Ornamental Horticulture for Landscaping, Gardening and Ecological Restoration

Ornamental plants from temperate regions (e.g., The Netherlands, the northern U.S.A. or Canada) are ideal for gardens in northern countries because of their thermo-periodic cycle (spring sprouting, growth, bloom and dormancy stages), but they have rather limited applications in warmer climates. Many bulbs and herbaceous perennials still remain popular in warm regions, and numerous sources provide extensive information needed for growing these species in warm regions. Although the techniques of artificial cooling and growing through the winter work well, most of these crops behave as annuals under southern conditions, and will usually die after one growing season.

Improvements in the standard of living in warm-climate countries have increased the public demand for perennial plants for landscaping and gardening. Species originating from warm-climate regions (e.g., Acacia redolens, Agapanthus, Ceratostigma abyssinicum, Clivia, Crinum, Hymenocallis, Leonotis leonurus, Ornithogalum, Pancratium, Perovskia, Zantedeschia, Zephyranthes) are recommended for gardens in the southern U.S.A. These species have also become increasingly popular for gardening in Australia, South Africa, Asia and the Mediterranean region.
In choosing a selection of plants for landscaping and perennialization (naturalization) in warm regions, a distinction should be drawn between dry and humid climates. Usually, species originating from Mediterranean regions are not tolerant of humid summer conditions. Careful evaluation of potential species is needed in each climatic region.