If you want to plant something beautiful and easy-to-grow, consider Periwinkle, Black-eyed Susan, Liriope, and Gardenia. They all have distinctive and diverse characteristics that make them a good fit for the climate of south Florida. If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, try the Gumbo-Limo Tree, a large tropical semi-evergreen tree. Its wood is surprisingly soft and lightweight, and was once used in the construction of carousel horses, before plastics took over. The bark on branches is smooth and peeling, and copper-colored.
Periwinkle
The blue-flowering periwinkle is an excellent ground cover. Also known as creeping vinca, this vine can be a major spreader. This plant is best grown in part-shade areas and can be used to choke out weeds. It can be used as a border plant as well as in rock gardens. It blooms best in parts-shade areas and is drought-tolerant.
A perennial ground cover in Florida, periwinkles bloom throughout the summer and have violet-blue flowers. They are a native to Florida, and can be planted in window boxes and pots. Periwinkle needs plenty of water, but the soil should be well-drained to prevent the plant from wilting and losing its leaves. If you want to keep the periwinkle in the ground, mix a quarter cup of sand with a cup of potting soil.
The Penta, also known as the Egyptian star cluster, blooms all year long. It thrives in areas with little or no frost, and can be grown as a shrub. It attracts butterflies and bees to its flowers. It can grow to 3 feet tall, and has a variety of colors and shapes. A perennial plant native to Africa, pentas has long stems with multiple branches.
Gardenia
If you’re looking for the perfect flowering plant for your landscape, a Gardenia may be the one. Not only does it produce fragrant flowers, it can be grown farther out in your landscape than other plants. You can also select varieties that bloom throughout the growing season. Whether you choose the gardenia for its fragrant blooms or for its unique shape, it is sure to be a welcome addition to any landscape.
For optimal performance of your Gardenia plant, make sure you water it regularly. It needs about an inch of water every week. Avoid overwatering it as it may cause the leaves to yellow. If you have a drought, make sure to water your Gardenias only once a week. If you have gardenias in pots, make sure you water them thoroughly when you plant them. Moreover, you can give them a dose of fish emulsion or coffee grounds to raise the acidity of their soil.
Another thing to keep in mind when caring for a Gardenia is their sensitivity to temperature and humidity. This plant will drop their buds if it doesn’t get enough humidity or if it is suddenly exposed to a cold temperature. Gardenias prefer a warm climate and don’t tolerate cold weather. To minimize this risk, you can choose a variety that is specifically suited for your climate.
Black-eyed Susan
The black-eyed Susan is an annual plant that will bloom for two years. Its large, daisy-like blooms are the perfect size for bouquets, mixed border plantings, cutting gardens, and container gardens. The flower is borne singly or in corymbs, and the blooms grow five to 10 mm in diameter. Seeds are brown, ellipsoidal, and one-eighth of an inch long.
It grows well in containers. Depending on the size of the container, you can plant them in single plants or in large pots with vertical structures. Plant them so that they are evenly spaced and slightly deeper than the soil’s surface. You may also want to use Miracle-Gro Quick Start Planting Tablets to increase the plant’s nutrition. Make sure to follow label instructions. After planting, gently fill in the hole with the soil and lightly press in the plant.
The autumn color cultivar grows in rich, fertile soil and produces dense clusters of golden flowers that fade into shades of orange and red in the center. It grows to about 18 inches high and spreads to 18 inches. Plant it in the spring or early fall, allowing it time to establish its roots. Once established, it will bloom well into the fall. Despite its eer resistance, black-eyed Susans are not the most trouble-free plants.
Liriope
In a garden, liriope will thrive in a coastal location, providing a cool climate and ample sunshine. It is easily propagated by cutting, dividing, or grafting. To propagate liriope, choose a healthy clump with roots that are attached to the plant. The clump should be transplanted into a well-draining pot.
The variegated liriope is a good choice for the landscape, as the foliage is bright green with creamy yellow stripes. Its flowers look like miniature grape hyacinths and are about nine to 15 inches long. Plants may be planted in a pot in full sunlight or partial shade. Liriope is tolerant of drought and is very drought-tolerant once established.
Although liriope is resistant to most insects and diseases, it is susceptible to leaf and crown rot caused by fungus. Fungal pathogens cause leaf and crown rot, which is characterized by brown or yellowish-tan patches on the leaves. Symptoms of this disease include yellowing, browning, and wilting leaves. Fungicides do not cure the disease; they only slow its spread by leaching into the soil.
Hibiscus coccineus
This beautiful plant prefers a warm, humid climate and will bloom nearly all year long. It requires regular watering and fertilization to thrive. Hibiscus coccineus is not toxic to humans or domestic animals and grows well in the South Florida climate. However, it does require a high potassium fertilizer. Use a slow-release fertilizer or compost for best results.
The red columbine is an attractive and hardy plant, which forms clumps. Its foliage can grow up to 30 feet in height, and it requires constant pruning to stay in bounds. This plant is deer-resistant and grows well in shady areas. Its flowers are a delicate pink-red and can have a pattern like a raspberry ripple.
The bright red flowers of Hibiscus coccineus are attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. These flowering plants are attractive, yet also suitable for people who have a limited budget. These plants grow fast in moist soil and can reach up to eight feet in height. Aside from blooming in the spring and summer, they also tolerate partial shade and heavy soils with poor drainage.
Walter’s Viburnum
Native to the coastal plain from South Carolina to Alabama, Walter’s viburnum is an elegant, low-maintenance hedge or screen plant. Its small white flowers are very attractive to birds, and its berries are red to black and highly prized by humans. Depending on the cultivar, this plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and form a luscious hedge or screen. It can also be trained into a small tree, but it is not recommended for shaded or windy areas.
Plants that grow well in South Florida include southern wax myrtle, which is very easy to care for. Its leaves are glossy and leathery and are a dark green, spoon-shaped shape. These plants also produce tiny white flowers that are fragrant when crushed. Walter’s viburnum is an excellent choice for landscapes as it is tolerant of heat and drought and can grow quickly in your yard.
A great accent plant, Walter’s viburnum is compact, hardy, and has early spring flowers. It’s a wonderful hedge or border plant and can be easily kept trimmed to keep it in shape. It’s also a drought-tolerant shrub that tolerates full sun and hurricane wind. It’s a drought-tolerant plant that can be planted in full sun or partial shade. It also has a mild fragrance that attracts butterflies.
Verbena
Verbena is a perennial plant that thrives in well-drained soil. Verbenas don’t need constant watering, but they are prone to powdery mildew if they’re not watered properly. Generally, verbenas need no watering once the spring frost has passed. Sprouting verbena seeds is easy and requires just one to two drops of liquid fertilizer each month.
Verbena is native to Florida and is highly tolerant of water and salt air. It has purple flowers that cluster along stems and fine-textured leaves. Its stems creep along the ground and root to hold together sand, preventing wind from sweeping it back into the ocean. Verbena is one of the best plants for South Florida. Sow them in your garden for color year-round.
If you’re planning to plant verbena, consider planting a variety that is compact. Hurricane Blue verbena grows eight inches tall and spreads to 18 inches. Another bicolor verbena is Lanai Red Star verbena, which grows up to 10 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Both are excellent choices for borders, containers, and garden beds. A few varieties have flowers that bloom all summer long, making them perfect for attracting butterflies.
