We are very lucky to live in Florida. Our growing season is nice and long, ensuring that we can enjoy our
plants for so much longer than northerners can. There are so many plants that flourish here…
Tulips, hyacinths and some irises and lilies need a cold, dormant period, so you are out of luck if you
planned on planting them here. However, many bulbs and tubers create year-round enjoyment in
Florida, including caladiums, which have heart-shaped leaves and, in pink, white, red or burgundy, can
add a wonderful tropical flair to any Florida garden. African lilies are one of the varieties of lilies that do
well here. Plant them, and look forward to three feet of green leaves with beautiful clusters of blue or
white flowers. Some other lilies that can produce a healthy crop in Florida are Aztec lilies, blood lilies,
the kaffir lily, spider lilies and rain lilies; and the iris varieties you can plant here are the waking iris and
peacock iris. Amaryllis, elephant’s ear, dahlias and gladiolus are also terrific for Florida landscaping.
Two hearty perennials that thrive in Florida are ferns and the zeezee plant, which produces glossy leaves
that can grow up to four feet high and three feet wide. The zeezee is also great because it tolerates little
light and water. Some trees and shrubs that flourish in Florida are the pineapple guava, saw palmetto,
fire bush and yucca…just to name a few.
If you would like more information on what works best in Florida gardens, Edgewater Yard Shop would
be happy to help. Edgewater Yard Shop is proud to have served East Central Florida’s landscaping needs
for over 20 years.