These plant , tree , and shrubs can flourish in the subtropical Sunshine State .

Growing consideration can diverge greatly depending on your elevation , your location inland or near the seashore , and in which of the three sections — northerly , central , or southerly Florida — you populate . These plant grow well in all parts of Florida , Zones 8 - 10 .

Bulb Selections for Florida

Many bulb , rhizomes , tuber , and corms grow well in Florida . However , gardeners have a bun in the oven to grow tulip , hyacinths , and some types of irises or lily will be disappoint , as these bulbs need a insensate abeyant full point . Luckily , Floridians in all area of the state can love many beautiful bulbous plants twelvemonth - turn that Northerners can only grow during the summertime months .

African Lily(Agapanthusafricanus)grows strappy unripened leaf and noble stalks with clusters of blue or white flowers rising up to 3 groundwork improbable . Plant it from October to February , placing the tip of the rhizome just below the airfoil in full sun to fond shadowiness . Keep it evenly moist during the growing season .

Caladiums ' ( Caladiumselections ) dramatic , heart - shaped leaves lend a tropic flair and are a top industrial plant for Florida landscape painting and container plantings . order them in full sun to fond shade . embed the genus Tuber 2 inches deep from February to May . Search for selections in varying pattern with white , pink , flushed , or burgundy .

african lily agapanthus africanus

Credit: Bill Stites

Cannas(Cannaselections ) , are old - fashioned favorite that add height ( up to 8 feet ) to landscape planting or containers , are soft to grow , and thrive in estrus . Frost can kill cannas to the undercoat , but in Florida , unlike in Northern climate , therhizomes will rally to producemore plants . Keep the soil evenly moist and grow in full sun to partial shade .

Other tubers , electric light , and rootstalk that are top plants for Florida include :

Trees and Shrubs for Florida Gardens

Pineapple guava(Acca sellowiana)adds landscape painting interest with its grayish - unripened parting and waxy , pinkish - and - white flowers . It produces an testicle - sized , ediblefruit that taste like Psidium littorale . Grow this small Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , which reach 8 - 12 feet marvellous and full , in full sunlight . It ’s easy to grow , tolerates seacoast salt photograph , and stays evergreen .

Many types of palm trees grow well in Florida , include the saw palmetto(Serenoa repens).This aboriginal palm tree , when selected in its silver cast , can light up a landscape with cool , silver - blue fronds . At 6 foot tall and extensive , this easy - growing , cold - intrepid Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can fit into most landscape painting , include piquant coastal areas . Grow it in full sun to partial shade .

Firebush(Hamelia patens)draws the eye with its orange - reddish tubular flower . It ’s also a hummingbird and butterfly attractive feature . A Florida native , this evergreen bush can reach out 10 feet magniloquent and 6 feet wide , but a compact diversity can be chosen . The leaves are reddish during much of the twelvemonth , then fade to super C . Its small , juicy berry are fleeceable , then wrench chickenhearted , red , and at last black . Grow firebush in full sun to partial shade . Once established , it is drought - tolerant .

pineapple guava acca sellowiana

Credit: Ed Gohlich

Other minuscule native Florida trees and shrubs deserving investigating include :

Florida Perennials

Many types of annuals and perennial grow well in Florida , but their operation may not be consistent throughout the year , thanks to temperature fluctuations during both day- and nighttime . When temperatures are too low , many tropical plants wo n’t grow well , and when temperatures are too high , some will fail .

Tough perennials that are top plants for Florida

Autumn fern(Dryopteris erythrosora)is among the many perennial ferns that grow well in Florida . Also called Japanese shield fern , its erect leafage give about 2 foundation marvellous and wide . Its leaf is a bronze - fuzz colour in spring when the plant is young , then matures to a dark green . fern are critter - resistive and grow best in tincture . For best results , keep the soil evenly moist .

Zeezee plant(Zamioculcas zamiifolia)is best cognise as a houseplant in the north but can be develop as a tropical perennial in Florida . Its chastity burst : It farm easy , attracts almost no pestis , tolerates low - visible light atmospheric condition , and needs little water supply . The stalks of glossy leaves can reach 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide . Beware : All parts of the plant are toxicant if eaten .

autumn fern dryopteris erythrosora

Credit: Denny Schrock