Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Plants Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

Floriculture and Landscape Architecture

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers
Planned Papers

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2024 | Viewed by 14459

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Maria Papafotiou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Crop Science, School of Plant Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 118 55 Athens, Greece
Interests: propagation, growth and flowering manipulation of ornamental plants; ornamental horticulture; exploitation of native plant species to introduce into the floriculture and landscape industry; sustainable green roofs; landscape design and management; archaeological site vegetation management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Landscape Architecture provides environmental, social and aesthetic benefits to society, especially when it uses nature-based solutions. Global climate change is the defining environmental issue of our time, and thus, the sustainable design and management of green spaces is a necessity. The floriculture sector supplies the landscape industry with the living material for sustainable landscape design and constructions.

In this Special Issue of Plants, we welcome research articles that address the relationship between ornamental plants and the landscape in the following subject areas: ecophysiology and environmental physiology of ornamental plants; propagation and growth and flowering manipulation of ornamental plants; exploitation of native plant genetic resources and breeding to introduce new species into the floriculture and landscape industry; cultivation and production technology of ornamental plants; growth substrates; design and management of green spaces; historical green spaces; botanic gardens; healing gardens; green corridors; green roofs; living walls; archaeological site vegetation management; green technologies; tree management; turf grass science and management; sustainable design and management of open spaces; xeriscaping; climate change and air pollution mitigation with plants; urban horticulture; allotment gardens; ecological engineering; water management for green spaces; suds; rain gardens; schoolyard gardens; landscape ecology; urban biodiversity; landscape restoration; and social, economic and legislative aspects of green spaces.

Prof. Dr. Maria Papafotiou
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

propagation, growth and flowering manipulation of ornamental plants
sustainable green spaces
green roofs
landscape design and management
climate change and air pollution mitigation with plants

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

24 pages, 6300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Lost: Reconstruction of the Garden Design of Villa Peretti Montalto (Rome, Italy) for Urban Valorization

by Flavia Bartoli, Luca D’Amato, Arianna Nucera, Giulia Albani Rocchetti and Giulia Caneva

Plants 2024, 13(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010077 - 26 Dec 2023

Viewed by 827

Abstract

Urbanization and urban regeneration can significantly impact cultural heritage, but a greater knowledge of the past natural and historical features is needed to value the past and understand the present. The lost Villa Peretti Montalto in Rome, once located in the area that corresponds to the current front side of Termini station, deserves great attention due to its cultural value. This work aimed to provide a floristic and functional reconstruction of the gardens of the villa during the XVI and XVII Centuries. From several bibliographic and iconographic sources, a critical analysis and interpretation of plant names was conducted. A list of 87 species and their location in the different garden sectors, during different periods with their specific uses, is provided. The arboreal design was made by classical species in the Roman context, like Cupressus sempervirens, Pinus pinea, Quercus ilex, and Ulmus glabra. In addition, ancient lost varieties of fruit trees (mainly Pyrus communis and Ficus carica) and several species of conservation interest were found. The knowledge of the ancient flora in historical gardens could be a key tool in urban greenery planning and touristic and cultural valorization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floriculture and Landscape Architecture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2075 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does the Use of Perennials in Flower Beds Necessarily Imply Sustainability?

by Miroslav Poje, Vesna Židovec, Tatjana Prebeg and Mihael Kušen

Plants 2023, 12(24), 4113; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244113 - 8 Dec 2023

Viewed by 805

Abstract

Green spaces are becoming increasingly important for cities due to the growing pressures of urbanization and climate change. Along with trees, shrubs, and lawns, flower beds are an important part of urban green spaces. The majority of flower beds in public spaces consist of annual and biennial flower species. Such seasonal flower beds feature eye-catching colors but require significant effort to maintain and manage. Compared to these conventional flower beds, those with herbaceous perennials are more ecologically effective and less costly to maintain, and therefore more sustainable. The aim of this research was to analyze flower beds with perennials in the public green spaces of the city of Zagreb and to develop a tool based on predefined criteria and indicators to evaluate the sustainability of flower beds. In the context of the research, sustainability meant appropriate selection of flower species based on environmental conditions (temperature, light, precipitation), species diversity, greater ground cover and extensiveness of maintenance. The research results showed that there were 327 flower beds with perennials planted in the ground. The constructed Flower Bed Sustainability Index (FBSI) showed that the majority of these perennial beds (56.3%) had a conventional character, as only 28.1% of the beds had a completely correct species selection. This result indicates that the use of perennials does not necessarily guarantee the sustainability of flower beds, since, as in the case of flower beds with seasonal flowers, it depends, among other things, on the correct selection of species adapted to local environmental conditions. The FBSI is shown to be a suitable tool for assessing the degree of sustainability of a flower bed and could be a useful tool in landscape design and management of such types of green spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floriculture and Landscape Architecture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Urbanization on the Distribution of Spontaneous Herbaceous Plants in an Ancient City: A Pilot Case Study in Jingzhou, China

by Shuwang Hou, Changwei Tian, Jianghui Meng, Chunyan Liu and Zhen Yao

Plants 2023, 12(19), 3353; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12193353 - 22 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1007

Abstract

Spontaneous herbaceous plants (SHPs) play an essential role in urban biodiversity. Research on the diversity of SHPs has profound implications for the conservation of urban biodiversity and green space management in the process of urbanization. We investigated the habitat, life form, and growth form of SHPs by combining samples and inspections in Jingzhou, in central southern China. Additionally, we chose three typical regions—Ji’nan, Gucheng, and Shashi—for the examination and comparison of biodiversity. The results showed that diverse habitats provided abundant living space for SHPs of different growth forms and life forms in Jingzhou. Water edges with higher humidity do not significantly support more SHP growth forms and life forms, except for pseudo-rosette, partial-rosette, and perennial plants. In addition, both wasteland and road gaps and slopes support significantly more SHP growth forms, including erect, tussock, and others. Wasteland supported the vast majority of species, both growth forms and life forms. In the diverse habitats, there are 352 plant species belonging to 70 families and 236 genera in Jingzhou (Ji’nan 184 species, Gucheng 157 species, and Shashi 127 species). Plant species diversity differed according to the level of management. The Ji’nan region had a large number of SHP species because of the less disruptive and milder management implemented in this region. SHPs show good performance and can provide wild landscape effects; therefore, they have the potential to be used in many urban landscaping applications. In the process of urbanization expansion, we should implement the concept of protection and coordinated development in new construction areas. Our study has important implications for the support of SHPs in urban areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floriculture and Landscape Architecture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 8282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Different Combinations of Ornamental Perennials for Sustainable Management in Urban Greening

by Enrico Pomatto, Federica Larcher, Matteo Caser, Walter Gaino and Marco Devecchi

Plants 2023, 12(18), 3293; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12183293 - 18 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 884

Abstract

Ornamental perennial plants play a strategic role in reducing green areas’ management costs, keeping the ground, sparing water, and avoiding weeds. The aim of this research is to evaluate the growing performances of seven combinations of six different ornamental perennial herbaceous species and their role in weed containment under low-maintenance conditions. The experiment was performed for three years (2019–2021) in an open field. The selected species were Hemerocallis “Stella de Oro” (A), Phedimus spurius (M.Bieb.) “t Hart ‘John Creech” (B), Tulbaghia violacea Harv. (C), Phlox subulata L. “Trot Pink” (D), Potentilla neumanniana Rchb. (E), and Gaillardia “Kobold” (F). Four replicates for each combination were tested (28 plots, 4 m² each): AB, CD, EF, AB + CD, AB + EF, CD + EF; AB + CD + EF. No watering or fertilization was performed during the cultivation period. Each year, from April to November, three manual weeding activities were performed and the dry weights of the weeds’ aerial parts were measured. The ground cover performance was evaluated through digital image analysis using the mobile device application Canopeo. Dry aerial perennial biomass variations between the end and beginning of the experiment were calculated. As a result, CD showed the best performance for weed containment (0.5 g m⁻² weed dry weight in the third year), ground cover (63.1% and 64.3% of plot coverages during the second and third years, respectively), and producing ornamental biomass (4316.8 g m⁻²). The highest total dry amount of harvested weeds was shown by AB + CD + EF (1114.6 g m⁻²), demonstrating that combinations with a higher number of species were less efficient in avoiding weeds. The research allowed us to identify the best combinations to always keep the soil covered and to improve the ornamental and environmental values of urban green spaces under low-maintenance regimes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floriculture and Landscape Architecture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sedum Growth Patterns under Different Pedoclimatic Conditions

by Alex-Péter Cotoz, Valentin-Sebastian Dan, Tincuța-Marta Gocan, Ileana Andreica, Sándor Rózsa and Maria Cantor

Plants 2023, 12(14), 2739; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12142739 - 23 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1676

Abstract

This research paper presents a case study analysis of the behavior of three Sedum varieties and their growth in three different types of substrates without additional watering or fertilizing. The study aims to identify a suitable substrate for propagation and to provide insight into the plant’s growth patterns. By analyzing the growth of the Sedum species and varieties—SS’PW’, SS’CB’, and SS’P’—without intervening in their growth process, we were able to identify factors that play a more crucial role in promoting root growth, plant growth, aesthetic value, and use. Over a 20-month period, various technical tools were employed to conduct observations and measurements for both plants and weather conditions. The type of substrate significantly affected plant growth, with the green roof substrate exhibiting the highest overall average monthly root growth rate (0.92 ± 0.05 d, 1.01 ± 0.05 b, 0.96 ± 0.05 c) while in the case of stem growth, among all three varieties, the best results were obtained in the commercial mix (0.87 ± 0.04 a, 0.40 ± 0.02 c, 0.35 ± 0.02 d). Based on the morphological analyses, all values were significantly lower than the control. Best results for leaf weight and surface area were noticed in the green roof substrate with an average growth of 46%, 53%, 55%, and for stem weight, length, and thickness in the commercial mix with 64%, 61%, and 55% compared to the control, respectively. Leaves had varying morphological characteristics, but the chromatic characteristics were preserved. The plants had an overall poor growth which may not be desirable in landscape designs. The findings of this study are applicable in the planning and execution of eco-friendly infrastructure initiatives, leading to the development of more robust and environmentally friendly urban settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floriculture and Landscape Architecture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Combined Drought and Temperature Stress on the Physiological Status of Calcareous Grassland Species as Potential Candidates for Urban Green Infrastructure

by Jacek Krzyżak, Szymon Rusinowski, Krzysztof Sitko, Alicja Szada-Borzyszkowska, Jacek Borgulat, Radosław Stec, Hans Martin Hanslin and Marta Pogrzeba

Plants 2023, 12(10), 2003; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12102003 - 16 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1483

Abstract

Nature-based solutions are promising for climate adaptation and environmental management in urban areas, but urban conditions are stressful for vegetation. In particular, the interaction of drought and high temperatures may be detrimental. Guiding plant selection for urban greening with native species requires a far better knowledge of plant adaptations and stress acclimation. We tested the physiological responses of four candidate calcareous grassland species for green roofs and walls to the combined effects of drought and high temperatures under controlled conditions. The tested species proved relatively resistant to stress despite different strategies to protect the photosynthetic apparatus, maintain water balance, and repair damages. Based on the physiological responses, we rank the species in descending order of resistance to the stress factors tested: Trifolium medium > Festuca ovina > Carex flacca > Potentilla reptans, but all four can serve as potential candidates for green walls and roofs. Physiological stress screening of plant species for use on green roofs and walls supplements the habitat template approach to provide a stronger and wider base for prioritizations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floriculture and Landscape Architecture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

25 pages, 448 KiB

Open AccessReview

Which Plant Species for Green Roofs in the Mediterranean Environment?

by Luca Leotta, Stefania Toscano and Daniela Romano

Plants 2023, 12(23), 3985; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12233985 - 27 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 960

Abstract

In recent years, owing to intense urbanization and global change with the consequent extreme climate effects, interest in green roofs, even extensive ones, in the Mediterranean environment has increased. To this end, the choice of plant species is crucial because, owing to the identification of the most suitable plants, it will be possible to expand this type of green infrastructure and increase its ecosystem services in the urban environment. In this context, the objective of the review, through a critical analysis of some of the references on the topic, is to identify suitable criteria for plant species selection that are simple to apply and able to respond to the need to have plants capable of surviving, ensuring a suitable aesthetic effect, and providing essential ecosystem services. We also investigated whether, and to what extent, associations of different species can better adapt to the difficult environmental conditions of Mediterranean green roofs. Two possible strategies to identify the plant idiotype were analyzed: the analysis of plants present in habitat analogues or the identification of morpho-functional characters capable of discriminating the response to abiotic stress, and in particular to drought stress. The use of plant communities, rather than a single species, seems capable of improving aesthetic effects, plant survival, and ecosystem services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floriculture and Landscape Architecture)

17 pages, 1289 KiB

Open AccessReview

Genetic Engineering and Genome Editing Advances to Enhance Floral Attributes in Ornamental Plants: An Update

by Manjulatha Mekapogu, Hyun-Young Song, So-Hyeon Lim and Jae-A Jung

Plants 2023, 12(23), 3983; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12233983 - 27 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1787

Abstract

The ornamental horticulture industry is a highly dynamic and rapidly changing market. Constant development of novel cultivars with elite traits is essential to sustain competitiveness. Conventional breeding has been used to develop cultivars, which is often laborious. Biotechnological strategies such as genetic engineering have been crucial in manipulating and improving various beneficial traits that are technically not possible through cross-breeding. One such trait is the highly desired blue-colored flower in roses and chrysanthemums, which can be achieved through transgenic technology. Advances in genome sequencing platforms have enhanced the opportunities to access the whole genome sequence in various ornamentals, facilitating the dissection of the molecular genetics and regulatory controls of different traits. The recent advent of genome editing tools, including CRISPR/Cas9, has revolutionized plant breeding. CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing offers efficient and highly precise trait modification, contributing to various beneficial advancements. Although genome editing in ornamentals is currently in its infancy, the recent increase in the availability of ornamental genome sequences provides a platform to extend the frontiers of future genome editing in ornamentals. Hence, this review depicts the implication of various commercially valuable ornamental attributes, and details the research attempts and achievements in enhancing floral attributes using genetic engineering and genome editing in ornamental plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floriculture and Landscape Architecture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1529 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Strategies to Increase the Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Woody Ornamental Plants in Mediterranean Climate

by Luca Leotta, Stefania Toscano, Antonio Ferrante, Daniela Romano and Alessandra Francini

Plants 2023, 12(10), 2022; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12102022 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2016

Abstract

The native flora of different Mediterranean countries, often woody species, was widely recognized for its ornamental potential. The shrubs, in particular, are a typology of plants very widespread in the Mediterranean environment and constituent the ‘Macchia’, the typical vegetation of this ecosystem. The use of native shrubs for the realization of ornamental green areas has been recently examined for their adaptability to abiotic stress. Abiotic stresses, in fact, are the major limiting growth factor in urban and peri-urban areas. The identification and use of tolerant ornamental species allow the reduction of management costs and preserve the aesthetical value of green areas. Tolerance to drought stress, for instance, in the Mediterranean climate can improve the ecosystem services of these plants in the urban environment. In this review, the possibility to early individuate different plant species’ mechanisms to tolerate or avoid the stresses is analysed, as well as the possibility to increase abiotic stress tolerance through genetic and agronomic strategies. The exploration of wild or spontaneous species can be a good source for selecting tolerant plants to be used as ornamental plants in urban areas. Among agronomic strategies, biostimulants, mulching, and plant combination can provide a useful solution to counteract abiotic stress in the urban environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floriculture and Landscape Architecture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

13 pages, 1694 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Agrobiodiversity-Based Landscape Design in Urban Areas

by Rita Biasi and Elena Brunori

Plants 2023, 12(24), 4121; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244121 - 10 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1205

Abstract

Agrobiodiversity represents a system of biological organisms that contribute to agri-food production. In a context marked by a significant loss of food-relevant species and a reduction in their genetic diversity, the adoption of strategies to preserve and enhance the diversity of genetic resources that support and complement agricultural production has become a global challenge. Many sustainable development strategies outlined in recent years directly and indirectly attribute a crucial role to agrobiodiversity in meeting food needs, ensuring food system security, promoting food justice, and enhancing well-being in modern living environments. This contribution aims to analyze the process of knowledge and awareness that has led many cities to plan their urban development by investing in the agricultural matrix and to address the design of open spaces with agricultural biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floriculture and Landscape Architecture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Propagation of endemic Centaurea ragusina L. from natural location in Croatia – preliminary results
Authors: Mara Marić; Katija Dolina; Ivana Vitasović-Kosić; Ivana Paladin Soče
Affiliation: University of Dubrovnik, Department for Mediterannean Plants; University of Dubrovnik, Institute for Marine and Coastal Research; University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Division of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Department of Agricultural Botany
Abstract: Centaurea ragusina L. (local name ‘Dubrovačka zečina’), has been a protected endemic species in southern Croatia since 1969. The habitat of this species is on the limestone rocks of the south of Croatia, in the Centaureetum ragusinae community. C. ragusina belongs to the chasmophyte vegetation of fissure rocks (Centaureo cuspidatae-Portenschlagiellion ramosissimae) which develops in the cracks of dry limestone rocks in the euMediterranean zone of the south Adriatic. It is spread in an almost continuous series of vertical rocks exposed to the action of the south, from Dugi otok in the north to Konavoske stijene in the south. It was scientifically described for the first time at the end of the 17th century, when the French botanist J. Pitton de Tournefort, on his expedition to the Mediterranean, collected a plant in the vicinity of town Cavtat near Dubrovnik and called it "Jacea epidaurica candidissima tomentosa" (white hairy knapweed from Cavtat). C. ragusina, although protected by law, was present in the horticulture of the Dubrovnik area during the 80s of the 20th century. However, the methods of reproduction of this taxon have not been recorded, and today questionable from the ecology point of view. As part of this research, in 2020, seeds of C. ragusina were sampled in the area around Dubrovnik (locality Pasjača, Konavoske stijene and island of Mljet), where a larger natural habitat of this taxon exist. The goal of the research was to determine the optimal dates, the type of substrate, as well as the temperature and irrigation regime during the germination of seeds. Also to produce a sufficient amount of mother seedlings of this taxon, which would be used for seed sampling and re-production for the needs of horticulture, without disturbing the reproduction cycle of populations in its natural habitat. Keywords: ornamental plant, protected plant, propagation techniques, growth requirements, Mediterranean

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Floriculture and Landscape Architecture

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Review

Other

Planned Papers

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI