Florida is known to be the sunshine State and justifies its name on all levels. There are innumerable options of flowers to choose from that can easily withstand Florida’s intense heat and humid conditions.
However, if you have a little gardening experience, growing flowers anywhere in the world is not difficult. You will see flowers filling your garden all year round, even in Florida. The most crucial part is selecting the right flowers for your landscape.
As we know, Florida’s weather is not suitable for all plants, and you have to be extra cautious while choosing the flowers that can flourish there.
Florida gives home to perennial and annual flowers, provided they are hardy enough to survive Florida’s heat. However, there are many plants you can decide from as per your choice.
In this article, you will see your problems solved, and by the end, you will know what flowers to buy from your nearest nursery.
Read thoroughly to understand the needs of the suggested plants, and start your flower garden today.
Mexican petunia
Mexican petunia is named so because of its petunia-like blooms. Its dark green leaves spread quickly, and the plant multiplies through self-seeding. It is invasive and perfect as ground cover or to cover bare spaces. They don’t ask for much attention once established and are the ideal choice to grow in Florida.
Light: Mexican petunias grow best in full sunlight. They will develop in partial shade, too but have fewer blooms. Keeping them in the shade for extended periods will deter their growth, especially when young.
Watering: Watering Mexican petunias at frequent intervals will encourage their growth and development. Though it doesn’t mean you mindlessly water it leading to soggy soil. However, this plant is known to be tough and can survive both drought and flooding.
Fertilizer: Mexican petunia is an easy-growing plant. It can thrive without feeding, mainly. If you see it endeavoring, feed it once with balanced liquid fertilizer.
General care: Mexican petunia is highly tolerant to heat and drought. It can outperform almost any condition once matured. However, it is not cold hardy and needs protection during cold climates. Also, deadheading is appreciated as it encourages more flowering.
Firebush
Firebush features tubular flowers in orange-red with green leaves, looking like fire. Its fast-growing pace adds several feet each year. It exhibits bloom from spring throughout autumn. It is a favorite amongst gardeners, especially those who want a tropical touch.
Light: Firebush, to produce abundant blooms, needs ample sunlight. Six hours of sunshine on most days is appreciated and required for the best blooming. However, they will grow in partial shade too.
Watering: Water Firebush frequently while growing up from seed or cutting. It becomes drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply and allow the excess moisture to drain out. Let the soil dry out before the next drink.
Fertilizer: Firebush is a light feeder and can prevail even without food. However, adding flower fertilizer to the plant in the spring will encourage its blooming.
General care: Firebush being a tropical plant, loves high temperatures and can withstand humid conditions. It is not a cold weather-loving plant, so it needs some protection when temperatures go below 40°F. Prune the plant during its growing season to keep it and its size.
Persian shield
Persian shield is named after its vibrant purple-colored foliage, although this plant is native to Myanmar and not Persia. It is loved even more because it blooms in winter, lighting your winter garden. It grows at high speed, especially in warm weather. Its purple fades away with time and is often eliminated after a few years.
Light: Persian shield prefers dappled lighting, or indirect bright light throughout the day is also good enough. They will perform well in partial shade, also showing off their foliage. Some morning direct sun is also admired for maintaining the plant’s color.
Watering: Watering the Persian shield adequately is crucial to keep it bouncing and healthy. Depending on the environment, maintain a watering schedule to keep its soil evenly moist. If the plant is wilting, it means it needs a drink.
Fertilizer: Feed the Persian shield monthly with a balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer for healthy foliage. Though plants growing in rich soil need watering only at the beginning and midway through summer.
General care: Persian shield thrives in warm weather and humid air. It may die back in winter but return in spring. Dry air leads to drooping; hence misting is advised to maintain moist conditions.
Lantana
Lantana is a popular flowering plant featuring clusters of tiny flowers in multiple colors. Also, its woody branches add uniqueness to the plant’s look. It can be grown in containers or as ground covers. It has a citrusy aroma, and its nectar attracts bees and butterflies.
Light: Lantana has the best flowering when exposed to the full sun daily. Its flowering will wane in shady locations. Provide it with at least six hours of sunlight on most days.
Watering: Water the lantana once a week and ensure the roots are also getting watered. After watering it, let the excess water drain out and water next only when the soil is dry from the top. If there are fewer blooms, check your watering regime.
Fertilizer: Lantana growing in the ground needs much less feeding than those growing in containers. Feed it once in the spring with a balanced fertilizer when growing in the environment. For plants growing in containers, use balanced liquid fertilizer to feed them monthly.
General care: Lantana performs well in medium temperatures and above. This plant will struggle if the temperature drops below 28°F or is in the cold for a prolonged period. Pruning lantana helps facilitate branching and blooming.
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Pentas
Pentas are shrubs with star-shaped flowers in clusters. It blooms for a long time and attracts butterflies in your garden. It looks wonderful and grows up to 3 feet. They will bloom for more extended periods if kept in ideal conditions.
Light: Pentas are sun-loving; a sunny spot is needed for the best performance. Keep in full sun for at least six hours a day and in the shade when the sun is very scorching.
Watering: Water Pentas regularly to keep the soil hydrated. Ensure that the soil is not sitting in water. Though the plant tolerates, short dry spells and a long drought period can stress the plant. Water the plant and allow the excess water to drain out.
Fertilizer: Feed Pentas monthly during their growing season with balanced flower food. Feeding with fertilizers high in phosphorus and nitrogen will boost plants blooming and overall growth.
General care: Pentas prefer heat and a humid environment. Those growing in warm temperatures will have the best blooms. Prune them when there is no or at least blooming production.
Butterfly bush
The butterfly bush is a tough plant in multiple colors in long stalks. By growing this plant, be ready to welcome butterflies in the garden. It is also considered an invasive species due to its self-seeding. It is fast growing and reaches maturity in a single growing period. Even storms cannot move these plants; they will keep smiling in unfavorable conditions, pests, drought, stress, etc.
Light: Butterfly bush inclines toward the sunny location to grow and flower fully. They will become weedy if grown in low light conditions for too long.
Watering: Water butterfly bush in even intervals to keep its soil invariably moist but never soggy. It will neither enjoy drought nor too much watering. Balancing is the key to its victorious growth and flowering.
Fertilizer: Butterfly bush is a light feeder, or you can say it expects no feeding. Adding compost in the root zone in the spring is more than enough for the plant’s growth.
General care: Butterfly bush prospers in warm temperatures. However, it cannot tolerate low temperatures and may die in winter. Trim faded spikes after flowering to promote prolonged blooming periods, and trimming the plant to the ground level results in strenuous growth and abundant flowering.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis has several species with different needs which can fill every garden. They will make it through Florida’s hot and humid conditions, provided you choose the suitable type. They will make a great border plant featuring bright blooms throughout the summer. Bees and butterflies will always be seen hanging around these flowers. Plant them only after the risk of frost has passed.
Light: Coreopsis is a sun-loving plant and demands 6 hours of direct sun on most days. During burning weather, keep the plant under shade to avoid sunburn. They will become lanky and flappy if grown in partial shade for a prolonged period.
Watering: Water young coreopsis daily until well established. Once matured, they become drought tolerant but flourish with regular watering. Soak the plant with water and allow it to dry about halfway. Always ensure proper drainage to avoid sogginess.
Fertilizer: Coreopsis is easygoing and does not demand any supplemental feeding. Feeding is only required if they are growing in inferior soil. If you wish, you can nourish them with compost in the spring season. Avoid too much feeding as it will facilitate foliage growth, jeopardizing flowering.
General care: Coreopsis develops well in temperatures between 70 and 80°F. Different varieties have different needs; whether they can tolerate cold depends on the type you are growing. Please keep them in proper ventilation; they will survive all humidity levels.
Gerbera
Gerbera with large flower heads and ray-like petals come in striking colors. It grows at a moderate speed and flowers throughout the summer. Plant gerbera in containers, flower beds, etc., for a beautiful view. It is the perfect choice to grow in Florida.
Light: Gerbera can be grown in full sun but needs protection from hot summer afternoons. I am keeping it in a spot with enough sunlight, and the harsh sun is perfect.
Watering: Water gerbera with a cup when the soil is dry up to a few inches deep. This allows the soil to stay evenly moist and prevents sogginess. Adequate watering when the plant is young is crucial for plant growth and expansion. Avoid watering gerbera during winters, as gerbera is overwintered and needs watering only once a month.
Fertilizer: Feed gerbera with a liquid fertilizer monthly for prolonged flowering. Always follow the instructions on the label for the right amount of dosage. You can also add compost around the roots of the plant. If gerbera is growing in rich soil, you can avoid feeding altogether.
General care: Gerbera prefers warm to cool temperatures. It needs some winter protection if grown in pots as annuals. It can grow in all humid conditions and prefers good airflow. Deadhead faded flowers for lengthened flowering.
Red salvia
Red salvia produces striking flowers that exhibit an authentic look when grouped. Its dark-green foliage is fragrant and disliked by deer and rabbits. It can be grown in pots, as bedding plants, or in a row as per your wish. With simple care requirements, this plant will amp up your garden home from summer through fall. It proliferates, reaching up to 30 inches in height.
Light: Red salvia blooms and develops best if they receive at least 6 hours daily. It can grow in partial shade, too but might have fewer blooms.
Watering: Water red salvia regularly; you can use a watering schedule to avoid drying out the plant. Change the routine according to the weather. It is always best to check the soil moisture before watering it to prevent water-related issues.
Fertilizer: Feed red salvia with a well-balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. It will do well even without feeding, but if you wish, springtime feeding is enough.
General care: Being a temperature-sensitive plant, red salvia struggles in areas with frequent temperature instabilities. It prefers warm temperatures and suffers from frost. It cannot take temperatures below 32°F for a long span. It can grow in all humidity levels. Remove faded blooms by pinching them down to the bottom. It helps in prolonged blooming and a bountiful look.
Duranta
Duranta features green 2 inches long leaves and clusters of blue, violet, or white flowers. It can reach up to 15 feet in height in a favorable environment. It also bears berries in the falls that are considered toxic to humans and pets. However, birds are seen eating it without any ill effects.
Light: Duranta prefers the full sun as it needs the energy to grow blooms and berries. Growing duranta in low light will make the plant leggy and sparse.
Watering: Water duranta regularly when it is young for a robust root system. When grown outdoors, the plant needs water weekly to stay evenly moist. Keep checking the soil moisture before watering to avoid over and under-watering.
Fertilizer: Duranta is a light feeder that may thrive without supplemental feeding. However, you can use well-balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing period. It is best to feed the plant only if it grows in lean and inferior soil.
General care: Duranta thrives in hot temperatures,s and even the most desirable weather cannot stop it. It is advised to protect the plant when the temperature goes below 40°F, especially outdoor plants. Duranta can thrive in both dry and humid environments. Pruning helps to keep the plant size in control. Trim back the plant in winter to boost new growth in the spring.
Dwarf morning glory
Dwarf morning glory is a sturdy plant with blue blooms and silver-green foliage. Its nectar-rich colors draw the attention of beautiful bees and butterflies. Its blooming time is from late spring till the first frost. It can be grown as ground cover, in containers, or on borders. This fast-growing plant will mature rapidly and flower within a few weeks of planting.
Sunlight: Dwarf morning glory has the best foliage and blooms when kept in full sun most days. Plants growing in low light or shade for too long can become leggy and clean with fewer blooms and more dullness.
Watering: Dwarf morning glory prefers moist soil but does prefer to sit in soggy soil. Watering the plant right is crucial for its health and growth. Water it every few days and check the ground before watering to avoid over-watering issues. Watering also depends on the soil mix the plant is growing in. If the soil is dense, it will require watering less frequently. Dwarf morning glory is drought tolerant and can live in neglect too.
Fertilizer: Fertilize dwarf morning glory every month throughout spring and summer. Use a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer to feed it by diluting it to half the recommended strength. Avoid feeding it in the winter.
General care: Dwarf morning glory thrives in temperatures above 65°F and flourishes in the summer heat. It has a low cold tolerance and cannot withstand mild frost. It can thrive in all humidity levels. Pinching its stems helps in bushier growth. As fall approaches, it is best to prune the plant to encourage new growth with good looks.
Rainbow Lewisia
Rainbow lewisia is a low-profile plant known for its luscious green foliage. Its blooms come in several hues, from magenta to salmon and yellow and white. It grows at a moderate speed and reaches heights up to 8 inches.
Sunlight: Rainbow lewisia grows best in full sun. However, it enjoys some shade in the summer afternoon.
Watering: Water rainbow lewisia only when its soil is halfway dry. Though the plant is drought tolerant, it is good to water it during hot weather and while it is blooming. However, look for the roots, as it is easily prone to crown rot. Ensure the excess water is draining out properly after each watering.
Fertilizer: Rainbow lewisia can grow and flower without feeding. Feeding during its flowering helps in abundant flowering and fuller plants.
General care: Rainbow lewisia prefers temperature levels ranging from 65°F to 75°F. Deadheading after flowering is good for the plant to stimulate further flowering.
Canna lily
Canna lilies feature huge banana-like leaves and come in various varieties with different-sized flowers, variegated leaves, etc. They have especially become popular due to their large leaves in multiple colors like green, bronze, and blue-green, some with variegation, stripes, etc. They take a short period to sprout and flower at full speed in the first year.
Sunlight: Canna lily is a sun-loving plant that is crucial for its growth. Though some afternoon shade during hot summer is good to sustain flowers. Also, proper watering must go hand in hand with total sun exposure.
Watering: Cannas appreciate consistent watering, especially during hot weather. They like evenly moist soil but not drowning earth. Their leaves may tear or crack due to dehydration. Keep a check on the soil and water when the soil feels dry up to a few inches from the top.
Fertilizer: Cannas are heavy feeders and will have the best growth with proper nutrition. Feed them with a balanced fertilizer starting from early spring to mid-summer. Use the amount as given on the label and not more. Adequate watering is essential to allow the fertilizer to distribute evenly in the soil.
General care: Cannas prefer a warm climate, and in calm weather, they bloom slowly. Move them indoors before the last frost date when they are actively growing for earlier blooms. They like humidity, but they can withstand arid conditions with proper watering. Pinch faded flowers for prolonged blooming.
The oyster plant
The oyster plant being a compact, beautiful plant, grows well in pots giving a little experience in indoor planting. However, it can be grown both outdoors and indoors. Its glossy foliage with white and pink flowers is eye-catching in a good rosette form. It proliferates and is most successful when planted in early spring.
Sunlight: The oyster plant develops best in bright indirect sunlight. If you wish to grow it in full sun, consider protecting the plant from the afternoon sun. Choose a bright spot on your house to have glossy and vibrant foliage.
Watering: Water oyster plants when their soil feels dry from the top few inches. Ensure proper drainage and prevent any overwatering conditions. Being a drought-tolerant plant, you can also skip watering sessions. Avoid watering the plant during winter as the plant goes dormant.
Fertilizer: Feed the oyster plant with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during its growing season. However, feeding with the correct dosage is essential to avoid leaf browning. Too much fertilizer can also gradually kill the plant.
General care: The oyster plant is happiest in temperatures between 55 and 80°F. Keep the plant in stable temperatures and prevent it from cold and hot drafts.
It also demands humidity to stay healthy. You can use a pebble tray filled with water to raise the humidity around the plant. Remove dead leaves; no special pruning is required.
Fan Flower
Fan Flower is a warm-weather-loving plant that will fill your pots and window boxes with blue-colored fan-shaped blooms from summer to frost. Due to its high heat tolerant characteristics, it will serve the baldness of your garden even in the most elevated temperatures. You can buy its seeds from a nursery or directly from the plant and plant it in the spring. Being a hardy plant, it is not easily prone to diseases, pests attack, etc.
Sunlight: Fan flowers demand full sunshine for the best growth and blooms. It is a sun-loving plant and will diminish in low light or shade. However, some shade is good if the plant grows in hot and dry areas.
Watering: Water fan flowers occasionally or when the soil is dry from the top. It is drought-tolerant and demands only occasional watering, which goes a long way. Watering too much or keeping the ground soggy may give birth to fungal diseases and root rot and attract fungus gnats.
Fertilizer: A flowering plant can grow without any feeding. Providing them with balanced flower food once a month will give the plant a healthy boost of nutrients.
General care: Fan flowers flourish in high temperatures. It prefers temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F. Though, it welcomes both higher temperatures and high humidity wholeheartedly. If the plant is growing at a temperature below 60°F for an extended period, its flowering can slow down or even stop. Keep the plant tidy by occasionally trimming it from here and there, and it also encourages branching, resulting in compact, bushy plants.