The Best Plants for Hospital Landscaping

Hospitals are places where people go to heal and recover from illness or injury. Often, patients spend significant time in these facilities, which can be stressful and overwhelming. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the therapeutic benefits of nature in promoting physical and mental well-being. As a result, hospital landscaping has become essential to creating a healing environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare staff.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Plants for Hospital Landscaping

When selecting plants for hospital landscaping, it is important to consider several factors:

• Low Maintenance: Hospitals have limited resources and time to dedicate to gardening and landscaping, so choosing plants that require minimal care and upkeep is crucial. Low-maintenance plants are also more cost-effective in the long run.
• Non-Toxic: Many patients have compromised immune systems, allergies, or sensitivities to certain chemicals or substances. Therefore, choosing non-toxic plants that will not pose a health risk to patients or staff is key.
• Durability: Hospital landscapes are high-traffic areas, and plants should be able to withstand regular foot traffic, potential impacts from wheelchairs or medical equipment, and extreme weather conditions.
• Aesthetics: While the primary focus is on the therapeutic benefits of plants, it is also important to consider the overall design of the landscape. Plants that are visually appealing and complement the surrounding architecture can create a positive and calming atmosphere.

Our Top Plant Companions

1. Lavender (Lavandula): Lavender is renowned for its fragrant and calming properties, as well as its resilience and low-maintenance nature. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for hospital landscaping. Its soothing scent is believed to have therapeutic properties, helping to reduce stress and anxiety among patients and staff alike.
2. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): The Japanese Maple is a versatile and durable tree that can bring a serene and beautiful aesthetic to any garden space. It’s varied sizes and stunning foliage that changes color with the seasons provide visual interest year-round. Its ability to adapt to different soil types and its tolerance for partial shade makes it an ideal choice for hospital settings, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
3. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum): Bright and cheerful, Shasta Daisies are non-toxic and exceptionally hearty, able to thrive in various conditions. They bloom from early summer to fall, offering a long-lasting display of beauty that uplifts spirits and enhances the healing environment. These flowers are also known for their durability.
4. Boxwood (Buxus): Boxwood shrubs are a staple in landscape design due to their versatility and hardiness. They can be shaped and maintained with minimal effort, making them perfect for creating structured designs or simple hedge borders in hospital gardens. Their dense foliage offers year-round greenery, providing a continuous and comforting natural presence.
5. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): This native North American perennial is not only visually striking with its bold purple-pink flowers but also known for its medicinal properties, which align well with the healing mission of hospital environments. It attracts beneficial pollinators, adding to the biodiversity and vibrancy of the garden. Echinacea is drought-tolerant and resilient, making it suitable for various landscaping needs.

Enhancing Healing One Landscape at a Time

The role landscaping plays in creating a healing environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare staff should not be underestimated. By choosing the right plants for hospital landscapes, we can improve the overall atmosphere and contribute to the well-being of those in these facilities. If you’re ready to transform your hospital landscape, reach out to Redbud Landscape, Inc. today for expert advice and services. Together, we can create a space that promotes healing and supports recovery.