Colorful Plants For Florida Landscapes
Jun 04th 2020
The high concentrations of humidity, precipitation, and sunlight make Gainesville a great place to have a thriving garden filled with local, colorful plants. Florida friendly plants are also great for the ecosystem, preserving local biodiversity and requiring less water and maintenance than their non-native counterparts. Whether it’s for a commercial or residential property, there are plenty of vibrant plants perfect for landscaping in Gainesville, FL.
Call Evergreen Lawn Care for help with adding extra brightness to your lawn year-round. Contact us to schedule lawn care services today!
Firebush
A very heat-tolerant plant, the Firebush has very little trouble growing throughout the greater Gainesville region. The bright red flowers associated with a blooming Firebush are a great addition to any butterfly garden, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies alike.
These hearty plants typically grow to be approximately 7 feet tall and prefer access to lots of sunlight and regular watering. The Firebush grows best in well-drained soil. Firebush grows throughout the year in North Central Florida, so consider our Gainesville lawn care services to keep your Firebush well-maintained.
Plumbago
Plumbagos bloom year-round and mix well with other plants throughout a home’s or business’ landscape. Producing clusters of flowers sky-blue in color, Plumbagos offer a striking contrast to any yard or garden with prominent tones of green.
These flowers are also full of nectar, making them a great tool for attracting local butterflies and hummingbirds. This sun-loving shrub grows both quickly and easily, only needing regular watering and occasional pruning to help with flower blooming. Expect for your Plumbagos to grow to be up to 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
Salvias
Another constant bloomer, Salvias produce a wide array of colors — scarlet, purple, blue, white, yellow, pink, red, and various color blends are all possible. Salvias come in both annual and perennial species. Whether you prefer a constant bloom and replant cycle or a short burst of color with little maintenance, Salvias are ideal for gardeners of any skill level.
The characteristics of Salvias are as varied as the plant’s color palette, meaning the growth, flower color, blooming season, and cold tolerance are all dependent on the specific salvia.
Despite these differences, Salvias tend to grow quickly and usually end-up reaching 4 feet in height and approximately 3 feet in width. These diverse plants are a great way to quickly add a spurt of green and color to any yard or business.
Begonias
This small flower can make a big impression with its various colors, shapes, and sizes. Begonias are the epitome of easy flowers — they love partial sun and shade, and thrive on the edge of gardens as much as they do when planted inside. With little insect or disease problems, these plants make a beautiful addition to a butterfly or hummingbird garden.
Plant Begonias in a rich, slightly moist soil and fertilize throughout the year for best results. Begonias don’t love the cold, though, so during winter, prepare for frost, pot them for the inside, or plant them in the early spring when the seasonal warmth returns.
Pentas
These summer-loving bloomers are both colorful and loved by butterflies, making them a perfect addition to a butterfly garden in Gainesville, FL. These star-shaped flowers develop in a wide range of hues, ranging from deep reds and maroons to lighter purples and lavenders. Full sun and well-drained soil is preferred for Pentas.
These plants can grow to be up to 3 feet in height and about 15 inches in width. Winter can be rough for these little guys, but they usually make it through the cold.
Pentas will typically see some form of dieback, so take precaution when winter rolls around or consider recruiting our Gainesville landscapers to help keep your Pentas healthy.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis are a great holiday plant that can grow nearly anywhere. Another perennial bloomer, when Amaryllis blooms it brings dazzling red flowers on top of a tall stem that features thin green leaves. These flowers typically bloom right before spring, and they like to be planted outdoors between the months of September and January.
Partial exposure to sunlight and well-draining soil work best for these radiant red flowers. While their bloom is short-lived, these flowers can also make great gifts, as they likewise thrive when potted and kept indoors.
