Things You'll Need:
- Florida native plant guide
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Step 1
Consider where you want to add your Florida native plant garden to your landscape. Check to see how much sunlight the area receives or if it is in the shade. The amount of light the area receives will determine which plants you should plant there. Some natives require full sun, while others require a shady environment.
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Step 2
Consider the amount of water the area receives. Florida native plants are used to living in mostly dry and sandy conditions, so areas that retain water might not be appropriate for certain species of plants. Group together native plants that have the same water requirements.
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Step 3
Design your garden with each plant's size in mind, so there will be room for everything to grow and the garden will not be too crowded. Research the various species of Florida native plants you are considering adding to the garden to know their growth habits and needs.
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Step 4
Plan your native garden so it has a tiered effect. Place larger trees and shrubs that will grow eight feet or taller, such as wax myrtle, sea grape, fire bush or wild lime, in the background. You can then start adding layers of smaller native plants in front of these.
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Step 5
Plant your next layer of native plants that are not as tall as the first layer. Add a layer of plants such as beautyberry, wild coffee, wild lantana or dwarf cocoplum to the garden. All of these native plants have flowers, with beautyberry and cocoplum bearing fruit. These shrubs will grow approximately three to five feet tall.
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Step 6
Add an additional layer in front of your shorter shrubs that will give color to the garden and will not grow too tall. Plants such as coonti palms, scarlet sage, beach sunflower and blanket flower will not only give flowers almost year round, they will also make the rest of the native garden "pop".
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Step 7
Plant a last layer of native plants that stay relatively close to the ground and have a spreading habit to fill in any bare spots. Plants such as sunshine mimosa and beach verbena both have purple flowers and will make hardy additions to your native garden. Their size will not interfere with anything growing behind them.
