What are ornamental plants?

Ornamental plants are defined as those that are intentionally cultivated primarily for decorative purposes. These plants are chosen for their visual appeal, which can include their flowers, foliage, form, and overall aesthetic contribution to gardens, parks, and landscapes. The key characteristic of ornamental plants is their role in enhancing the beauty of an area rather than serving functional purposes like food production or medicinal benefits.

The distinction lies in their intended use. For example, while vegetables are grown for their nutritional value and herbs may be cultivated for their healing properties, ornamental plants focus solely on the enhancement of visual environments. Furthermore, referring to weeds contradicts the idea of intentional cultivation for aesthetics, as weeds are typically considered unwanted plants that may disrupt the design and health of a garden or landscape.

Thus, the correct understanding encompasses not just the beauty and variety of ornamental plants but also their specific purpose in landscape design, reinforcing the primary objective of growing these types of plants.