The Five Elements of Plants

The components and features

Principles of design are used to achieve feel and form in a design. The elements of plants are used to select and organize the plants to be used. These elements are just different ways of describing plant traits and the consideration of how they are to be used.

There are five elements that are considered primary. These will merit consideration in all planting decisions. There are also many other factors that may be equally or more important, or not relevant at all. These are called secondary elements and they will vary by situation.

Think of each plant, plant grouping and hardscape feature as a separate entity. During the first designs, they will be general, unspecific and a variety plants could serve as the feature specified. For example, the plan may call for a large, full-sun shrub with fall color as a key plant, but the exact species of shrub will still be undecided. Understanding the elements of plants will help to narrow down which plant traits are needed to achieve what's called for on the plan. 

Consider the primary and the applicable secondary elements and, using the searchable plant database, a list of suitable plants can be constructed. Plants are evaluated as to whether or not they contribute to the functionality, maintainability, environmental impact, aesthetics and cost effectiveness of each space. 

Now, selection and placement can be finalized based on which specific plants will fit the desired space, features and role. ​

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PLANT TYPE

From trees to groundcover, this element descrbes the kind of plant that is selected and what that plant's input needs are. Plants with simliar light, nutrient and water needs should be grouped together. There is a particular importance in grouping plants with the same water needs together into irrigation "hydrozones".

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HEIGHT & WIDTH

When assessing the size of the plant, take both the height and the width into account as well as the particular cultivar of that plant. A cultivar is like a sub-species of a plant type that will show specific characteristics, for example, color or final size.

It is extremely important to make sure that a plant's size when fully mature will still fit the location that has been selected.

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FORM

There is a large palate of shapes that can be found in plants. Examples include oval, cone, pyramid, upright, irregular, spreading and column. The use of these shapes should be considered early in the design process.

Columnar shapes can be used for barriers and present a formal look. Spreading shapes can be used to soften structures and forms. Upright shapes can be used to call attention to an area. Oval shapes are easy for the eye to follow and can be used to bridge areas.

In addition to new plants, consider the forms of structures and plants that already exist in the space. New plant forms must complement existing components as well as each other.

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SEASONAL COLOR

Color is often the first thing that is noticed about a plant. It can be used to great effect to provide interest. 

Warm colors like red, orange and yellow are stimulating and will call attention to an area or object. Cool colors such as blue, green and violet are relaxing and will subdue an area or object.

Related are traits of seasonal interest. These are features of the plant that vary through the time of the year. Examples would be foliage, flowers or fruit.

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TEXTURE

Different plants will have different appearances to their surfaces. The density of the leaf set, bark or branching structure contribute to a plant having a course or fine texture.

Fine textures can make a space seem larger while course textures can make a space seem smaller. In general, use course textures sparingly and fine textures more often.

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Examples of Secondary Elements

• Drought tolerance
• Soil adaptability
• Full sun or shade tolerance
• Insect resistance
• Disease resistance
• Moisture tolerance
• Temperature hardiness

 

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