Japanese Landscape Design ideas

What are the typical Japanese garden plants? How to create a beautiful balanced landscape which makes us feel tranquility and peace of mind?

A typical Japanese garden consists of a number of plants that are quite unique in shape. Japanese gardeners have been breeding plant species for centuries and have developed them to reflect the principles of Japanese philosophy and culture.

A Japanese garden is designed to radiate tranquility and harmony. It has different elements combined in a well thought way with a lot of attention to detail. You will not see a wide variety of colors and species in a Japanese garden. The variety of shades, shapes and textures, the play of light and shadows are much more important. The choice of plants is based on the attractive appearance not only during spring and summer but throughout the year, so that the viewer can enjoy the change. The main goal is to create a harmonious environment and a perfect vision – for example, show the rich colors of maples in autumn, the austere beauty of coniferous trees in the winter and the leafless trees covered with frost or snow.

In a classic Japanese garden, as we have already noted, the main importance is given to the reconstruction of the natural landscape. Water, rocks and stones are of great importance and plants play the role of visual accents that balance the overall design. That is why Japanese garden plants should be chosen very carefully and when you want to create an authentic feeling, you should not plant a big variety of plants, sometimes one type of plant can be more than enough – just think of the famous sakura gardens.

It is very important to consider the local weather conditions and choose the right Japanese garden plants which will be able to survive in your climate zone. Many species are sensible to frost, so it will be best if you chose varieties that are adapted to the climate in your area. For example, the main conifers in the Japanese garden are Japanese Black Pine, known as Thunberg pine (Pinus thunbergii) and Japanese red pine ((Pinus densiflora). They can be substituted with Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) which is a species typical for Europe. Consult an expert so that you can combine the right species of ornamental trees and shrubs, flowering perennials, grasses, bamboos and ferns to create the perfect Japanese garden design. As important the choice of Japanese garden plants is, another very important decision is where you plant them. Different species thrive in different conditions – for example azaleas will feel best near a garden pond while ferns and moss work best with garden paths.

What are the typical Japanese garden plants?

We have selected a list of the typical Japanese garden plants to give you a list and some tips on the special requirements of the different species. Generally, Japanese garden plants can be divided in four main groups – trees, flowering trees, shrubs and the fourth group consists of flowers, ferns, bamboos and mosses.

Japanese garden plants – the most typical green trees varieties

Green is more important in a Japanese garden design than the rich colors of blooming flowers. The change of green color throughout the seasons of the year is essential and that determines the choice of trees in accordance with the main idea of the design.

Japanese maple trees are world famous for the magnificent foliage and one of the most popular ornamental plants in Japan. There are many vaieties of maple and each one has a special color and leaf shape. Acer palmatum, (Iroha-momiji), Acer palmatum var. sanguineum (Nomura-momiji), Acer amoenum var. matsumurae (Tamuke-momiji) are some of the most popular Japanese maple varieties. Japanese maple is the perfect choice for both small and large gardens. The beauty of the different shapes of leaves, the bright autumn colors are greatly appealing to people and in autumn maple trees are a real stunner with the fabulous yellow, orange, crimson, fiery red or purple color of the leaves. Maples can be planted in a group or as a single tree, preferably in a pond garden and whichever maple variety you choose, the Asian elegance will be a part of your garden.

Pine trees are a symbol of longevity, courage and power and without any doubt – the most typical for Japanese gardens. Black pine (Kuromatsu), Japanese white pine Goyoumatsu (Pinus parviflora), Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) are the species that you will see most often in a Japanese garden. Light green or silver-ish, the needles of the pines and the silhouette of the trees are symbolic to the gardens in Japanese style. Pines are popular as bonsai trees as well.

Japanese garden plants – flowering trees in the Japanese garden

Cherry trees are classic. They are a symbol of purity, prosperity, fortitude, and have become a symbol of Japan. Cherry blossom is magnificently beautiful and highly appreciated and valued. You can choose from different cherry tree varieties – some of them have white, others have pink blossoms.

Somei Yoshino(Yoshino Cherry) blooms before the leaves appear and its petals are almost white and slightly pink. Yamazakura is the most common cherry tree variety of Japan and it actually grows wildly in nature. Its blossoms are slightly pink and the fresh leaves develop at the same time as the blossoms. Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry) trees have drooping branches and are among the most common and beloved cherry trees in Japan with beautiful pink blossoms.

The group of flowering trees includes Ume (Japanese apricot) blooms at the end of winter in red, pink, or white. Kobushi Magnolia blooms very early in spring and its magnificent white blooms are a notification of the coming spring. Kousa dogwood (Yamaboushi) is blooming in June. The flowers are white with a star shape. Magnolias prefer sheltered, sunny to partial shade and well drained, neutral soils.

Japanese garden plants – the typical shrubs in the Japanese garden

Japanese azaleas can turn any garden into a sea of color. Satsuki azalea Rhododendron (Satsuki) is the most popular azalea. It blooms around June and the petals are between red and pink. Satsuki azalea is incredibly popular as a bonsai as well. Kirishima azalea rhododendron has crimson petals and when it is in full bloom, shrubs are covered with red flowers. Hirado Azalea Rhododendron, Doudan azalea Enkianthus are also a good choice when you choose the plants for a Japanese garden.

Hydrangeas and camellias are also typical plants for Japanese gardens and there is a good number of options to choose from. Camellias can bloom in different colors depending on the species – from tender pink to deep red. Hydrangeas are the perfect choice for planting around a pond as they thrive in humid environment. Hydrangeas can be planted in a flower bed or in a planter box or container as well. They are easy to care for, but you need to pay attention as Hydrangeas require a spacious spot.

Spiraea cantoniensis (Kodemari) and Spiraea thunbergii (Yukiyanagi) have weeping branches and bloom in pure white with many small flowers but if you prefer yellow blooms Japanese kerria (Yamabuki) or (Rengyou).

Japanese garden plants –bamboo, flowers, ferns and mosses suitable for Japanese style gardens

Bamboo is the best known Asian plant. There are more than 300 different varieties and you should find something for your home garden without any problem. In addition, bamboo is the fastest growing plant ever. Bamboo loves shady to semi-shady places and moist soil.