When it comes to landscaping your yard, it’s important to use native plants whenever possible. Not only are they native to Florida, but they are also resistant to invasive species and prevent erosion. In addition, they support the ecosystem of your area. Because these plants are native, you’ll need to learn a little about them so you can choose the right ones for your landscaping needs. Thankfully, creating a landscape that’s both native and Florida-friendly is easier than you might think.
Allamanda hendersonii
Allamanda hendersoni’s purple blooms attract attention and draw admirers to your landscaping project. Plant this small evergreen shrub in full sun, in an area that does not experience freezing winters, and make sure to water it generously until it is established. This plant is poisonous, so use care around young children. It requires good soil and good drainage, so it will thrive in most soils.
Allamanda hendersoni’s medium-sized leaves look good on a trellis, arbor, or fence. It also makes a good background plant. Purple allamanda looks especially stunning when trained on a pole or trellis. The upright shape of a trained allamanda will stand out even in a sheltered area.
Allamanda hendersoni’s bell-shaped flowers grow four to five inches in diameter. The golden trumpet flowers bloom from early fall to late November in the South. New shoots of this small shrub climb to the treetops for full sun and protection from the heat. The glossy, dark green leaves grow in a semi-shady area. Unlike many other small shrubs for Florida, Allamanda hendersonii is not particularly picky about soil conditions.
A popular ornamental plant, Allamanda hendersonia is native to South America. It was named for Swiss botanist Jean Frederic-Francois Louis Allamand. Its flowers are trumpet-shaped with long tube-like corollas. The fruits are compressed, spiny capsules containing seeds. A. hendersonii is one of the most popular small shrubs for Florida. These colorful shrubs are excellent for small gardens.
Allamanda cathartica
Allamanda cathartica small shrub is native to Brazil. Its leaves are broad and rounded and it forms an attractive cascading habit when grown in containers. During the flowering season, you should prune the shrub to encourage new growth. The sap from pruning the plant is milky. The plant grows well in acidic soils and has excellent salt tolerance. Its flower buds are attractive to small frogs and is an excellent addition to a shady garden.
Allamanda cathartica is hardy in zones 10-11 and is relatively drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for Florida gardens. It is pest-free and drought-tolerant, and has yellow flowers throughout the year. The bush variety is not particularly invasive and can be grown in areas with very little space. Wild allamanda is an invasive plant that spreads and can be difficult to control.
The flowers of this plant are beautiful and distinctive. The trumpet-shaped flowers are bright yellow and resemble golden trumpets. Its glossy, dark green leaves are suitable for small gardens and are easy to grow indoors. They can be trained to grow up a support. The yellow allamanda can also be grown as an indoor plant in cold climates. However, it is essential to prune it regularly and not over-prune the plant.
Bougainvillea
If you’re looking for a colorful plant for your landscape, try Bougainvillea. A tropical vine, bougainvillea is native to Central and South America and can grow in a wide variety of conditions. It is commonly grown along beaches and in desert retreats. It is drought resistant and tolerant of light frost but should be brought inside if temperatures fall below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Bougainvilleas have stiff stems with heart-shaped leaves. The plant can grow up to 40 feet tall if supported, but it is easy to keep low-growing varieties in a container.
The colorful blooms of Bougainvillea are a welcome addition to a Florida landscape. Although the plant is thorny and requires regular pruning, this tropical shrub is perfect for the Sunshine State. It blooms throughout the winter and continues to bloom less frequently during the summer months. The flowers of Bougainvillea are small, white, and often covered in brightly colored bracts. The plant can tolerate a range of climates and needs just a little water to thrive.
Although bougainvilleas are drought-resistant, they will need some attention when it is young. They can tolerate drought, and you should consider planting them near a pergola or trellis for support. Bougainvillea is drought tolerant and moderately salt-tolerant. Bougainvillea will require some pruning once it matures, so it is important to keep the soil moist at the start of its life cycle. This shrub will need regular pruning to achieve the desired look and to encourage proper structural growth.
Lantana
Lantana is an excellent choice for Florida landscaping because it can thrive in a variety of soil conditions. It grows best in full sun and is deer-resistant, but the leaves can be irritating to pets and livestock. Despite its drought-tolerant habit, some species can become invasive, such as the lantana camara. These shrubs are carefree and easy to prune, although you should only do this if you notice a noticeable decline in bloom.
Lantana involucrata is an evergreen woody shrub that produces dense clusters of flowers. The leaves are oppositely arranged and have a rough upper surface. The berries are poisonous, but birds tend to eat them after they turn black. In fact, deer and rabbits tend to avoid lantana plants, a fact that should help you decide which species to choose for your landscape.
Lantana is a very popular choice for Florida gardeners, and is a great choice for the South. They do not require much watering or fertilization, and can survive in both sunny and shady spots. They are perennial in Florida and southern California, and are often considered a weed in some areas. However, if you’re not a gardener, you can always grow lantana in pots, hanging baskets, and containers. They are also excellent houseplants when given enough light.
Chinese fringe flower
These low-maintenance shrubs tolerate heavy pruning and grow into a graceful shape. They bloom on old wood and require little maintenance once they’re established. For best blooming, prune them after the summer or early fall blooming period. For best results, start pruning them as young as 6 inches. Use a rooting hormone to get them started. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant.
The Loropetalum genus consists of three species, all native to wooded regions of Asia. These shrubs are hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 through 9, and their fragrant white flowers will be the highlight of any garden. They’re perfect for foundation plantings and landscape beds. Although these shrubs may seem exotic, they’re actually native to temperate regions of Asia.
The dwarf varieties of Chinese fringe flowers have white flowers. Dwarf varieties have names such as Snow Muffin, Emerald Snow, and Shang White. They’re also tolerant of dry conditions and are a good choice for shaded areas. A moderate pruning will help them bloom and grow healthily during the summer months. If you’re not sure what Chinese fringe flower is right for your garden, try one of the following options.
The older varieties of the fringe flower don’t have the same high standards as those of today. While they bloom in bright pink in spring, they gradually turn a dull bronze green as the season progresses. Newer varieties are bred specifically to remain purple all year. A few of these are hardy and suitable for zone seven. They’re also quite compact. However, if you want to avoid invasive species in your garden, choose Chinese fringe flower small shrubs for florida.
Muhly grass
When planting Muhly grass, make sure to space plants 24 to 36 inches apart, as these shrubs do best in bright, sunny spots. They require extra water until their root systems have established, but once established, they should be able to withstand drought without additional help. Plant them in a sunny area and divide them in the early spring for best results. Muhly Grass is not often touted as a butterfly attractor, but they can be planted in masses around accent plants.
This native Florida plant is easy to grow and produces gorgeous flower stalks in varying shades of pink and purple. Muhly is a great choice for landscaping and gardens in Florida because it requires very little maintenance and thrives in full sun. Its flowers are a delicate pink color and will remain in the air long after the plants have fallen. Muhly grass will also grow to a height of up to 10 feet tall and will add a touch of color to your landscape.
Pink Muhly Grass is a low-maintenance ornamental grass that is native to warm, dry climates. It’s commonly used in landscaping for roadsides, parks, and highway medians. Its pink flowers bloom in the fall and provide a showy finish to any landscaping project. Planting pink Muhly Grass requires adequate spacing between plants and watering regularly to keep it looking its best. Muhly grass is susceptible to tar spot fungal infection, so it’s important to make sure you choose your spot carefully.
