Plants That Grow Good in Florida

Florida has a subtropical climate, with hot summers, warm winters and lots of sunshine. Plants that grow well in Florida are those that can tolerate heat, and in some cases dry conditions. South Florida has the hottest average temperatures in the state, and some plants that grow well in north Florida do not grow well in south Florida.

Native Vines

A number of flowering vines are native to Florida and grow well in the state's climate. The Carolina yellow jessamine grows in north and central Florida, but not in the south. The vines grow to a length of 20 feet and produce yellow flowers in the spring. The trumpet creeper is another vine that grows in north and central Florida. Trumpet creeper plants can grow to 50 feet in length and produce orange flowers in spring through summer.

Ground Cover Plants

Penny grass grows in south Florida, as it likes full sunshine and moist soil. Gopher apple is a ground cover that grows throughout the state. It grows to a height of just 3 inches, and produces pink and white flowers in spring through summer. The railroad vine grows in south and central Florida, and the vines, which produce pink flowers in summer, trail along the ground to provide ground cover.

Native Shrubs

Adam's needle is a shrub that grows well throughout the state, preferring shady areas. The shrub is an evergreen that grows to a height of 4 feet and produces white flowers in summer. The American beauty bush, also knows as the American beautyberry, grows to a height of 8 feet and does well in north and central Florida in areas of partial shade. It produces purple flowers in spring and purple fruit in the fall.

References

• University of Florida: Native Florida Plants For Home Landscapes
• United States Department of Agriculture: Trumpet Creeper
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Callicarpa Americana--American Beautyberry
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Railroad Vine

Resources

• University of Florida: Lawn And Garden Index