Ornamentals and Floriculture

Flowers, foliage, trees, and shrubs can make a stunning display in any landscape. The production of ornamental plants and floriculture is one of the most diverse sectors of horticulture. Use Penn State Extension’s vast collection of resources to explore how to plant and grow flowers and ornamentals for profit. Get advice on how to manage flower pests and diseases, soil, and more.

Types of Floriculture

Floriculture is a branch of ornamental horticulture. It relates to the growing and marketing of flowers and ornamental plants. The most important types of floriculture are:

• Annual, biennial or perennial flowers and ornamentals
• Bedding and garden plants
• Potted flowering plants
• Foliage plants
• Cut flowers

We often consider certain flowering trees as ornamental plants. Floriculture also includes flower arrangement and the production of cut flowers. It is considered by many to be a greenhouse industry, as the production of flowers and potted plants largely takes place in temperate climates.

However, you can still cultivate flowers outdoors in nurseries or crop fields. The production of bedding plants, most of which are annuals, and the production of cuttings for growing in greenhouses or for use indoors are fundamental parts of floriculture.

Floriculturists are also responsible for doing research on specific flowers and determining in which conditions they will grow the best. Heat and drought-tolerant plants, for example, thrive when the temperatures soar.

Best Flowers and Ornamentals to Grow in PA

If you’re growing flowers and ornamentals in Pennsylvania, the Penn State Flower Trials are an annual event you don’t want to miss. It’s been held for over 85 years and is the perfect opportunity to network with industry representatives, other green industry professionals, and connect with customers. Videos of the event are generally available if you want a sneak peek of what you can expect. Virtual Flower Trials are also used to showcase the annual event.

The Western Pennsylvania Fall Greenhouse Meeting is another opportunity to learn more about pest and disease control, proper cultural practices, new varieties of plants, and marketing ideas.

When selecting plants for a landscape in Pennsylvania, natives have many advantages. Because they have evolved in the state, they are well-adapted to the climate and much easier to care for once they’re established.

Perennials that you can grow in Pennsylvania include Alcea hybrids, Brunnera macrophylla, Chrysanthemum maximum, and Dicentra eximia. Great cut flowers for the home include black-eyed Susan, columbine, bellflower, and calendula. To keep the interest in your garden throughout the winter, choose evergreen native plants such as Christmas fern, seersucker sedge, mountain laurel, and rosebay rhododendron. You should always give careful consideration to key herbaceous plants. These are the ones that are more likely to develop diseases and require regular monitoring.

Getting Started With Flowers and Ornamentals

There’s a lot to consider when you’re first starting out growing flowers and ornamentals. You’ve got a wide selection of species and varieties to choose from. To ensure optimum growth you have to include soil management in your plan as well as look for ways to control pests and diseases. A crucial skill is to be able to recognize symptoms and signs of stress in plants, including damage and disease.

A wealth of topical information is available to help you when you’re getting started. Networking opportunities also exist for Green Industry Professionals. The Landscape Update program provides information about pest management for turf and ornamental plants. Get regular updates at the Turf and Ornamentals Conferences.

Training plays a key role in running a successful floriculture business. Take advantage of Penn State Extension’s Employee Landscape Training that encompasses planting, mulching, and watering for both beginner and seasonal employees. Pruning basics is another topic covered in these courses. Knowing how to prune ornamental trees and shrubs, when and what to prune, as well as safe use of tools is paramount.