Abstract: Firmiana simplex is one of the popular plants in Chinese traditional gardens. Its planting methods and title images of scenic spots have important reference value for modern landscape planting design. This research adopts the methods of ancient literature inquiry and statistical analysis to systematically study the planting positions, planting methods, title images of scenic spots, as well as the spiritual and cultural connotations of Firmiana simplex in the Ming and Qing dynasties in private gardens. The results show that: 1) In private gardens, Firmiana simplex were mainly planted in pairs or solitarily in the courtyard, especially near the study. 2) In plant collocation, Firmiana simplex and bamboos were most commonly matched. 3) Many scenic spots were named after Firmiana simplex in private gardens, most of which were after the images of colors and shades of Firmiana simplex. 4)The group consciousness of the literati class under the influence of the idea of morality, valuing learning, auspiciousness, pessimism and Buddhism, was mainly expressed through the planting of Firmiana simplex in private gardens.