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Tag: native gardens

Exploring Florida’s Natives: Muhly Grass

by Julia Sirchia
April 9, 2026

If you’re looking to create visual interest in your Florida landscape without adding extra maintenance to your to-do list, muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is a standout choice. This beloved Florida native is known for its delicate, ... READ MORE

Category: Crops, Home Landscapes
Tags: Coastal Landscaping, Exploring Florida's Natives Series, Fall Blooms, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscape, Landscaping, Native Gardens, Native Plants, Rocky Soil, Sandy Soil, Semi-evergreen, Smart Landscape

Exploring Florida’s Natives: Coral Honeysuckle

by Julia Sirchia
March 13, 2026

Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), also called trumpet honeysuckle, is a vine native to all parts of Florida. Let's talk about its origins, growing conditions, and ecological significance. Origins of the Coral Honeysuckle The coral ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
Tags: Exploring Florida's Natives Series, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Garden, Gardening, Gardens, Horticulture, Landscape, Landscaping, Native Gardens, Resilient Landscaping, Responsible Gardening, Wind Resistant Landscapes

Exploring Florida’s Natives: The Coreopsis

by Julia Sirchia
March 13, 2026

Do you know what Florida’s official state wildflower is? It’s a flower named the coreopsis (Coreopsis leavenworthii). The coreopsis, also known as the "Tickseed" or the "Golden Tickseed," is a wildflower native to Florida. This vibrant perennial ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Exploring Florida's Natives Series, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Garden, Gardening, Gardens, Goals, Horticulture, Landscape, Landscaping, Native Gardens, Resilient Landscaping

Exploring Florida’s Natives: The Firebush

by Julia Sirchia
March 13, 2026

The firebush (Hamelia patens), also known as "Scarletbush" or "Firecracker Shrub” gets its name from its vibrant red and orange tubular flowers. Native to Florida, this perennial is a great addition that will add a pop of color to most any ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
Tags: Exploring Florida's Natives Series, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Garden, Gardening, Gardens, Goals, Horticulture, Irrigation, Landscape, Landscaping, Native Gardens, Native Plants, Resilient Landscaping, UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Office, Wildflowers

Exploring Florida’s Natives: The Florida Maple

by Julia Sirchia
March 13, 2026

Florida has it's very own maple tree! The Florida maple (Acer barbatum), also known as "Florida Red Maple" or "Swamp Maple," gets its name from the color of its leaves. In the autumn, these leaves turn to hues of yellow, orange, and red. This ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture
Tags: #RightPlantRightPlace, Exploring Florida's Natives Series, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Garden, Gardening, Gardens, Horticulture, Landscape, Landscaping, Native Gardens, Native Plants, Native Series, Resilient Landscaping

Exploring Florida’s Natives: The Florida Violet

by Julia Sirchia
March 13, 2026

You may recognize the delicate, vibrant flowers of the Florida violet (Viola sororia), but did you know that this flower is native to Florida? This annual can add a pop of color to most any garden. Still, it is important to keep the plant’s ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
Tags: Exploring Florida's Natives Series, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Garden, Gardening, Gardens, Goals, Horticulture, Irrigation, Landscape, Landscaping, Native Gardens, Protect Native Plants, Resilient Landscaping

Peculiar Plants: The Water-Spider Orchid

by Julia Sirchia
March 13, 2026

Among the countless species of orchids, few are as fascinating and unique as the Water-Spider Orchid (Habenaria repens). This orchid is one of the rare examples of an aquatic orchid. Native to Florida, the Water-Spider Orchid thrives in wet, ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture
Tags: #RightPlantRightPlace, Aquatic, Aquaticorchid, Conservation, Exploring Florida's Natives Series, Habenaria Repens, Horticulture, Native Gardens, Native Plants, Orchids, Terrestrialorchid, Water-spider Orchid

Exploring Florida’s Natives: The Prickly Pear

by Julia Sirchia
March 13, 2026

Florida has its very own native cactus, so if you're looking for a pretty, but low-maintenance plant, consider the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa). This plant adds both beauty and ecological value to your landscape. Let’s explore ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
Tags: #EdibleLandscaping, #RightPlantRightPlace, Cactus, Exploring Florida's Natives Series, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Garden, Gardening, Gardens, Horticulture, Native Gardens, Prickly Pear, Protect Native Plants, Reslilient Landscaping, Smart Landscape

Exploring Florida’s Natives: Passion Flower

by Julia Sirchia
March 13, 2026

Passion flowers (Passiflora incarnata), commonly known as maypop, are cherished for their stunningly intricate blooms and their vital role in Florida’s native ecosystems. This vigorous native vine is a feast for the senses, showcasing an ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
Tags: #RightPlantRightPlace, Exploring Florida's Natives Series, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Garden, Gardening, Gardens, Maypop, Native Gardens, Native Plants, Passion Flower, Resilient Landscaping

Exploring Florida’s Natives: Saw Palmetto

by Julia Sirchia
March 13, 2026

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is one of Florida’s most recognizable plants. This plant stands out because of its striking, pointy, fan-shaped leaves. While it is prevalent in the wild, the saw palmetto is a great option for landscapes. It ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
Tags: #RightPlantRightPlace, Exploring Florida's Natives Series, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Gardening, Horticulture, Landscaping, Monocot, Native Gardens, Native Plants, Palm, Resilient Landscaping, Saw Palmetto