Trees & Shrubs for Feng Shui Gardens

Plants Representing Fire

• Plants with red bark or foliage, and with triangular or conical shapes, represent fire. These plants include the red cutleaf maple (Acer palmatum), a conical tree with purplish red foliage; crytomeria (Cryptomeria japonica), which has a conical shape; coral bark maple (Acer palmatum), which has red bark; Christmas camellia (Camellia sasanqua), which has coral bark on young trees and yields red blossoms; nandias, small shrubs with orange, red or scarlet foliage; and boxwood, hollies and rosemary for their triangular or conical shapes.

Plants Representing Water

• Black or dark-colored plants and plants with free forms represent the water element. Plants that represent water include butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii); black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens); purple palace (Heuchera micrantha); black elephant ear (Colocasia esculenta) and blackie sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas).

Plants Representing Metal

• Arched, circular or oval-shaped plants that yield white or pastel blossoms represent the metal element. These plants include species of hydrangea with white blossoms; white gumpo azaleas (Rhododendron 'Gumpo'); white cultivars of hosta, gardenias and camellias; and dogwood trees that have white blossoms in the spring.

Plants Representing Earth

• Plants that produce earth-toned or yellow blossoms or are trimmed to have a rectangular or square shape represent the earth element. Earth plants include the black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia goldstrum); acuba shrubs (Acuba japonica); Admiral Semmes azalea (Rhododendron 'Admiral Semmes'); river birch (Betula nigra), which has yellow fall foliage; miscantus, large perennial grasses native to Japan; ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) and numerous flowers with yellow blooms.

Plants Representing Wood

• Long, thin plants with blue or green colors represent the wood element. Plants that represent wood include arrow bamboo (Pseudosasa japanoca), which grows well in a pot or tub; Louisiana and Siberian hybrids of iris; rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and lungwort Pulmonaria officinalis, a ground cover.

Planting by Location

• The corners of feng shui gardens are associated with fortune and good luck. For example, fame and fortune are found in the southern corner and are encouraged by flowers with red or pink flowers. Plant flowers with yellow flowers in the southwestern corner of your garden if you want to get married or encourage marital happiness. Yellow or white flowers are appropriate for the western corner symbolically associated with fertility and children. Orange, white and yellow flowers are right for the northwest corner that is linked to mentors and helpful people. If you want to encourage prospects for your career, look to the northern corner and plant blue or dark purple flowers. Plant flowers with orange or yellow flowers in the northeastern corner for increased health, wisdom and education. Plant green, bushy plants or trees in the eastern corner to enhance health and family relationships. The southeast corner governs prosperity and health and is the place to plant fruit and nut trees, vegetables, and plants with gold blossoms.