Top 5 Native Florida Plants for Stunning, Low-Maintenance Landscapes

Grant's Gardens understands the importance of creating beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces. As a full-service landscaping company serving Sarasota and Longboat Key, we're committed to using native plants that not only enhance the local ecosystem but also require minimal maintenance. Here are our top 5 picks for native Florida plants that will add a touch of natural beauty to your landscape:

1. Firebush (Hamelia patens)

Known for its vibrant red, orange, and yellow tubular flowers, firebush is a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. This versatile shrub can be grown as a single specimen or in a mixed border. It's drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun to partial shade.

2. Coontie (Zamia floridana)

A prehistoric-looking cycad, coontie is a unique addition to any landscape. Its sturdy, palm-like fronds and edible roots (when prepared properly) make it a conversation starter. Coonties are slow-growing and prefer well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

3. Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

Beautyberry is a deciduous shrub that produces clusters of bright purple berries in late summer and fall. These berries are a favorite of birds and add a burst of color to your landscape. Beautyberries are easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions.

4. Florida Anise (Illicium floridanum)

This evergreen shrub or small tree offers fragrant, star-shaped flowers in spring and summer. The glossy, dark green leaves add a touch of elegance to any garden. Florida anise is a low-maintenance plant that prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade.

5. Native Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Native hibiscus is a tropical shrub with large, showy flowers in shades of red, pink, and white. It's a popular choice for attracting pollinators and can be used as a hedge or specimen plant. This plant thrives in full sun and requires regular watering.

Why choose native plants?

• Environmental benefits: Native plants support local wildlife, conserve water, and help prevent soil erosion.
• Low maintenance: They are well-adapted to Florida's climate and often require less care than non-native plants.
• Beauty: Native plants offer a variety of colors, textures, and shapes, creating stunning landscapes.

By incorporating these native Florida plants into your landscape, you can create a beautiful, sustainable outdoor space that benefits you and the environment. Grant's Gardens is here to help you design and install the perfect landscape for your home. Contact us today at 941-343-9396 for a free consultation.