Plants in the Japanese Garden（日本庭園　植物）

An introduction to common plants used in Japanese gardens and cityscapes

Plants play a vital role in shaping the mood, structure, and seasonality of Japanese gardens. In these first volumes, we highlight some of the most common plants seen in gardens throughout Japan.

Some of these plants appear frequently in what we call traditional Japanese gardens. Others, while not classic choices, are still deeply rooted in the visual fabric of modern Japanese cityscapes. Together, they form a living language that connects past and present.

Moreover, many of these species are chosen not only for their appearance, but also for their seasonal symbolism. For example, pines represent longevity, while maples mark the arrival of autumn. Even in compact urban courtyards, these plants continue to offer beauty and meaning.

As you explore the books, you’ll gain a better understanding of why certain plants appear again and again across different garden styles in Japan. You’ll also see how even everyday city greenery draws on centuries of cultural tradition.

These books are a starting point for anyone looking to learn more about the plant life in Japanese gardens—whether you’re a designer, enthusiast, or simply curious.

Read more in our eBooks!

Plants in the Japanese Garden Vol. 1

This book introduces essential plants found in traditional gardens and modern cityscapes across Japan. With clear examples and cultural insights, this volume explores why plants like pine, bamboo, and maple appear so often in Japanese outdoor spaces. A practical reference for gardeners and lovers of Japanese aesthetics.

See a list of the plants in the eBooks Contents tab.

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Introduction
Explanation to plant symbols and USDA Hardiness
Trees
- 7 different trees
Shrubs
- 15 kinds of shrubs
Perennials & Bulbs
- 15 colorful perennials and bulbs
Bamboo & Moss
- 5 mosses and 4 types of bamboo
Ferns
- 6 ferns
Glossary
Credits

28 pages
57 pictures of plants

PDF 105MB
The eBook is delivered as PDF.

(Japanese maple, Yoshido Cherry, Mochi Tree, Crape myrtle, Japanese red pine, Japanese White pine, Japanese Black Pine, Chocolate Vine, Coralberry, Japanese laurel, Chinese trumpet vine, Flowring quince, Sakaki tree, Winter Daphne, White enkianthus, Gardenia, Hortensia, Thunberg’s bushclover, Japanese Andromeda, Satsuki Azalea, Sarcandra herb, Japanese wisteria, Cast-iron plant, Hyacinth orchid, Spotted bellflower, Florist’s daisy, Nadeshiko (pink), Leopard plant, Japanese iris, Lilyturf, Red spider lily, Mondo grass, Chinese peony, Balloon flower, Sacred lily, Toad lily, Violet, Common apple-moss, Broom forkmoss, Hypnum moss, Hair moss, Racomitrium moss, Bambusa multiplex, Giant timber bamboo, Moso bamboo, Veitch’s bamboo, Japanese painted fern, Japanese holly fern, Dryopteris, Ostrich fern, Fishbone fern, Spikemoss)

Plants in the Japanese Garden Vol. 2

This book continues the exploration of Japan’s garden plants. This volume focuses on lesser-known species that still play a central role in both urban landscapes and garden design. It’s a useful companion to Volume 1, perfect for anyone studying Japanese garden plant species or working on their own outdoor space.

See a list of the plants in the eBooks Contents tab.

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Introduction
Explanation to plant symbols and USDA Hardiness
Trees
- 10 different trees
Shrubs
- 12 kinds of shrubs
Perennials & Bulbs
- 15 colorful perennials
Bamboo & Moss
- 3 mosses/liverworts and 6 types of bamboo
Ferns
- 4 ferns
Glossary
Credits

27 pages
55 pictures of plants

PDF 19MB
The eBook is delivered as PDF.

(Camphor tree, Japanese dogwood, Japanese cedar, Ginkgo, Kobus magnolia, Hall’s crabapple, Buddhist pine, Oriental cherry, Japanese emperor oak, Wax tree, Japanese beautyberry, Japanese camellia, Wintersweet, Thorny olive, Japanese aralia, Japanese holly, Japanese kerria, Heavenly bamboo, Sweet olive, Tree peony, Kaempfer azalea, Snowrose, Amur adonis ‘Fukujukai’, Flaccid anemone, Calanthe, Barrenwort, Asian fawnlily, Japanese horseradish, Mountain plantain lily, Houttuynia, Fringed iris, Lotus, Asian woodland peony, Sweet coltsfoot, Chinese lantern, Japanese primrose, Creeping saxifraga, Hypnum moss, Common liverwort, Plagiomnium moss, Black bamboo, Dwarf fern-leaf bamboo, Simon bamboo, Arrow bamboo, Chishima zasa, Okame bamboo grass, Five-finger fern, Hart’s tongue fern, Bracken, Zenmai)