Finding flowers for Florida in the hot, humid summer of the Sunshine State is difficult. Florida flowers have a difficult time surviving due to the long, warm sunny days. Flowers that thrive in full sun and partial shade are the best flowers to grow in Florida. Floridas ideal tropical flowers are those that prefer humid temperatures and a lot of sunlight.
Florida’s variety of climates is one of the difficulties in plant growth. Winters in North Florida are colder, and there may be frost. Year-long sunlight and stifling humidity, on the other hand, make cultivating flowers difficult in Central and South Florida. Yet, in the Sunshine State, there are many native Florida flowers as well as non-native plants.
Of course, Florida isn’t just known for its gorgeous flowers that last seemingly forever. The majority of the orange crop in the United States comes from Florida. The Orange Blossom (orange blossom) is Florida’s official flower owing to its association with these blooming citrus trees.
The greatest flowers, plants, and shrubs to cultivate in Florida are discussed in this article. Pictures of Florida flowers and descriptions of plants will help you choose the best flowers for your southern gardens, in addition to pictures.
Growing Zones in Florida
What kind of flowering plants you can grow in Florida gardens will be determined by the USDA growing zones, which range from zone 8 to 11. Temperatures in zone 8, which runs through Jacksonville, may fall to 15°F (-9°C) in the winter. Minimum temperatures in zone 9, where Orlando is situated, are 25°F (-3.9°C) in Central Florida.
Zone 10 encompasses South Florida, while Zone 11 encompasses the Florida Keys. Any cold snaps or frost will kill flowers growing in southern Florida.
The Top Florida Flowers to Have in Your Garden (With Pictures)
In sunny gardens in Florida, let’s take a look at some of the best blooms.
Lantana
Lantana is a Florida native that thrives in the tropical climate of south Florida. Lantana, an evergreen plant that produces blooms of pink, yellow, red, lavender, and creamy white all year long in Florida gardens, flourishes constantly. In southern Florida, lantana blooms are ideal for mixed flower beds, borders, and containers.
These Florida-friendly perennial flowering plants prefer full sun. Up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall, the colorful herbaceous plants. Lantana, which thrives in zones 10 and 11 all year, is a year-round blooming Florida plant.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea blooms, which may be white, pink, purple, red, orange, or yellow in color and suitable to cultivate in Central and South Florida. One of the most beautiful purple blooming vines is Bougainvillea. Bougainvillea is a popular flowering plant in southern Florida yards.
The huge plant produces a profusion of vividly colored blooms that bloom virtually all year. The tallest and widest of these decorative evergreen bushes may reach 3 to 40 feet (1 to 12 meters) in height. Bougainvillea vine thrives on arbors, as a ground cover on hills, or in mass plantings and grows best against walls.
In Florida’s humid and lengthy hours of sunlight, Bougainvillea is an excellent blooming shrub for producing gorgeous flowers and keeping the plant lush. These spectacular blossoms bloom across the Sunshine State and are suitable for zones 9-11. The full sun list of Florida plants includes Bougainvillea.
Blue Daze (Evolvulus)
Blue daze is a flowering ground cover plant that can be grown in Florida for full sun conditions. Blue daze blooms continuously throughout the year and produces delicate blue-purple flowers. The drought-tolerant plant thrives in regular rainfall, which is easy to care for.
In South and Central Florida, blue daze develops as a perennial; in North Florida, it develops as a half-hardy annual or yearly. This spreading southern perennial grows to be 6 inches (15 cm) tall and has a ground-hugging appearance. Zones 9 through 11 are suitable.
Egyptian Star Flower (Pentas lanceolata)
Pentas are low-growing blooming plants that thrive in full sun and are cultivated as perennials in south Florida. Throughout the summer, clusters of star-shaped pink, red, white, or lilac flowers bloom. Pentas flowers are well suited to Florida’s climate, and they enjoy humidity, heat, and sunlight.
Plant in mixed beds, borders, or as mass plantings in full sun. In zones 10 and 11, pentas grow as perennials. Pentas may be grown in containers and brought inside during the winter if you reside in North Florida.
Periwinkle (Vinca)
Periwinkle plants are perfect for Florida gardens because they have a trailing nature. Violeting-colored blooms bloom all throughout the summer, and the mat-forming leaves thrive in full sun. Variegated periwinkle plants with yellow and green leaves contrasting with purple flowers are a great way to brighten up your southern garden.
These ground-hugging plants grow well in the shade as well as in the sun, so don’t be afraid if you have a shaded garden. Periwinkles are suitable for planting anywhere in Florida, from zone 1 to zone 10.
Canna Lily (Canna indica)
Canna lilies have dramatic foliage and ornamental flowers and grow best in full sun. However, they can tolerate part shade. Canna lilies prefer to grow in borders, along walls, and even as little foliage hedges. In all Florida zones, these tender perennials bloom from spring to fall.
Canna lily blooms are short-lived and come in orange, yellow, pink, red, or cream. Despite this, your Florida garden will have a constant supply of papery, bright flowers thanks to the plant’s abundant blooming. Canna lilies grow to be 2 to 3 feet (60–90 centimeter) tall and are perennial flowers. In zones 8 to 11, they grow as perennials, while in colder climates, they bloom as annuals.
Tickseed (Coreopsis)
Tickseeds are drought-tolerant blooms that may be found all throughout the state. The rays of these lovely flowers radiate from the amber-colored core and are golden yellow in color. In Florida, where they bloom as low-maintenance, drought-tolerant flowers, many of the 100 species of tickseed are perennial bloomers.
Tickseed flowers last from summer till fall because of their lengthy blooming period. Tickseed blossoms come in a variety of hues, including white, pink, red, orange, and bicolored blossoms. Tickseed thrives in sunny mixed beds, borders, and containers. It is quite easy to grow. Zone 3 to 10 is ideal for growing.
Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera garvinea)
Gerbera daisies are lovely ornamental flowers that bloom virtually all year in Florida. Their brilliant cheerful hues make them a fantastic choice. Semi-evergreen perennials with enormous rosette blooms, these daisy species are semi-evergreen. At the summit of straight tubular stems, two inch (5 cm) wide sun-like colorful flower heads sit.
Full sun and well-draining soil are required for Gerbera daisies. Gerbera daisies, on the other hand, prefer afternoon shade when the temperature is high. Daisies can be grown in flower beds, around edges, or in patio pots. Perennials grow in Florida’s dry regions, including Gerbera garvinea.
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
Purslane is a flowering ground cover that works well in Florida flower gardens and thrives in full sun with well-draining soil. Purslane has bright yellow flowers and oval-shaped leaves. It is a succulent plant. The small, low-growing blossoms have a broad distribution and reach only 3 inches (7 cm) tall.
Purslane, on the other hand, isn’t an invasive blooming plant in Florida. To provide color to bright Florida yards, Purslane thrives as a mat-forming annual. To brighten up a deck or patio, you can also grow flowering purslane in hanging baskets, pots, and planters. Florida zones as well as chilly areas may grow Purslane.
Bolivian Sunset (Gloxinia sylvatica)
Bolivian Sunset gloxinia is a stunning winter-flowering plant for Florida gardens, and it thrives in filtered sunlight or dappled shade. The small, low-growing shrubby plant produces brilliant red blooms that stand out against glossy green leaves and may reach 2 feet (60 cm) tall and broad.
Gloxinia boliviana prefers to grow as border or foundation plants. Bolivian Sunset, which blooms in Florida from mid-fall to mid-winter, is a breeze to grow. In Florida’s zones 9 to 11, Bolivian Sunset blooms thrive.
Mexican Petunia (Ruellia brittoniana)
Mexican petunias boast trumpet-like ruffled purple blooms that tolerate exposure to the elements and thrive in hanging baskets. In Florida, where heat, humidity, and drought are all common problems, hardy southern perennials are ideal. Petunias from Mexico have tiny purple blooms that cluster together. This petunia variety thrives in damp, soggy soils and requires full sun. Mexican petunias bloom all summer and into the autumn in Florida’s zones 8 to 10.
Zinnia
Zinnias must be planted in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight for their brilliant blooms. Zinnias have huge, dramatic flower heads with single, double, or ruffled petals, and are known for their spectacular display. Flowers may be up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. For Florida’s hot and humid environment, several zinnia species are appropriate.
From early summer till late fall, zinnias are the best border plant since they bloom continuously. During the season, low-maintenance zinnias produce a lot of flowers. Zinnias need to be replanted every year since they are annuals. They are cold hardy in zones 2 to 11 and ideal for planting in any Florida garden.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
From the summer to the fall, blanket flowers are a bright focal point in Florida gardens. Dense foliage clusters produce bi-colored flowers that last only a few days. They are bright orange, red, and yellow. Year after year, sun-loving perennials return to Florida gardens to add warmth and brightness.
These three-foot (0.9-meter) high shrubby flowers can be found. Easy-care blanket blooms thrive in Florida gardens with Plant zones 8 to 11, where they flourish in perennial borders, flower beds, or pots.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Purple coneflowers are a low-maintenance native Floridian bloom. Coneflowers are stunning, tall, and hardy perennials that return year after year with little Maintenance. Coneflowers are well-known for their drooping petals and long stems. Wherever you desire visual height, grow coneflowers as stunning landscape plants.
These long-blooming Florida flowers are drought tolerant and thrive in full sun. In southern states like Florida, as well as colder climates, coneflowers are hardy perennials.
Hibiscus
In the marshes and swamps of Southeastern United States, Hibiscus coccineus is a native Florida bloom. In Florida, hibiscus are evergreen plants that bloom as flowering shrubs. The huge, colorful Hibiscus blooms are a delight in any summer garden, with a long-blooming season (nearly year-round in South Florida).
Hibiscus flowers may be crimson, pink, white, or may have designs like a raspberry ripple. Hibiscus blooms bloom continuously throughout the year in South Florida. Hibiscus dies back in the frost in North Florida, but recovers the following year.
Marsh hibiscus, scarlet rosemallow, and swamp mallow are all names for the hibiscus plant Hibiscus coccineus, which is endemic to Florida. From mid-summer to the fall, this Florida plant produces stunning crimson blooms. In zones 6 to 13, this native Florida flower is hardy.
Ixora
In central and south Florida, Ixora is a tiny sun-loving plant that can be trimmed into a hedge. Ixora brings flowers year-round in Florida, and the long-lasting blossoms may last up to eight weeks. It is also known as the “flame of the woods.” The glossy dark green leaves and clusters of red, yellow, orange, or pink flowers on this tropical Florida plant make it a favorite.
Flowering hedges, evergreen privacy screens, and color-infused border plants are the best types of Ixora flowers. South and Central Florida are ideal growing conditions for this ever-blooming shrub, but it prefers not to grow near the coast. Ixora can be grown as a patio plant in zone 9, which is north of Florida.
Firespike (Odontonema cuspidatum)
Firespike is a blooming shrub that thrives in full sun and produces gorgeous crimson flowers. FireSCPike blooms in the autumn and winter in North and Central Florida. Firespike is a perennial that thrives in the back of garden beds and makes a beautiful addition. The gigantic shrub grows to a height of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters). Firespike is a drought-tolerant shrub that can be found all throughout Florida.
Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
Star Jasmine is a popular flowering bush in Florida, with its fragrant white blossoms and climbing habit. It isn’t a genuine kind of jasmine, despite its popular name. On twining stems, the vine-like climbing plant produces clusters of star-shaped white blooms. These clusters of white flowers have a heavenly fragrance.
Star jasmine thrives in Florida gardens, where it may be used to screen arbors or climb onto walls. Star jasmine is a blooming plant that thrives in the sun and has blossom-filled foliage all year. Star jasmine thrives in zones 8 through 10 as a flowering vine.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are good ground cover shade plants for Florida’s southern landscape since they grow in a shady area with moist soil. Brilliant white blooms appear from glossy green leaves on these evergreen perennial plants. Peace lilies thrive in Florida under flowering trees, near shady borders, or as an accent in a mixed bed because of their huge leaves and love of shade.
True lilies (Lilium) and calla lilies (Zantedeschia) should not be confused with peace lilies. Peace lilies, which grow between 2 and 3 feet (0.6 and 0.9 meters) tall, are clumping plants. In areas 10 and 11, these plants are perennial outside. Plant peace lilies in pots and bring them indoors during the winter in Florida zone 9.
Tropical Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)
Scarlet sage is a blooming herbaceous tender perennial plant that thrives in full sun, although it can tolerate some shade. This low-maintenance plant has crimson red blooms and heart-shaped leaves, and is also known as blood sage. The flowering stalks may grow up to 3 feet (0.9 meters).
Scarlet sage is a herbaceous perennial that grows to be 1 foot (30 cm) tall in warmer climes. This shrubby blooming plant can be grown in full sun or partial shade in the southern states. Scarlet sage is a southern native bloom found in zones 8 to 10.
Lavender (Lavandula)
Many Florida gardens include lavender as an attractive plant. For zone 9 lavenders, look for species like Phenomenal Lavender, Goodwin Creek Gray Lavender, and Spanish Lavender. Your southern gardens will be abloom with lovely herbaceous fragrances and lilac hues if you grow lavender in Florida.
Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum)
Spotted deadnettle flower is a shade-loving groundcover perennial best planted in North Florida. The colorful leaves and tiny purple blooms of spotted nettle last for a long time. Spotted dead nettle is an evergreen flowering plant that thrives in Florida’s climate. As border plants or beneath shrubs and trees, spotted deadnettle thrives best in shaded gardens.
White or silver variegated spotted dead nettle varieties will add more beauty to your southern garden. Only Zone 8 is suitable for growing spotted dead nettle. Therefore, on the west coast and around the Gulf of Mexico, grow Lamium as a ground cover.
Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata)
Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) is a lovely climbing plant or shrub with clusters of blue or white flowers and glossy green spatulate leaves that grows up to 8 feet (2.4 meters). Depending on the cultivar, it blossoms in various hues of blue, purple, and white. The blue plumbago, with pale blue five-petaled flowers, is the most popular cultivar. Only the white plumbago (Plumbago auriculata ‘Alba’) has bright snow-white flower heads, which look similar.
Plumbago blooms may be cultivated in central and south Florida throughout the year, depending on USDA zones 9-10. Plumbago can be grown as a potted houseplant in colder climates. Grow the scrambling low-maintenance shrub in full to partial sunlight in organically rich soil with excellent drainage to care for plumbago plants. In hot weather, keep the area around the plant sufficiently watered. In early spring, prune the vining plumbago stems to keep the plant neat.
Verbena
Beach verbena (Glandularia maritima) and Tampa verbena (Glandularia tampensis) are the three native verbena species found in Florida. During the summer, until early autumn, Verbena blooms abundantly. The lovely clusters of pink, white, red, and purple blooms contrast with the dark green foliage. Blooming stems that are dangling may reach a length of 12 inches (30 cm). Verbena has a lot of height and spread due to its upward and spreading nature, which also drapes flowers.
Verbena is a fantastic low-water blooming plant for hanging baskets in full sun because of its trailing stems. These blooming plants may only be watered once or twice a week, so they might be hung on a sunny balcony, porch, or deck. Before thoroughly watering, put the plant in well-draining soil and allow the soil to partially dry. Verbena thrives in USDA Zone 8-10 and is a tender perennial. The Florida peninsula’s east and west coasts are home to Tampa verbena, whereas the east coast is home to beach verbena.
Golden Dewdrops (Duranta erecta)
In the warm weather of Florida, as well as in full sun, the Golden dewdrops is a heat-loving evergreen shrub with vividly colored violet and white clusters. Five purple petals with white borders make up the star-shaped purple blooms. Pruning may keep the shrub at a lower height of approximately 20 feet (6 meters).
Golden dewdrops, an evergreen decorative shrub that blooms year-round in subtropical climates, grows as a tree. In Zones 10 and 11, on the other hand, it is cold-hardy. As a result, you’ll need to indoor or outdoor cultivate this spectacular shrub in temperate regions.
As a precautionary note, brilliant orange berries emerge after the purple flowers have withered. The berries are very poisonous to humans and animals, but birds do enjoy eating them.
Jacobinia (Justicia carnea)
The blooming shade plant Jacobinia has beautiful red, yellow, purple, or white blooms that bloom in Florida. The evergreen blooming shrub adds beauty to Florida gardens, flowering all year. Flowering evergreen hedges, container plants, and flowering shrubs in shade gardens are all examples of landscape uses for jacobinia.
In partial to full shade, the shrub grows 3 to 6 feet (1.8 to 1.8 meters) tall and broad. USDA zones 9 to 11 are suitable for this plant.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
The butterfly bush is distinguished by its conical clusters of fragrant purple blooms and semi-evergreen foliage, which prefer full sun and well-drained acidic soil. The arching stems with huge terminal flower clusters are the distinguishing characteristic of this decorative plant. The lanceolate leaves are 3″ to 5″ (7 – 13 cm) long and the cone-like blossoms are 8″ (20 cm) long.
Butterfly bush plants are excellent for bringing pollinators to Florida Gardens, as the name implies. Summer lilac and orange eye are two other names for Buddleia. The high humidity in Florida makes the flowering butterfly bush susceptible to several foliar diseases, even though it thrives there. Buddleia is used as an informal hedge, which grows along a fence or lines a driveway or sidewalk. USDA zones 5 to 8 grow in full sun.