How to Grow Ornamental Flowering Plants

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Ornamental Flowering Plants

Various species (Angiosperms with decorative flowers)

flower

Ornamental flowering plants are cultivated primarily for their beautiful, decorative blooms rather than food or medicinal value. They encompass a vast range of species, colors, forms, and bloom times, serving as the foundation of decorative gardens and landscaping. These plants add aesthetic appeal, attract pollinators, and create focal points in garden design.

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Example Ornamental Flowering Plants timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Ornamental Flowering Plants
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Ornamental Flowering Plants blooms
Around May 27

≈ 40 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ornamental Flowering Plants dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Varies by species: most prefer full sun (6-8 hours daily), shade-tolerant varieties require dappled or partial shade (3-6 hours)

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Water: Generally moderate watering, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Frequency depends on species, season, and local climate. Most ornamentals prefer slightly drier conditions between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter dormancy.

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Spacing: Varies widely by species (6-36 inches typically), refer to specific variety guidelines inches

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Days to maturity: Varies from 40-120+ days depending on species and whether grown from seed or transplants

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Planting depth: Generally 2-3 times the seed diameter for seeds; plant transplants at the same depth as their root ball

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil, varies by species

pH: 6.0-7.0 (neutral to slightly acidic for most species)

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite or sand for drainage Aged manure Bone meal for phosphorus

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Varies by specific species; most ornamental flowering plants thrive in zones 3-11, with tropical varieties suited to zones 11-13

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13b

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

1-3 weeks

Seeds sprout and develop first true leaves. Plants are delicate with minimal root systems and simple leaf structure.

Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (60-75°F for most species). Provide bright, indirect light. Keep soil sterile to prevent damping-off disease.

Vegetative Growth

4-12 weeks

Plant develops extensive leaf and stem growth. Root system expands significantly. Plant builds structure and foliage before flowering.

Gradually increase light exposure. Thin seedlings or transplant to larger containers as needed. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth.

Bud Formation & Flowering

2-4 weeks

Flower buds develop along stems or at branch tips. Buds swell and prepare to open into blooms.

Shift to phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote flowering. Maintain consistent moisture and adequate sunlight. Remove any damaged or weak buds. Stake tall varieties for support.

Bloom & Display

Days to several weeks per flower; overall season varies

Flowers fully open, displaying their color, form, and fragrance. Peak ornamental value is achieved.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming (unless seeds are desired). Water at soil level to keep flowers dry. Provide support for heavy-headed varieties. Enjoy the display; this stage varies in duration by species (days to months).

Seed Development & Senescence

2-6 weeks

If not deadheaded, flowers fade and seed pods develop. Foliage may begin to decline as plant directs energy to seed production.

Collect seeds for propagation if desired. Allow plants to decline naturally or remove spent plants. Cut back perennials in fall after frost. Compost debris to prevent disease carryover.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Ornamental grasses Hostas Ferns Foliage plants (Coleus, Heuchera) Complementary flowering plants with different bloom times Herbs (Lavender, Rosemary) Ground covers

Avoid planting near:

Plants with conflicting water or light requirements Aggressive spreaders that crowd delicate flowers Species susceptible to the same pests or diseases

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce ladybugs
Increase humidity; spray with water mist; use neem oil or miticide if severe
Improve air circulation; dust with sulfur; spray with potassium bicarbonate or neem oil
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil
and
Remove by hand; create barriers with copper tape or diatomaceous earth; beer traps
Hand-pick in early morning; use traps; apply neem oil; encourage natural predators
Improve air circulation; remove affected flowers; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if needed

Uses

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Edible Flowers

Culinary

Many ornamental flowers are edible and add visual appeal and subtle flavors to salads, desserts, and beverages. Examples include pansies, nasturtiums, calendula, and violas. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements

Household

Ornamental flowers are the primary choice for cut flower arrangements, bouquets, and decorative displays in homes and events, providing long-lasting beauty indoors. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Ornamental flowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health in gardens. [source]

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Dried Flowers & Crafts

Craft

Ornamental flowers can be dried and preserved for dried arrangements, wreaths, pressed flower art, and other craft projects that last indefinitely. [source]

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Herbal & Therapeutic Uses

Medicinal

Some ornamental flowers possess medicinal properties; examples include chamomile flowers for calming tea and echinacea for immune support. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers in early morning or late evening when stems are fully hydrated. Use sharp scissors or pruners to cut stems at a 45-degree angle. Remove lower leaves below the water line in arrangements. For dried flowers, harvest at peak bloom and hang upside down in a cool, dark location. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers on long-blooming perennials and annuals.

Fun Facts

🌱 The dahlia, native to Mexico, has over 42,000 registered cultivars, making it one of the most diverse flowering plant species in cultivation.
🌱 Sunflowers exhibit heliotropism (sun-tracking behavior) while young, moving their flower heads to follow the sun's path from east to west throughout the day.
🌱 The corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) produces the largest unbranched inflorescence of any plant and emits a foul odor resembling rotting flesh to attract pollinators.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Compost Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade Perennial pH Pinch Back Transplant True Leaves

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