Roses are red, violets are blue, our garden is Florida-Friendly, and I hope yours is too!

This February has warmed up some from the chilly days of January. Some plants have ushered in this weather change with a variety of vibrant Florida-Friendly blooms. You too can have a lively garden this time of year! Check out some of the current blooms in our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Demonstration Garden at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.

Peach (Prunus persica)

Peach (Prunus persica) is commonly known for the edible fruit it produces, but the flower also deserves some attention. When choosing a peach tree, look for varieties with lower chill hour requirements.

Panama rose (Rondeletia leucophylla)

Panama rose (Rondeletia leucophylla), is also commonly referred to as “bush penta”. This flowering shrub features pink clusters of flowers from December through late spring . It is moderately drought tolerant once established and grows in full sun to part shade.

 

Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

Azalea (Rhododendron spp.) is known for a flower display in late winter/early spring. Many azaleas feature flowers of pink, white, or red. They do best in part shade or filtered light and vary in size from large to small shrubs.

 

Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a very common plant that features a variety of flower colors. These shrub-like plants grow best in full sun to part shade.

 

Golden Trumpet Tree (Handroanthus chrysotrichus)

Golden Trumpet Tree (Handroanthus chrysotrichus) is known for its bright yellow flowers in early spring. It is a medium sized tree that grows to around 25-35 feet tall and just as wide. Golden trumpet tree was previously known as yellow tabebuia (Tabebuia chrysotricha).

 

Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)

Yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is a Florida native vining plant. It blooms in late winter/early spring with yellow flowers that are fragrant.

 

Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)

Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) is a Florida native perennial with blue flowers that appear in early spring. Naturally, blue-eyed grass thrives in naturally wet areas. To keep this native perennial in the landscape, use microirrigation to supply supplemental irrigation as needed.

 

Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)

Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) it is a Florida native perennial. It features blue to violet colored flowers and grows in full sun to part shade.

 

Skyblue Clustervine (Jacquemontia pentanthos)

Skyblue Clustervine (Jacquemontia pentanthos) is a native vine with blue flowers that appear from late fall through early spring. Grows best in full sun.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Tip:

Before planning or re-designing your garden or landscape, remember to use the principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™. Follow the right plant, right place principle to select plants that match the site conditions in your garden or landscape. For more information on the Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, visit this page.

Looking for Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ inspiration?

We invite you to stop by and check out Florida-Friendly Demonstration Garden in Bartow! We also have a have a self-guided audio tour to help you as you explore the garden.
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
1702 Highway 17 South
Bartow, FL 33830
For more details and directions, call 863-519-1041.

 

 

 

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