okrasné

Okrasné is a Czech term meaning decorative or ornamental. In horticulture and gardening, okrasné refers to plants, cultivars, or garden elements cultivated for aesthetic value rather than for fruit, timber, or other utilitarian purposes. The concept covers a wide range of taxa, including herbaceous perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees, and ornamental grasses, as well as plants prized for foliage, texture, or fragrance.

In practice, okrasné plants are used to create visual interest in landscapes such as home gardens, parks, cemeteries, and public streets. They are chosen for attributes like flower color and timing, leaf shape or color, growth habit, and overall form. Designers combine okrasné species to achieve contrasts, accents, seasonal display, and a sense of rhythm throughout the year.

Okrasné odrůdy or cultivars are selected for specific decorative traits, such as unique blossoms, variegated leaves, or compact growth. These selections may require particular cultural practices, including light, soil conditions, watering, and pruning. Some okrasné varieties may be less productive or hardy than utilitarian types, which is an important consideration in planning and maintenance.

In catalogs and garden design, the emphasis of the term okrasné is on aesthetic value. Okrasné plantings and gardens prioritize visual impact, color harmony, texture, and seasonal interest, tailored to the climate and location where they are cultivated.