Perennials for Florida Climates

Daylily is a perennial that grows well in Florida.

Perennials are plants that grow for several seasons, sometimes for several years. Perennials must be able to withstand that heat and humidity of Florida's climate to grow well here. Evergreens and flowering shrubs are popular perennials in Florida.

Types

When selecting and growing perennials in Florida, you should consider plants that do well in Florida's tropical climate. Some of these perennials include begonia, daylily, African iris, bush daisy, garden mum, firebush, gaura, Mexican heather and lion's ear.

Maintenance

Proper soil maintenance is essential to successfully grow perennials in Florida climates. Apply organic matter to soils, such as peat moss, compost or manure. Flowering perennials require little maintenance except for the occasional pruning and application of fertilizer. General-purpose landscape fertilizer works well with perennials.

Managing Pests

Inspect the plants frequently for insects. Nematodes are worms that feed on the roots of plants and may damage the plant's root system. Fumigation of the soil may be necessary in heavily infected beds. Insects may be controlled by handpicking for light infestation. Heavier insect infestation may require application of chemical insecticides.

References

• University of Florida: Perennial Gardening in Florida
• University of Florida: Tropical Perennials Can Help Florida Gardens Survive Summer

Resources

• University of Florida: Low-maintenance Landscape Plants for South Florida