Growing up to 90 ft. tall, the Washington Palm (Washingtonia robusta) is one of the tallest in the palm family. At this height, it can be visually over-powering in landscapes with single-story buildings, but makes a great addition to landscapes ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HorticultureThe Cabbage Palm aka Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto) is a native Floridian and was designated as the 'Florida State Tree' in 1953. The Sabal Palm has also been designated as the state tree in South Carolina. Like other palmettos, its flowers ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, HorticultureThe Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a native Floridian and is a staple of many natural areas. It is also used in landscapes, but because of its flammability in wildfire-prone areas, it should be used with caution and not planted within 30 ft. ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Pests & Disease
When it comes to finding a tropical plant which can tolerate below-freezing temperatures, the Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix), is a winner, having been known to tolerate temperatures as low as -15 d F. Planting Site Although relatively ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home LandscapesIncluded in the Phoenix genus of palms (USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11), are: P. reclinata (Senegal date palm), P. canariensis (Canary Island date palm), P. dactylifera (Date palm), P. silvestris (Silver date palm), and P. roebellini (Pygmy date ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home LandscapesThe Chinese Fan Palm (Livistonia chinensis) is on the short list of palms that happily grow in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. It is a relatively slow-growing palm, but once the trunk emerges from beneath the 'skirt' of fronds, its stately presence in ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
During Citrus County winters, temperatures can drop low enough to cause damage to tender plants.There are a number of steps gardeners can take to help provide effective cold weather plant protection. Plant protection - Plants don't need ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension
Question: I need help to identify this plant in my garden. I recently moved into a badly neglected house and this small tree (10' or more) is growing beside the house with these strange spikes growing from the tips. A neighbor says it's an ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Research
Palms are unique plants and can present gardeners with questions about what's happening to landscape palm. Palm problems may or may not be an actual problem. For example, here is an example of the trunk of a mature palm. Is the bark splitting ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension
Rain barrel water can be a Godsend during periods of drought. But some are reluctant to install one. Here are three common barriers and solutions to adopting this water-saving technique. Mosquitos – Rain barrels don’t have to be ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Water