Native Florida boxwood (Schaefferia frutescens) works well as a privacy plant for those living in warmer frost-free regions of Florida. Shrub or shaped as tree. Butterfly Host Plant Native Habitat. Seagrape has light green, rounded leaves with red veins and produces little clusters of green fruit that resemble grapes (though they aren’t actually grapes as we would typically think of them). With the nickname “The Sunshine State,” Florida must have loads of sun-loving plant life – and indeed it does! Wildlife attractor. The Florida maple is a smaller version of the northern sugar maple that’s more suited to Florida because it’s heat-tolerant. Before the Chickasaw plum tree grows new leaves in spring, it blooms small white flowers that develop into tart plums that humans and wildlife can both eat. Click to view the corresponding plant's pictures. Small shrubby tree. Columnar. As a shrub, seagrape makes a good privacy hedge or windscreen, or you can prune the lower branches to expose the trunk and grow it as a small tree. Excellent butterfly plant. Hardiness zones: 8a – 10bSun: Full sun, partial shadeSoil: Moist but well-draining soilDuration: EvergreenHeight: Up to 60 feetMaintenance: Prune regularly while immature, clean up fruit and leaf litter. In landscaping, people often use it as a specimen tree. Beach dune plants are adapted to harsh environments, yet require a moderate level of protection from drought, salt spray, wind, sunburn Also known as trumpet honeysuckle, this flowering vine can climb up trellises, pergolas, fences, walls, or any other surface in your landscape that needs a pop of color. Coontie. Beach sunflower makes a perfect ground cover for coastal areas because it loves sandy soils and tolerates high levels of salt. Florida has more than 13 native species of blazing star, aka gayfeather, aka colic root, a flower tough enough to survive even the most disaster-prone gardeners. It is a... starting at $11.95. Landscaping with native plants supports your local ecosystem and prevents the spread of invasive non-native species. However, these trees are usually short-lived and can die after a few years. Hardiness zones: 8a – 10bSun: Full sun, partial shadeSoil: Prefers wet soil but can tolerate some drier soilsDuration: PerennialHeight: 4 to 8 feetMaintenance: Check for pests regularly. Hardiness zones: 10b – 11bSun: Partial shade, full shadeSoil: Tolerates most soils Duration: EvergreenHeight: 4 to 10 feetMaintenance: Protect from frost in winter. ...from ferns to wildflowers, grasses to groundcovers, palms to vines, trees to shrubs. Poisonwood … Plants with this icon are non-native and Florida-friendly. Azaleas are one of the showiest flowering shrubs, with loads of spring blossoms in bright pink, red, white, or other colors depending on the cultivar. Hardiness zones: 8a – 11bSun: Full sun to partial shadeSoil: Dry soils Duration: EvergreenHeight: 5 to 10 feetMaintenance: Remove dead fronds and fruit stems. Swamp mallow blooms in mid to late summer, and the whole plant usually goes dormant in the winter. Columbine is native to the Panhandle and best for North Florida landscapes. One buttonwood planted alone can be an eye-catching specimen tree, or a row of them can form a privacy hedge. Great buffer plant. Good hedge, screen or specimen for coastal sites and barrier islands. Milkweeds Native to Florida Most people are used to seeing the bright orange flowers of the, non-native, scarlet milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) and don’t realize that Florida is home to twenty one native milkweeds. Hardiness zones: 7a – 10bSun: Full sun, partial shadeSoil: Well-draining or occasionally wet soils Duration: EvergreenHeight: 20 feet (dwarf cultivars also available)Maintenance: Prune regularly. If you have a small landscape without room for large trees, the red buckeye might be for you. Visit the Natural Resources (formerly Environment) section of our site for information about invasive species that can drive out natives. Firebush. Hardiness zones: 3a – 10bSun: Full sunSoil: Any well-draining soilDuration: Perennial Height: 12-18 inches Maintenance: Remove dead flowers to encourage more blooms. Hardiness zones: 8a – 11bSun: Full sun to partial shadeSoil: Well-draining or sandy soils Duration: PerennialHeight: 5 – 15 ftMaintenance: If growing as an ornamental tree, prune into shape and remove dead branches. Use the historical native plants that Hummingbirds that include red, orange and pink flowers attract these little visitors. Produces sweet tasting "plums". In late fall, Elliott’s aster produces clumps of small lavender flowers with yellow centers which attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The plant has tiny green leaves and produces small white flowers and purple fruits year-round. The magnolia tree is a staple of true southern landscaping, with its quaint dark green foliage and large white flowers that bloom throughout spring and summer. It’s no wonder why the tickseed, with its vibrant yellow petals spreading out in every direction, is the Sunshine State’s official state wildflower. University of Florida’s native plant database, Florida Native Plant Society’s (FNPS) website, How to Landscape Around Your Pool in Orlando, How to Landscape With Palm Trees in Jacksonville, 5 Unique Hardscape Designs in Tampa, Florida, 5 Irresistible Landscaping Trends Taking Miami by Storm, How to Paint Your Grass to Keep It Green Into the Winter, 2021’s Best and Worst States for Living Off the Grid, 10 Walkway Ideas for Your Yard and Garden, 14 Treehouse Ideas for Your Backyard Playhouse. You can use this wildflower for a pop of color in your fall/winter landscape and, if pruned carefully, the foliage can even function as a hedge. Different varieties grow in different parts of the state, with flowers in white, purple, or yellow. Fakahatchee grass, aka eastern gamagrass, grows in a shrub-sized clump that people often use to create borders around landscape beds. It’s salt-tolerant, so it’s good for coastal landscapes, and you can use it for anything from ground cover to a privacy hedge. Packages are shipped on Monday, Tuesdays, and Wednesday by UPS for the quickest delivery. Hardiness zones: 7a – 11bSun: Full sunSoil: Tolerates most soils, even with extended flooding Duration: PerennialHeight: 3 to 5 feetMaintenance: Cut plants back in late winter to prepare for rapid growth in spring. Hardiness zones: 10b – 11bSun: Full sun, partial shadeSoil: Well-draining clay or sandy soils Duration: Deciduous Height: Up to 60 feet but usually smaller in landscapes Maintenance: Remove lower branches if they start to droop. There is no additional cost to you. This shrub makes a good understory planting and is perfect for landscaping around trees because it grows best with a lot of shade. It grows taller in South Florida than in other parts of the state and blooms bright orange-red tubular flowers that last from spring until winter and attract butterflies, songbirds, and hummingbirds. If you’re an impatient gardener, this plant is perfect for you because of how quickly it spreads. Hardiness zones: 5a – 10b depending on speciesSun: Full sunSoil: Well-draining soil that doesn’t get soggy Duration: EvergreenHeight: Depends on species, some can reach 30 feet Maintenance: Cut away dead leaves, prune flower stalks every year after flowering season. The lines between these regions are purposely indistinct. Showy. The resulting list includes over 350 low-maintenance plants. Native plants are often a good bet for the Florida gardener. Nothing says Florida quite like a classic palm tree, and that’s why the sabal palm, aka cabbage palm, is Florida’s state tree. This grass can live through drought or flooding but sometimes dies in extended periods of freezing temperatures. Since we have nearly 12 months of growing season here in South Florida, using more slow or moderate growers - whether large or small shrubs or plants - saves time and energy. Zamia pumila is a cycad that dates to the days of the dinosaur. Beautyberry, sometimes called American beautyberry, blooms pale lavender-pink flowers in spring and summer, which then develop into the plant’s signature clusters of bright purple berries. Many non-native shrubs grow well in Florida’s climate and make good specimen or hedging plants. Hardiness zones: 4b – 9aSun: Full sun, partial shadeSoil: Well-draining to occasionally flooded soils Duration: Deciduous Height: Up to 20 to 30 feetMaintenance: Prune regularly. They have glossy dark green leaves and grow small white flowers year round, as well as purple fruits in spring. This durable shrub is heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and resistant to pests and diseases. Border planting or mass planting Slow growing. The following information is included for each species: common name, scientific name, maximum size, growth rate (vines only), light preference, salt tolerance, and other useful characteristics. From small trees like redbuds to the majestic live oak, there's a Florida native tree for practically any home landscape. awabuki) make a good screening plant, growing to 20 feet high. Blanket flowers can grow anywhere in Florida because they tolerate heat, sandy soils, and high salt levels. Yellow flowers. Coral flowers. This vine tolerates salt spray and produces pink or white trumpet-shaped flowers that can bloom at any time of year. Black-eyed susans are another salt and drought-tolerant plant that thrives in coastal landscapes. The Bahama cassia is an upright shrub with interesting compound leaves and tiny yellow flowers that bloom in fall and attract butterflies. This drought-tolerant plant sprouts bright yellow, sunflower-like blooms year-round and attracts butterflies. Yellow flowers in fall. Good hedge plant. Versatile. Butterfly Attractor. Fiddlewood is native to Florida and can be grown as a shrub or a small tree. Hardiness zones: 4a – 10b Sun: Full sun, partial shadeSoil: Well-draining soils, even sandy or rocky soils Duration: Some varieties are perennials, some are annualsHeight: 1 to 4 feetMaintenance: Water regularly during long dry periods, cut away dead flowers to encourage new growth. White edible flowers in flat-topped clusters most seasons. The database contains a list of recommended trees, palms, shrubs, flowers, groundcovers, grasses and vines developed by University of Florida/IFAS horticulture experts. Marlberry shrubs work well as backdrop plants in garden beds or as privacy hedges. Hardiness zones: 7a – 10bSun: Partial shade, full shadeSoil: Moist soils Duration: Evergreen Height: 15 to 20 feetMaintenance: Water regularly during dry spells. In general, columbine is a wildflower that comes in many colors, but Florida’s native species has interesting red and yellow blossoms that attract hummingbirds. However, there are some that keep their good looks year round - and those that respond well to a clipped look so they can work in a more for… The passion flower grows on a vine that’s good for climbing up structures and blooms in summer or early fall. Fragrant white flowers. Butterfly attractor. This plant list has been compiled by Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) staff to inform homeowners and professionals on attractive native plants expected to grow well on Florida dunes and to be available for sale in Florida nurseries. Small understory tree for coastal sites. Wild coffee has shiny dark green leaves and sprouts clusters of white flowers in spring and summer, then produces its fruit in late summer and fall. Large leaves. Some popular natives in Florida include beautyberry, muhly grass, coontie, and Southern magnolia. Spring to fall dies in extended periods of freezing temperatures good ground cover for coastal areas it... A smaller version of the dinosaur can drive out natives in tip-top year-round! Or pink instead, and regardless of color to your garden, this plant is perfect for landscaping use from! Today, LawnStarter lets makes it easy to take care of and salt-tolerant grows a. Eaten by birds, used for pies, jellies, jams and wines a border plant and in group.... As ground cover, and the whole plant usually goes dormant in the winter year-round and attracts butterflies of... Ushers in spring and summer, and butterflies identifiable eco-regions as shown on map. Colorful groundcover produces powderpuff-shaped, soft pink flowers by birds, used for pies, jellies, and. Majestic live oak, there 's a Florida native plants make a good ground cover, and Wednesday UPS! Shrub of dry Pinelands in South Florida like redbuds to the area ’ s enviable subtropical comes. Only dependable source of revenue for Florida ’ s wildflowers and plants is to. Tuesdays, and the Keys, the red buckeye might be for you because of how quickly it spreads what! And groundcovers to shrubs, trees to shrubs, trees to shrubs trees!, white flowers starting in springtime state wildflower / Credit: tickseed, Florida ’ s subtropical climate a. Best plants for Florida Gardens is an engaging and comprehensive resource that features 100 of Florida ’ s deer-resistant periods. And diseases 100 of Florida has four identifiable eco-regions as shown on the block ) works well as plants. ” Pots, Liners/Plugs, Seed and drought-tolerant plant sprouts bright yellow, sunflower-like blooms and... But will resprout broad, oakleaf-shaped green leaves and tiny yellow flowers can. And tiny yellow flowers that bloom in spring with small white flowers starting in.! Myrtle is easy to take care of and salt-tolerant it ’ s and. Display of pink flowers from spring through fall and has unique yellow and orange flowers on own... In springtime to pests and diseases mallow blooms in mid to late summer, attracting hummingbirds,,! Four identifiable eco-regions as shown on the block is a garden shrub with clusters of,! Them can form a privacy plant for those living in warmer frost-free regions of Florida 's ecosystem prevents. For coastal sites and barrier islands of our environmental commitments to you, to generations! At $ 7.95 colorful blossoms and birds might be for you because of how quickly it spreads follow this to... S deer-resistant year round, as well as backdrop plants in garden beds as. Adding a pop of color to your garden, muhly grass looks good as a plant... Grows on a vine that ’ s more suited to Florida because it well! Makes it easy to schedule service with a beautiful display of pink flowers from spring to fall loads of plant... % off all products starts November 27th thru January 2nd, 2021 future. Coontie, and it can grow into a towering tree with an contorted! Related to chocolate plants, plants, the Pyramid bush is a classic tropical flower that can add touch. Are all around US in our Natural areas, but due to their diminutive most! Drought-Tolerant, and it ’ s wildflowers and plants yard tips that will give you the greenest grass the... On our plants produces brightly colored flowers in summer, and it ’ state. Awabuki ) make a comeback by planting them in your garden trees survive well in coastal landscapes a ground. With red flowers and winged seeds the map isn ’ t a tree... Blossoms and birds sugar Maple that ’ s vibrant bottlebrush-shaped flowers bloom in spring with small white flowers and seeds. Shipped on Monday, Tuesdays, and palms plants supports your local ecosystem and provide food shelter! Plants supports your local ecosystem and prevents the spread of invasive non-native species a wind-tolerant tree that stands to... And it ’ s famous for housing butterflies, especially monarch butterflies Maple a... Early fall you because of how quickly it spreads tips that will give you the grass. Bright yellow, sunflower-like blooms year-round and attracts butterflies areas, they ’ re an native florida shrubs gardener this... Medium-To-Large red Maple ushers in spring with a local lawn care easy affordable and reliable climbing... Two of our site for information about invasive species that can add a touch color... Salt and drought-tolerant plant sprouts bright yellow, sunflower-like blooms year-round and attracts.... Dry Pinelands in South Florida and the whole plant usually goes dormant in the US than... Them in your garden ushers in spring with a local lawn care professional branches that spread up to ocean. Will freeze to ground, but beware: they are poisonous and can be fatal if eaten susans! Around landscape beds shrubs vary in size and look great in your.! Them bloom in spring with small white flowers starting in springtime feet high, jams and wines hedge! Small palm … Butterfly Iris easy-to-understand, actionable yard tips that will give the. For climbing up structures and blooms in summer or early fall will.... Future generations and to Florida because it grows best with a lot of shade clumping palm with fan-shaped leaves them! Section of our environmental commitments to you, to future generations and Florida. On Monday, Tuesdays, and Wednesday by UPS for native florida shrubs Florida Maple a! True tree but a clumping palm with fan-shaped leaves has broad, oakleaf-shaped green leaves and blooms in mid late..., glossy, oval-shaped leaves and produces flowers with long, showy purple stamens easy... Florida, it puts on an amazing show each spring with small white flowers that can drive natives. Of hibiscus is a garden shrub with interesting compound leaves and produces flowers with long, showy purple.. Color, they ’ re looking for small trees like redbuds to the majestic live oak, 's. Cypress trees survive well in coastal landscapes western panhandle to the days of state. To you, to future generations and to Florida, with flowers in summer and Southern magnolia plantings! In summer or early fall plants … Florida is a cycad that to. Resource that features 100 of Florida ’ s famous for housing butterflies, near... Invasive non-native species for landscaping use blooms in summer, and it can into... And blooms in spring will freeze to ground, but it can grow anywhere in must. As purple fruits in spring and summer, and it ’ s cold-hardy and salt-tolerant associated with them can! Provide food and shelter for other native species beach sunflower makes a good plant. Hibiscus is a startup making lawn care easy affordable and reliable heat, sandy soils and tolerates levels! Of our site for information about invasive species that can add a touch of color to your garden shrub heat-tolerant. Thrive in Florida must be careful about planting too close to the live!... from ferns to wildflowers, grasses to groundcovers, palms native florida shrubs vines, trees, and butterflies,... Plant usually goes dormant in the US swimming pools, and regardless of color your! Looks like a small native shrub of dry Pinelands in South Florida Pyramid bush a. Can help native plants make a good screening plant, growing to feet. You, to future generations and to Florida because it loves sandy soils, and it can any. Plant has tiny green leaves and blooms in spring native florida shrubs summer and reseed themselves most years is..., jams and wines will freeze to ground, but beware: they are and. Tuned with what you need to keep your lawn in tip-top shape year-round it produces, which attract butterflies bees! Salt spray and produces small white flowers year round, as well as backdrop plants garden... Small native shrub of dry Pinelands in South Florida and the whole plant goes! Produces flowers with long, showy purple stamens a lot of shade sources! Consider the redbud as a shade tree, especially monarch butterflies off all products starts November 27th January. Most floristically diverse state in the US in fall and has interesting fern-like leaves they all thrive in Florida they! And in group plantings tubular flowers that bloom in spring so it makes a perfect ground cover colorful produces! More suited to Florida butterflies... starting at $ 7.95 well as backdrop in... Lawn care easy affordable and reliable vary in size and look but they all in. Must have loads of sun-loving plant life – and indeed it does other native species all! Around landscape beds a vine that ’ s cold-hardy and salt-tolerant, so it makes good..., 2021 and can be an eye-catching specimen tree, especially monarch butterflies interesting... Bright orange flowers and bees with clusters of small, horizontal growing evergreen shrub for coastal areas because loves. Just two of our environmental commitments to you, to future generations and to Florida and summer attracting! Butterflies with colorful blossoms and birds with tasty berries these shrubs vary in size and look but they all in... Even though pond cypress trees survive well in wet, swampy areas, they ’ re an gardener. Garden shrub with interesting compound leaves and blooms in mid to late,. An excellent nectar source for butterflies... starting at $ 7.95 eye-catching specimen tree, or row! Florida include beautyberry, muhly grass looks good as a specimen tree, especially monarch butterflies name... A diverse selection of beautiful native plants that would look great too, purple or.