Summers in Florida are hot. This can discourage homeowners from planting flowers and other plants under the sweltering heat. However, some plants such as hibiscus and bird of paradise prefer being under the sun and will give your lawn a pop of color during the summer.
Here are the top 5 plants to include in your landscape this summer. Learn what they look like, where to plant them, their maintenance levels, and more.
1. Bird of Paradise
The bird of paradise is a herbaceous plant known for its distinct appearance as it looks like a bird in flight. It will make a great addition to your landscape because of its evergreen leaves and eye-catching blue and orange flowers that will stand out among other plants.
This plant will bloom both in sunny and partially shaded areas, but its height will differ. A bird of paradise placed under partial shade will be taller with larger flowers than those grown under the full sun. Dry conditions will result in yellow leaves, so make sure your soil is regularly receiving water, whether it be from the rain or your sprinkler.
Fertilization should not be overlooked to ensure a healthy mature plant. We also recommend trimming the plant’s dead leaves and flowers to avoid fungal diseases and to maintain its beauty.
2. Ixora
Ixora is a shrub that produces clusters of flowers with colors that range from red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. You’ll surely love ixora because it usually blooms year-round, providing your lawn with constant color and texture. It is best planted as a hedge or a border to give structure to your yard since it grows compactly.
Ixoras will produce a clump of tiny, four-petaled flowers with sweet nectar at the center, attracting bees and butterflies. They grow best in direct sunlight but putting them in partially shaded areas won’t hurt them either. Here are some tips to take care of your ixora plant:
- Maintain moist soil where they are planted
- Provide more nutrients to encourage more flowers by applying slow-release fertilizer in the spring
- Ixora plants respond well to pruning but avoid cutting them drastically as it may take longer for the plant to grow back
3. Hibiscus
A tropical paradise will not be complete without the vivid colors of hibiscus. Homeowners fall in love with hibiscus because of its flowers that can grow up to 2 feet once it matures. The scarlet rosemallow is a type of hibiscus native to Florida that will thrive in wet and dry soils. Hibiscus flowers are well-loved by homeowners and landscape designers alike because of their flexibility and beauty.
Take care of your hibiscus by making sure it gets full sun six hours a day. We recommend applying fertilizer frequently in small amounts and hydrating them once in a while to nurture growth. When pruning this plant, make sure you are using sharp shears to make a good clean cut.
4. Crotons
Crotons are perennial shrubs that will splash various colors on your lawn with vivid green foliage that has striking patterns that come in pink, orange, red, yellow, or white. These slow-growing shrubs are a favorite in landscaping designs because they are low-maintenance.
Plant crotons in locations where they can receive both full sun and partial shade to protect their colors from fading. The croton’s foliage is the best indicator if it needs hydration, as it will usually wilt when water is required.
Provide two to three feet of distance in between crotons when planting them to offer enough space for maximum growth.
5. Trinette Arboricola
Another plant that will thrive in Florida’s hot summer is the trinette arboricola, an evergreen shrub with dense green leaves that are perfect as foundation plants and hedges. Its palmate leaves and stems grow rapidly even with low maintenance.
Trinette arboricola will develop best in partly sunny or partly shaded locations with well-drained soil. Pruning is also easy for this plant because all you need to do is trim taller stems and level them with the rest of the plant. You don’t need to worry about the pruned area showing off because its leaves can cover it.
Let us help you choose the best plants for your property. Call us!
Plants always provide a nice touch because their varying colors, shapes, and sizes add depth and texture to your landscape. It can be hard to know which plants will not only look great but also survive the summer heat of Florida. Our experts at Three Seasons have the expertise to help you choose which plants will work best on your property.
Our landscape design and installation services prioritize your vision and bring it to life. We proudly serve properties in Palmetto, Parrish, Bradenton, FL and surrounding areas. Call us today at (941) 748-4613 to schedule a consultation.
