A South Florida native plant is a species that existed in the state before European settlers arrived here. They are indigenous to the area and have not been altered by human contact. Many people often mistake other plants that were introduced to South Florida long ago by various means for native plants.           

These plants, while not native to Florida, grow on their own and intermingle with the indigenous species. Take a look at the benefits of native plants before you buy anything else.

Why You Should Consider Installing Native Plants

Why You Should Consider Installing Native PlantsInstead of installing trees, flowers, shrubs, and groundcovers that just look appealing, consider the benefits of native plants for your landscaping.

  • They are beautiful and sustainable in this climate.
  • Native plants help preserve the natural atmosphere of Florida.
  • They help conserve groundwater.
  • Native species support bees, animals, and other life. 
  • When planted correctly, they minimize the use of fertilizer.

Planting species native to other states and countries is more of a challenge. We recommend starting with what grows well here. Look at these additional benefits of natives:

  • They help support the local economy through tourism.
  • Native plants may reduce the use of herbicides and pesticides.
  • You may find more affordable prices for these species. 
  • Landscaping installation professionals understand them better. 

Now that we have gone through the advantages of native plants, it’s time to choose some plants.

Native Landscapes That Will Wow Your Neighbors

A well-constructed landscape made up of native plants adds beauty, pleasure, and value to your property. Your first consideration is what it will mean to you. A secondary thought is what it will add to your neighborhood. Neighbors and passersby will be awed by a fabulous property adorned with jaw-dropping native trees, flowers, shrubs, or groundcover plants.

Consider this list of flowers that are known to be native and will thrive in your garden:

  • Leather Fern, Southern Maidenhair Fern, Century Plant, Swamp Fern
  • Amaranth, Milkweed, PawPaw, Elephant Ears, Bromeliads, Canna Lily
  • Tickseed, Crinum Lily, Flax Lily, Twin Flower, Purple Cone Flower
  • Blanket Flower, Swamp Sunflower, Beach Sunflower, Spider Lily

Trees are a staple of Florida landscapes and deserve a place in your garden a well. Some of the best native varieties include:

  • Sweet Acacia, Red Maple, Marlberry, Black Mangrove, Groundsel Tree
  • Gumbo Limbo, Wild Cinnamon, Jamaica Caper Tree, Satinleaf, Fiddlewood
  • Pigeonplum, Seagrape, Buttonwood, Swamp Dogwood, Hopbush, Stoppers
  • Strangler Fig, Shortleaf Fig, Florida Privet, East Palatka Holly

Review this complete list of plants, both native and non-native to Florida, that includes flowers, trees, shrubs, grasses, ivies, groundcovers, and palms. Enter the variable you wish to include, and it will generate a list of plants and suggestions to discuss with your plant pros.

Xeriscaping for a Beautiful Drought-Resistant Landscape

Xeriscaping for a Beautiful Drought-Resistant LandscapeXeriscaping was developed specifically for areas that experience little annual rainfall and occasional droughts. This type of gardening calls for selecting the right plants and arranging them in a landscape project that maximizes water capture and retention. Proper care of these tough plants will keep them drought tolerant for the drier months and promote sustainability. 

Choosing the best native Florida plants saves money, time, and resources. Remember: you must maintain native plant landscapes regularly, just like any other species. One tip is to select those that are salt-tolerant because some areas have a lot of salt in the water and soil. Plants that work well in a xeriscape garden attract bees and butterflies that act as pollinators. So, which plants do you choose for xeriscaping your landscape?

  • Flowers: 
    • Helianthus or beach sunflower is a low-growing plant with bright blooms. It serves a second purpose as a ground cover and will attract a lot of butterflies.
    • Coreopsis is Florida’s state wildflower that is a favorite for many homeowners’ flower gardens. It re-seeds itself and also attracts butterflies and bees.
    • Gaillardia, otherwise known as the blanket flower, is distinctively bright orange and red. Its blossoms last longer than many flowers, and it also re-seeds itself.Our Team of Experts Will Create a Garden of Eden in Your Yard
    • Sunshine Mimosa or as some call it Powderpuff Mimosa, grows beautiful pink flowers. Its deep roots require less water than many other varieties of plants. This plant also acts as an excellent ground cover and can be mowed without damaging it.
  • Tree/Shrub: 
    • A Silver Buttonwood serves a dual purpose as either a tree or shrub. This hardy plant is tolerant of sun, sandy soil, and salty water and soil. It leaves are gray-green and blend well with more colorful flowers. Keeping it pruned allows it to be a shrub. 

Our Team of Experts Will Create a Garden of Eden in Your Yard

Elite Landscaping Concepts is your answer for a flower garden or landscape that is tolerant of extreme conditions in South Florida. Call one of our landscaping and Xeriscaping consultants today at 561-202-9919.

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