Happy summer! Temperatures are warming up and afternoon rain showers are abundant. The gardens are full of new flowers this month. Check out which plants are blooming this month.
Blanket Flower
Blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella) is a Florida native perennial. The red, orange, and yellow flowers provide a nectar source for pollinators. Excellent drought tolerance one established.
PineappleGuava
Pineapple guava (Acca sellowiana) is a large shrub or small tree form that can reach 8-15 feet in height and width. Produces both edible flowers and fruit. Prefers full sun, but can grow in partial shade. The leaves have a silvery underside for added ornamental interest. For more information on pineapple guava check out UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions.
Liriope
Liriope (Liriope muscari) is an evergreen perennial. While not used for its flowers, it does have pretty little purple blooms in the summer. This clumping plant can be used as a groundcover.
Lily Pad Begonia
Lily Pad Begonia (Begonia nelumbifolia) is a perennial for partial shade gardens. The circular leaves can reach 12-16 inches on this rhizomatous begonia.
Perennial Peanut
Perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) is a groundcover with beautiful yellow flowers during the summer and fall. It can be used as an alternative to turfgrass. Check out UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions for more information about perennial peanut.
Pickerel Weed
Pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) is a Florida native aquatic plant. Blooming with purple flower spikes from spring through fall.
More information about pickerel weed can be found on UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions. Click here for more information about Florida-Friendly Plants for Stormwater Shorelines.
Long Key Locustberry
Long Key Locustberry (Byrsonima lucida) is a Florida native shrub with flowers of white, pink, and red. Can reach up to 15 feet in height. Nectar source for pollinators and according to the Florida Native Plant Society it is a host for the Florida Duskywing (Ephyriades brunnea). For more information on Long Key Locustberry visit the Florida Native Plant Society online.
Have you visited the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Demonstration Garden in Bartow recently? If not, we invite you to stop by and check out the gardens.
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
1702 Highway 17 South
Bartow, FL 33830
For more details and directions, call 863-519-1041.
2
