Plant Choices

Last week, we looked at a new landscape design project we're undertaking that has some unusual features.  The property backs up to a very natural Florida semi-wetland area, and our landscaping needs to tie into this as well as offering some screening and dressing the area up.  Our goal is to make the installed landscape look like a somewhat "tamed" version of what it adjoins.

There are many factors that go into choosing specific plants for a landscape design, such as color, texture, size, ideal sun exposure and growth rates.  And with current undeniable changes in the environment, any more, none of these are more important than water needs.  Though we've had a couple of good years for rain in Central Florida, we could just as likely be in a drought situation next year.

Since most of the areas we're planting at this site won't have irrigation, drought tolerant plant varieties are important.  When in doubt about what will work best, a close look at native plantings is a great solution.  You can be pretty much assured that any plant that has evolved to survive in the wild in your area will make a good addition to your landscape, and hold up under most circumstances.  Here are some of the varieties we chose for this project.


Florida Gama Grass, Tripsacum floridana.  Grasses are always a welcome plant choice for their texture.  Their movement in breezes brings a lot of interest to a garden planting.



Purple Lovegrass, Eragrostis spectabilis.  Another wonderful grass, this time with a color all it's own.

Weeping Lantana, Lantana depressa.  Available in sever colors, this plant makes a great ground cover, and is very forgiving of almost any environmental issue!

Simpson's Stopper, (Twinberry), Myrcianthes fragrans.  This plant can grow up to 30' height and 15-20' wide.  They will make a great backdrop for the garden, and help to add a natural screening from the adjoining neighbor's yard.

Oakleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia.  Beautiful bright green, oak-shaped foliage, and clusters of pink or white flowers.  What more could you ask for?!

Firecracker Plant, Russelia sarmentosa.  This is the only non-native plant we've specified for this installation, but it has a medium drought-tolerance, and it attracts bees, butterflies and birds.  I love the texture, and color!

Coontie, (Florida Arrowroot), Zamia floridana.  The deep green color and texture will ground the other plantings.  This plant is Florida's only native cycad.

Researching your plants carefully can make a big difference in their success in your garden.  Find out what will work best in your soil and light situation, and always take water needs into consideration for buying!