Butterfly bushes and other flowering plants are perfect plants to add to your outdoor pot. There are over 140 different species of butterfly bushes and they all grow between two and five feet tall. Some of these plants have willowy leaves while others have a rounded form. Both of these flowers bloom in summer and need consistent moisture and sun for growth. Bush daisies die back into the soil during the winter and re-emerge in the spring.
Calliopsis
A perfect choice for outdoor pots in Florida, calliopsis plants are drought tolerant and produce a wonderful display of colorful flowers. These plants are also very heat tolerant and will grow up to six feet tall. In addition, they are highly resistant to deer and rabbits. The bright red tubular flowers are sure to attract bees and butterflies. They grow best in well-drained soil.
The most common varieties of Calliopsis are Pentas, Justicia, and Crepe Myrtle. The first two are tall, 2-feet tall, and have large, showy flowers. The latter produces a dense cluster of white flowers during the summer months and is an excellent choice for sunny areas. The latter two, though smaller, are also excellent choices for outdoor pots in Florida.
Another option is the tropical mandevilla plant. This vine grows fast and can be used to frame architectural features in your home. It prefers full sun and blooms profusely from spring to fall. This plant also requires well-drained soil, which is important for ensuring that it receives the proper amount of water. It may need support to keep it upright. You can use wire for this purpose.
Another choice for Calliopsis plants for outdoor pots is firebush. This plant grows in full sunlight but also thrives in partial shade. Firebush flowers are the most common variety of Calliopsis in Florida. They can grow up to eight feet tall and are ideal for Florida containers. While firebush plants are suitable for outdoor pots, they should be kept indoors during the winter. This plant is prone to leaking milky sap, so make sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Tickseed
Tickseed is the official wildflower of Florida. There are more than 100 species, but most are bright yellow with a brown center. They bloom in spring and summer and are drought-tolerant. You can find these plants anywhere in Florida. They also self-seed in your yard. Here are some tips for choosing the best tickseed plants for outdoor pots in Florida:
The hardest part about Florida gardening is the climate. Summer heat can scorch many plants, while salty air may make some plants unable to grow. Soil pH levels and temperature ranges vary widely between regions, so knowing your soil is essential. Regardless of the area you live in, you should always amend the soil every season to ensure your plants thrive. If you have a humid climate, try using a soil conditioner instead of fertilizer, as it will keep your plants healthy and happy.
Coreopsis is another plant you can grow in Florida. This species is considered the official state flower of Florida. It has daisy-like flowers and is drought-tolerant. There are several varieties of coreopsis, each with different bloom times and color variations. Depending on your climate, you can choose from single, double, or multicolored flowers. Evolvulus is a great choice for Florida outdoor pots because it will bloom throughout the entire summer and fall.
Pot of Gold
For a colorful, edible plant, Pot of Gold makes a beautiful choice for outdoor pots. Its golden stems and deep green savoyed leaves are highly ornamental and delicious. They are hardy and adapt well to any climate. Because of their drought-resistant nature, Pot of Gold thrives in all climates. This plant is an attractive addition to a mixed bed and grows well in low-fertility soil. It looks beautiful mixed with Nasturtiums or other colorful perennials.
Gerbera daisy
If you live in Florida and want to plant Gerbera daisies in your garden, you’ll want to know what they need to grow successfully. These daisies have large flowers that can be cut in any color, and they are a perennial plant that will grow in most soil types. This plant is a great choice because it blooms throughout the summer and winter, and it can tolerate cooler temperatures and less water in the winter. Because they are an annual in the state, they can tolerate some shade in the afternoon.
If you live in Florida, you can purchase potted Gerbera daisies or get pass-along divisions from another gardener. After you purchase a potted plant, make sure to water it well and check the roots. You’ll need to loosen the root ball before you plant it. Plants can be divided in spring or summer. To divide them, you must first dig them up and use a sharp knife to remove the stem and roots. Once you’re done, carefully pull out the stem and cut away half of the mature leaves.
Gerbera daisies need ample sunlight to bloom properly. A window sill isn’t the best place for these flowers as they can become overheated and die. Instead, place them in a spot where they get moderate sunlight throughout the day. Water them whenever they feel dry at the base and add water when necessary. Water them regularly and remove any blooms that aren’t open.
Nigella
Native to rocky areas in southern Europe and North Africa, Nigella is an easy plant to grow from seed. Nigella plants are a low maintenance option for your outdoor pots and can be grown directly from seeds or transplanted seedlings. They thrive in full sun, and grow best when started from seed. Plant them two to three inches apart in well-drained soil in the spring. Once they reach the desired height, thin them to four to five inches apart.
While nigellas do not bloom throughout the growing season, they will often self-sow, providing you with continuous summer blooms. If you have the time, you can sow nigella seeds twice or three times to ensure that your plants will continue to bloom. Nigella will scatter seeds on its own, so planting several plants in the same area will ensure a constant supply. Nigella grows well in full sunlight, but they will also grow well in partial shade.
This annual plant is native to southern Europe and northern Africa. Nigella sativa seeds are the edible portion of the plant. They can be used for cooking and are often ground at the table. Nigella seeds have many common names, including Black Caraway, Roman coriander, and Roman coriander. They are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. Nigella species are hardy and will grow to a height of eight to twenty inches (20 to 50 cm).
Caladium
When buying caladium plants for outdoor pots in Florida, it’s important to understand their requirements and growing conditions. Most caladiums grow well in partial shade with only two to four hours of sunlight each day. However, a few new cultivars are available that grow well in full sunlight. They are best grown in filtered light in the morning and in partial shade in the afternoon.
The foliage of caladiums is distinctive and colorful. It is generally heart-shaped and comes in many different colors. Caladiums are easy to grow and care for. They prefer a well-drained shady area. For optimum growth, add mushroom compost to the soil to improve drainage and water retention. Caladium plants for outdoor pots in Florida can be hardy in zones 5 through 8.
While caladiums can be planted year-round, their foliage gradually declines with age. While they do not suffer significant pest pressure, they do suffer from fungal diseases. Proper watering can minimize the risk of fungi. However, it is important to remember that caladium foliage naturally declines with age. You should never divide caladium bulbs to increase their numbers. To make the process of growing caladium tubers easier and more affordable, buy the plants in early spring.
Despite their attractive foliage, caladiums do not do well in Florida’s sandy soils. In sandy areas, they need light fertilization to thrive, while soils in more rich areas do not require fertilization. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is low in phosphorus. Too much fertilization may cause the leaves to turn green or lose their color. A fertilizer with high nitrogen content may also affect the production of leaves.
