Ornamental Horticulture Market By Crop Type(Bulb Crops, Herbaceous Perennials, Shrubs, Roses, Others), By End-use(Residential Landscaping, Commercial Landscaping, Interior Decoration), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024-2033

Report Overview

The global Ornamental Horticulture Market size is expected to be worth around USD 1357 Million by 2033, from USD 730 Million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033.

The ornamental horticulture market encompasses the cultivation, production, and sale of decorative plants, flowers, and landscaping materials. This industry serves both commercial and residential sectors, catering to a wide range of customers including homeowners, businesses, municipalities, and institutions. Ornamental horticulture products are utilized for beautification purposes in gardens, parks, public spaces, interiorscapes, and landscapes.

The market includes a diverse array of plants such as flowering annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees, as well as ornamental grasses and foliage plants. Additionally, it involves the supply of gardening supplies, equipment, and accessories like pots, planters, fertilizers, and pesticides. The ornamental horticulture market is influenced by factors such as seasonal trends, consumer preferences, landscaping trends, environmental concerns, and advancements in cultivation techniques.

With growing interest in sustainable landscaping and urban greening initiatives, the demand for ornamental plants that require low maintenance and water conservation is on the rise, shaping the future trajectory of this market.

Key Takeaways

• Market Growth: Ornamental horticulture market to hit USD 1357 million by 2033, with a 6.4% CAGR from 2023.
• Segment Leadership: Bulb crops led in 2023 with 44.7% market share, followed by herbaceous perennials and shrubs.
• End-use Trends: Residential landscaping dominated in 2023, claiming 37.4% share, driven by homeowner investments.
• In 2022, Colombia exported $1.6 billion worth of cut flowers, making it the world’s second-largest exporter after the Netherlands.
• In 2022, the Netherlands exported $9.2 billion worth of ornamental plants and flowers, making it the world’s largest exporter of ornamental horticultural products.

By Crop Type

In 2023, Bulb Crops emerged as the market leader, claiming over 44.7% of the share. These include popular flowers like tulips and daffodils, known for their vibrant colors and ability to bloom from underground bulbs each year.

Herbaceous Perennials followed closely, offering a variety of foliage and flower options that return year after year without replanting. They’re favored for their low maintenance and ability to add color and texture to gardens.

Shrubs maintained a significant presence, providing versatility in landscaping designs. From evergreen shrubs offering year-round interest to flowering varieties adding seasonal bursts of color, they’re valued for defining spaces and adding structure to landscapes.

Roses remained a timeless favorite, captivating consumer with their romantic appeal and diverse varieties. From classic hybrid teas to fragrant climbers, roses are cherished for their beauty and symbolism in gardens and bouquets.

The “Others” category encompassed a range of ornamental plants, including annual flowers, ornamental grasses, vines, and tropical plants. These plants cater to various tastes and purposes, offering unique features such as interesting foliage or exotic blooms to enhance landscapes and gardens.

By End-use

In 2023, Residential Landscaping led the market, holding over 37.4% share. Homeowners drove this segment, investing in plants and materials to beautify their properties.

Commercial Landscaping emerged as a significant player, serving businesses, municipalities, and institutions seeking to enhance their outdoor spaces for aesthetic and functional purposes.

Interior Decoration gained momentum, with rising demand for indoor plants and greenery to adorn homes, offices, and public spaces, contributing to a healthier and more inviting environment.

Each end-use segment represented distinct market opportunities, with residential landscaping driven by individual preferences, commercial landscaping by broader urban planning and design trends, and interior decoration by the desire to create appealing indoor spaces.

Key Market Segments

By Crop Type

• Bulb Crops
• Herbaceous Perennials
• Shrubs
• Roses
• Others

By End-use

• Residential Landscaping
• Commercial Landscaping
• Interior Decoration

Drivers

Increasing Urbanization and Demand for Green Spaces Drive Ornamental Horticulture Market

As urbanization accelerates worldwide, the demand for green spaces and ornamental horticulture products continues to rise, serving as a major driver for the market’s growth. Urbanization brings with it a multitude of challenges, including pollution, stress, and loss of natural habitats. In response, there is a growing recognition of the importance of integrating greenery into urban environments to mitigate these challenges and improve overall quality of life.

One of the primary drivers behind the increasing demand for ornamental horticulture products is the desire to create aesthetically pleasing urban landscapes. As cities expand and populations grow denser, green spaces become essential for maintaining a sense of balance and tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Parks, gardens, and green corridors provide vital sanctuaries where people can reconnect with nature, relax, and unwind. As a result, there is a heightened emphasis on urban greening initiatives, with municipalities, urban planners, and developers investing in ornamental plants and landscaping materials to beautify public spaces and create more livable cities.

Moreover, the growing awareness of the environmental and health benefits of green spaces is driving the demand for ornamental horticulture products. Trees, shrubs, and flowering plants play a crucial role in improving air quality by filtering pollutants and absorbing carbon dioxide. They also help regulate temperatures, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and provide habitats for wildlife.

Additionally, studies have shown that exposure to greenery has a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. As people become more conscious of these benefits, there is a greater willingness to invest in ornamental plants for both outdoor landscaping and indoor decoration.

Furthermore, the rise of urban agriculture and community gardening initiatives is fueling demand for ornamental horticulture products. As city dwellers seek to reconnect with their food sources and cultivate a sense of self-sufficiency, there is a growing interest in growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs in urban spaces.

Ornamental plants, such as edible flowers and ornamental vegetables, are increasingly incorporated into urban gardens, balconies, and rooftops, adding beauty and diversity to urban landscapes while also providing fresh produce for local communities.

Restraints

Environmental Concerns and Sustainability Challenges Pose Restraints on Ornamental Horticulture Market

While the ornamental horticulture market shows promising growth prospects, it also faces significant restraints, with environmental concerns and sustainability challenges emerging as major obstacles. As society becomes increasingly aware of the ecological impact of human activities, there is growing pressure on industries to adopt more sustainable practices and minimize their environmental footprint. The ornamental horticulture sector is no exception, facing scrutiny over issues such as water usage, pesticide usage, and the carbon footprint associated with production and transportation.

One of the primary restraints facing the ornamental horticulture market is the excessive use of water in plant cultivation. Ornamental plants, particularly those grown in outdoor landscapes, require substantial amounts of water to thrive, especially in regions with arid or semi-arid climates. However, the indiscriminate use of water for irrigation can lead to water scarcity, depletion of aquifers, and environmental degradation.

In water-stressed regions, such as parts of California and the Mediterranean, the ornamental horticulture industry has come under fire for its heavy reliance on irrigation and its contribution to water stress. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue, there is a growing need for the ornamental horticulture sector to adopt more water-efficient practices, such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and the use of drought-tolerant plant species.

Furthermore, the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in ornamental plant production poses environmental and health risks, posing another significant restraint on the market. Pesticides, used to control pests and diseases in ornamental crops, can have adverse effects on non-target organisms, including pollinators, beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic life. Additionally, pesticide residues can contaminate soil, water, and air, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.

Similarly, the overuse of chemical fertilizers can lead to nutrient runoff, soil erosion, and water pollution, further exacerbating environmental degradation. As consumers become more eco-conscious and demand safer, more sustainable products, there is increasing pressure on the ornamental horticulture industry to reduce its reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and adopt more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as integrated pest management (IPM), organic fertilizers, and biological controls.

Moreover, the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of ornamental plants presents a sustainability challenge for the industry. The ornamental horticulture sector relies heavily on the global supply chain, with plants and materials often sourced from distant locations and transported long distances to reach consumers.

This reliance on long-distance transportation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and energy consumption, undermining the industry’s environmental credentials. To address this challenge, there is a growing need for the ornamental horticulture sector to embrace local sourcing, reduce transportation distances, and adopt greener transportation options, such as electric vehicles and sustainable packaging materials.

Opportunity

Growing Demand for Sustainable and Native Landscaping Presents Major Opportunity for Ornamental Horticulture Market

Amidst increasing environmental awareness and concerns about climate change, there is a significant opportunity for the ornamental horticulture market to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and native landscaping practices. Sustainable landscaping focuses on creating beautiful outdoor spaces that are environmentally friendly, resource-efficient, and beneficial for local ecosystems.

This approach prioritizes the use of native plants, which are well-adapted to the local climate and require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides compared to exotic species. By embracing sustainable landscaping principles and promoting native plant species, the ornamental horticulture market can tap into a rapidly growing market segment and differentiate itself from competitors.

One of the key opportunities for the ornamental horticulture market lies in promoting the use of native plants in landscaping projects. Native plants are an integral part of local ecosystems, providing food and habitat for native wildlife, supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and enhancing biodiversity.

Unlike exotic species, which often require intensive maintenance and may become invasive, native plants are well-suited to local environmental conditions and can thrive with minimal intervention. By educating consumers about the benefits of native plants and offering a diverse selection of native species, the ornamental horticulture industry can cater to the growing demand for environmentally friendly landscaping solutions.

Furthermore, sustainable landscaping offers opportunities for the ornamental horticulture market to innovate and develop new products and services that align with sustainability goals. For example, there is growing interest in green infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens, bioswales, and green roofs, which incorporate ornamental plants to manage stormwater runoff, reduce urban heat island effects, and improve air quality.

By partnering with landscape architects, urban planners, and environmental organizations, the ornamental horticulture industry can play a central role in designing and implementing green infrastructure projects that enhance the resilience and sustainability of urban environments.

Additionally, the ornamental horticulture market can leverage technology and digital platforms to reach a wider audience and promote sustainable landscaping practices. Mobile apps, online marketplaces, and social media platforms provide opportunities for nurseries, garden centers, and landscaping professionals to showcase their products and services, share educational content, and connect with environmentally conscious consumers.

By harnessing the power of technology and digital marketing, the ornamental horticulture industry can raise awareness about the benefits of sustainable landscaping and drive demand for native plants and eco-friendly landscaping materials.

Trends

Integration of Technology in Ornamental Horticulture Redefines Market Dynamics

One major trend shaping the ornamental horticulture market is the increasing integration of technology across the entire value chain, from production and distribution to marketing and consumer engagement. This trend is revolutionizing traditional practices and redefining market dynamics, leading to greater efficiency, innovation, and sustainability within the industry.

One key aspect of this trend is the adoption of precision agriculture techniques in ornamental plant production. Precision agriculture leverages technologies such as GPS, sensors, drones, and data analytics to optimize resource use, enhance crop management, and improve yield and quality.

In ornamental horticulture, precision agriculture techniques are being used to monitor plant health, optimize irrigation and fertilization, and manage pest and disease outbreaks more effectively. By implementing precision agriculture practices, growers can minimize inputs, reduce environmental impact, and increase profitability.

Another significant trend is the emergence of vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technologies in ornamental plant production. Vertical farming involves growing plants in vertically stacked layers using hydroponic or aeroponic systems, while CEA encompasses growing plants in controlled environments such as greenhouses or indoor farms.

These technologies offer several advantages for ornamental horticulture, including year-round production, higher yields, and reduced water and land usage. Vertical farming and CEA also enable growers to produce a wider range of plant species and varieties, including exotic and tropical plants that may not thrive in traditional outdoor environments.

Furthermore, technology is transforming the way ornamental plants are marketed and sold to consumers. E-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and online marketplaces have become increasingly popular channels for purchasing plants, allowing consumers to browse and buy products from the comfort of their homes.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are also being used to enhance the online shopping experience, allowing customers to visualize how plants will look in their own spaces before making a purchase. Additionally, social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest have become important marketing tools for nurseries, garden centers, and landscaping professionals, enabling them to showcase their products and connect with customers in new and engaging ways.

Geopolitical Impact Analysis

Geopolitical tensions exert a significant impact on the Ornamental Horticulture market, particularly concerning production and supply chain activities. The intricate interplay of international trade policies, regional conflicts, and strategic alliances influences market dynamics, investment patterns, and supply chain configurations within the industry.

Foremost, escalating trade tensions among major economies, notably between the United States and China, ripple through the Ornamental Horticulture market. Tariffs, trade barriers, and technology transfer restrictions disrupt cost structures and supply chain reliability for ornamental plants and landscaping materials. China’s pivotal role in supplying ornamental horticulture products, along with its abundant reserves of essential materials like fertilizers and pesticides, places it at the epicenter of geopolitical shifts impacting the market.

Moreover, the global emphasis on environmental sustainability and green initiatives propels the demand for ornamental horticulture products. Nations increasingly prioritize securing access to essential gardening supplies and decorative plants, recognizing their strategic significance in enhancing urban green spaces and promoting biodiversity. This trend prompts governments to develop strategies aimed at safeguarding supply chains and reducing reliance on geopolitically sensitive regions.

Furthermore, geopolitical developments, such as regional conflicts and sanctions, highlight the vulnerability of global ornamental horticulture supply chains. Instances like political instability affecting flower cultivation regions or sanctions impacting fertilizer imports underscore the importance of securing resilient supply chains.

In essence, geopolitical tensions reverberate through the Ornamental Horticulture market, influencing production, trade, and supply chain dynamics. As geopolitical landscapes evolve, stakeholders in the industry must navigate uncertainties and adapt strategies to mitigate risks and seize opportunities for sustainable growth.

Regional Analysis

The Asia Pacific region is positioned to lead the global ornamental horticulture market, commanding a significant market share of 36.3%. This growth surge is primarily propelled by the rising demand for ornamental plants in key sectors such as landscaping, urban beautification, and interior decoration.

The increasing production of ornamental plants in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations including Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam is expected to drive market expansion in this region over the forecast period.

In North America, economic growth, coupled with the expansion of landscaping services and interior design industries, is anticipated to boost the demand for various ornamental plants. The region’s emphasis on aesthetics and green spaces further amplifies this demand, making it a substantial market for ornamental horticulture.

Europe is also expected to witness substantial growth in the ornamental horticulture market, fueled by the growing consumer preference for enhancing outdoor and indoor spaces with ornamental plants, as well as the strong demand from landscaping and floral arrangement sectors.

This shift towards ornamental horticulture underscores global trends in aesthetic consciousness and environmental sustainability, mirroring similar growth dynamics as observed in other industries but within the context of ornamental plant cultivation.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia & CIS
  • Rest of Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The ornamental horticulture market boasts a diverse array of key players, each contributing to the industry’s growth and innovation. Among the prominent names in this sector are leading nurseries and growers, landscaping companies, suppliers of gardening supplies and equipment, and manufacturers of ornamental plants and landscaping materials.

Companies such as The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Ball Horticultural Company, and Costa Farms are renowned for their extensive portfolios of ornamental plants, including flowering annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees.

Market Key Players

• Finding Nectar
• Ball Horticultural Company
• Chartered Institute of Horticulture
• Pansare Nursery
• VLAM vzw
• Aris Horticulture, Inc.
• Ganga Nursery
• TNAU

Recent Development

2024 Chartered Institute of Horticulture: Might introduce a professional development program focused on innovative fruit cultivation techniques, aimed at supporting horticulturists in adopting more sustainable and efficient practices.

2024 VLAM vzw: Could initiate a marketing campaign to promote locally grown fruits, highlighting the environmental benefits of consuming local produce and supporting the regional agricultural economy.

Report Scope