties provide seasonal bloom and visual depth.
- In small planting pockets: Not every decorative plant needs a large bed. Compact shrubs or perennials with bold color, like Hibiscus or Spirea, add value to containers or small areas near patios and doors.
Basic Care Tips for Decorative Plantings
While each variety has specific needs, most decorative plants share the same basic care requirements. Healthy soil, correct spacing, and seasonal cleanup go a long way.
- Sun and spacing: Most flowering plants perform best in full sun. Heuchera, Dicentra, and some hydrangeas tolerate light shade. Always check the sun exposure on each label.
- Soil preparation: Decorative plants need well-drained soil. Use compost to improve structure and avoid planting directly into dense clay.
- Watering: Deep watering supports root development. Keep soil moist during the first season, then reduce frequency once plants are established.
- Pruning and cleanup: Cut back perennials in fall or early spring. Prune flowering shrubs like Weigela and Forsythia after they bloom to avoid removing next year’s flowers.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of each plant to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Leave space around the crown to prevent stem damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What qualifies as a decorative plant?
- Decorative plants are chosen for their visual impact. This includes flowering trees like Japanese Maple, shrubs like Weigela and Hydrangea, and perennials like Heuchera and Gaura. These plants add color, texture, and seasonal variety to the landscape.
- Do decorative plants require a lot of maintenance?
- Most require only light seasonal care. Prune shrubs after flowering, cut back perennials in fall or spring, and water consistently during the first growing season. Once established, many varieties need minimal attention.
- Can I use decorative plants in a low-maintenance landscape?
- Yes. Many decorative plants, like Sedum, Spirea, and Vinca, perform well with limited watering and no frequent trimming. Grouping them by light and moisture needs makes them easier to manage.
- How do I plan for color through the seasons?
- Choose a mix of plants that bloom in spring, summer, and fall. For example, Forsythia starts early, Gaura and Hydrangea carry through summer, and compact maples hold color into fall. Pair bloom timing with foliage contrast to keep the beds active year-round.
- What if I have mostly shade?
- Focus on varieties that tolerate lower light. Heuchera, Dicentra, and some Hydrangea cultivars perform well in partial shade. Use lighter-colored foliage and blooms to brighten shaded areas without overplanting.
Choose Plants That Bring Energy and Contrast to Your Landscape
Visit Innovative Nursery & Supply in Chardon, Ohio to explore decorative plants that fit your space, style, and maintenance goals. Our team can help you choose trees, shrubs, and perennials that bring long-term color and structure to every part of your landscape.