Hardy Plants for Florida

Some hardy species of hibiscus can grow in the cool climate of north Florida.

Hardy plants are those that can survive cool temperatures and mild overnight freezing temperatures. These temperatures sometimes occur in north Florida, but certain native plants, such as hardy hibiscus plants, can survive the north Florida climate.

Hardy Hibiscus

Hibiscus are flowering trees that grow up to 15 feet in height. Some hardy varieties of hibiscus, meaning that they can withstand cool conditions and occasional overnight freezes that occur in northern Florida, include Confederate rose, comfortroot and scarlet rosemallow.

African Iris

The African iris is a hardy flowering plant that grows successfully in north, central and south Florida. The plant likes direct sunlight or light shade and produces white and yellow flowers throughout the year. The plant grows to a height of 3 inches.

Leopard Plant

The Leopard plant produces yellow flowers in the fall and winter and grows throughout Florida. The plant only grows to a height of 2 inches, and because of its tendency to spread, it is used as a ground cover plant.

References

• University of Florida: Hardy Hibiscus For Florida Landscapes
• University of Florida: Perennial Gardening in Florida

Resources

• Florida Native Plants: Cold-Hardy Plants