Guide to Native Florida Plants for Landscaping
Landscape design requires a thoughtful approach to gardening. By cultivating a healthy ecosystem that can thrive in your area and benefit the broader environment, you can support biodiversity and minimize your own workload. So, what native Florida plants for landscaping should you grow? In this guide, we’ll discuss what it means for a plant to be native and how these species can improve your yard.
What makes a plant native to Florida?
Not all landscaping plants in your neighborhood nursery are native to Florida, but what does that really mean? Let’s cover the features that define native flora.
Historical presence
Most people consider landscaping plants to be native to Florida if they’ve been growing here since the pre-Columbian era. These long-standing locals are more likely to contribute to various ecosystems rather than strip the land of resources.
Naturally occurring
Native plants generally refer to those that evolved in Florida’s unique ecosystems, adapting to the climate and weather patterns over millennia.
Ecological significance
When you incorporate native plants into your Florida landscape design, you support beneficial insects, improve diversity, and cultivate a habitat where many species can flourish. These plants may serve as hosts for other creatures, as homes for pollinators, or as valuable nutrient sources for the soil.
Local climate adaptation
Native plants easily grow and reproduce in the wild without human intervention. They don’t just survive the hot Florida sun, sandy soil, and salty air. They can thrive under these conditions.
And as you grow more of these adaptable plants into your landscape, placing drought-tolerant, shade-loving, and salt-resistant species in the right microclimate, you can spend less time and resources trying to meet their needs.
Native plants vs naturalized plants
While native plants evolved naturally in Florida, naturalized plants are those that were originally introduced by people from other locations (either intentionally or accidentally). Some naturalized species may support local ecosystems, but others are invasive and compete with natives for limited resources, turning once prevalent specimens into endangered species.
Related: What Is Permaculture and How Does It Work in Landscaping?
Must-have native Florida plants for landscaping
Outfitting your garden with native Florida plants can help you maximize your curb appeal in every season. Here are some important species to consider:
Flowers
Blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella): Red and yellow daisy-like flowers. Heat-, drought-, and salt-tolerant. Bloom from spring to fall.
Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.): Florida’s state wildflower. Yellow blossoms that attract butterflies.
Beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis): Sprawling ground cover with yellow blooms. Ideal for sandy soils and coastal climates.
Tropical sage (Salvia coccinea): Colorful flowers that draw hummingbirds and butterflies. May bloom year-round in South Florida.
Shrubs
Firebush (Hamelia patens): Drought-tolerant perennial that attracts hummingbirds.
Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans): Evergreen hedge with fragrant white flowers and orange berries.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens): Slow-growing natives with fan-shaped foliage. Important nectar source for bees.
Trees
Live oak (Quercus virginiana): Iconic shade tree that supports hundreds of wildlife species.
Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana): Semi-evergreen in southern hardiness zones with attractive lemon-scented flowers.
Slash pine (Pinus elliottii): Mature trees provide shelter for birds and mammals.
Grasses
Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris): Drought-tolerant ornamental with pink-purple plumes in late fall.
Fakahatchee Grass (Tripsacum dactyloides): Clumping grass growing to a height of 6 feet. Often used in rain gardens.
Elliott’s Lovegrass (Eragrostis elliottii): Fine, soft grass that thrives in dry, sandy soils.
Related: Plants That Attract Butterflies to Your Florida Garden
Benefits of landscaping with Florida native plants
Now, let’s discuss a few great reasons to incorporate native Florida plants into your landscaping design.
Low maintenance
Native plants are a smart, sustainable option for any Florida landscape because they’re already acclimated to the local climate. They tend to require less fertilizer, minimal pruning, and fewer to no pesticide applications, thanks to the beneficial relationships developed with other native plants and animals over thousands of years.
Long-term resilience
Non-native species often demand more attention and hands-on care to survive Florida’s heavy rains, droughts, and intense summer sun. On the other hand, natives have evolved to thrive in these conditions for long-term resilience.
Water conservation
Once established, many native plants rarely need supplemental watering, which reduces strain on municipal water supplies and irrigation systems. Drought-resistant species may survive on the occasional deluge between periods of clear skies.
Beneficial to native wildlife
Native Florida plants support other species throughout the landscape by providing nectar, berries, seeds, shade, and shelter. Various plants may benefit birds, bees, butterflies, and even small mammals.
Support biodiversity
Sterile environments full of non-native plants are typically more vulnerable to pest infestations, disease outbreaks, and fungal infections that can wipe out the entire ecosystem. However, the intrinsic biodiversity in native plant landscapes supports natural defenses against these problems for a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.
Related: Tips for Designing the Perfect Permaculture Garden in Florida
Create a thriving landscape this summer with the pros at Soil & Bloom!
At Soil & Bloom, we design eco-conscious landscapes of every size using native Florida plants that thrive in your location. Our knowledgeable team can help you select robust species that thrive in North, Central, and South Florida for a garden that supports the entire ecosystem. Get started today with a free estimate!
