You can do Florida gardening the hard way with picky plants that need constant attention, or the easy way with plants that naturally grow here.
After learning this the expensive way, I’m sharing my top 10 easy-care plants that love our weather!
Top Native Shrubs for Florida Gardens
1. Red Buckeye
I absolutely adore this compact tree-like shrub in my front yard. It only grows up to about 20 feet tall, making it perfect for smaller spaces.
The stunning red flowers that bloom in spring are like nature’s hummingbird feeders! My kids love watching the butterflies and hummingbirds that visit constantly.
Just remember to plant it in partial sun and keep it watered during our dry spells. Oh, and a word of caution from this mama – keep little ones away from the seed pods, as they’re toxic!
2. Beauty Berry
This is hands-down my favorite bird-attracting shrub. The vibrant purple berries are absolutely gorgeous and always get compliments from neighbors.
It’s such a manageable size, growing between 3-8 feet tall and wide. The light green leaves have this lovely, fluffy texture that adds interest even when it’s not fruiting.
I give mine a good pruning before it blooms to keep it looking neat and tidy. Trust me, it’s worth the effort!
3. Coral Bean
Looking for year-round color? This beauty has been a game-changer in my garden from spring through fall.
The red blossoms are like a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds. In fall, these fascinating black pods appear and split open to reveal the prettiest crimson seeds inside.
Just like the Red Buckeye, keep this one away from curious kids and pets – it’s on the toxic list!
4. Fire Bush
This is my go-to shrub for low-maintenance wow factor. Once it’s established, it practically takes care of itself!
The vibrant red flowers bloom for months, starting in late spring and continuing through winter. It’s like having a constant butterfly party in your yard!
My daughter’s favorite visitors are the Gulf Fritillary and Zebra Longwing butterflies that just can’t seem to get enough of this plant.
5. Florida’s Native Bromeliads
These tropical beauties have become my secret weapon for those tricky shaded spots on my patio.
They come in so many sizes and shapes, it’s like having a living art collection! If you’re in North Florida like me, just pop them in containers so you can bring them inside during cold snaps.
Just remember – these guys prefer indirect light. I learned that lesson the hard way after scorching a few leaves!
6. Native Azaleas
Talk about a show-stopper! When these classic Southern beauties bloom, you can barely see the leaves under all those flowers.
They’ve been perfect for my North Florida garden, and I love how they work with pretty much any garden style.
The variety of sizes available means there’s an azalea for every spot in your yard.
7. Oak Leaf Hydrangea
The massive white flower cones on this shrub make me smile every summer. They slowly transform from white to purple or pink, like a magical color-changing show that lasts for months.
The leaves are impressive too – in my shaded spots, they grow as big as dinner plates! Come fall, they turn the most gorgeous shades of crimson and purple.
I use mine as a backdrop for smaller flowering plants, and it works beautifully.
8. Hibiscus Coccineus
Also known as swamp mallow, this plant brings a tropical paradise vibe to any garden. The flowers come in so many colors, it’s like having a rainbow in your yard!
While each bloom only lasts a day, new ones appear constantly throughout the year. It’s become a favorite pit stop for our local butterflies and hummingbirds.
9. Scarlet Salvia
This hardy perennial has been such a trooper in my garden. It handles our brutal heat like a champ and keeps on blooming!
The tubular flowers come in red, white, and pink, and they’re absolutely irresistible to butterflies and hummingbirds.
I’ve planted some in borders and some in containers – it looks fantastic either way and plays nice with other plants.
10. Saw Palmetto
This slow-growing palm is like the backbone of my Florida landscape design. It tops out at about 10 feet in both height and width, creating this amazing tropical structure.
I especially love the silver-blue variety that’s popular here in Eastern Florida – it adds such a unique color to the garden.
You’ll spot these everywhere in Florida, from wild spaces to fancy commercial landscapes, and there’s a good reason – they’re practically indestructible!