A hardy flowering evergreen throughout the state, banana shrub belongs in the magnolia family and in fact, resembles a dwarf magnolia slowly growing around 10 feet tall. Continue reading for more details on some of the most common and popular plants used for privacy throughout Florida. Popular varieties include Southern Charm producing pink blooms, George L. Taber producing pink blooms with red spots and Formosa producing fuchsia/magenta blooms. In Central Florida, such plants must be able to withstand temperatures from the 30s to 90s and higher. These woody plants that thrive in zones 5 to 9 prefer the sun and to be wet. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'flgardening_com-leader-1','ezslot_12',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-flgardening_com-leader-1-0');Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) 8306 Mills Drive, Suite #461 Miami, FL 33183, Garden Lovers Club 2014-2023 All Rights Reserved. Firethorn isnt particular about soil type and grows well in sun to shade, although brighter conditions produce more blooms and berries. Upland areas include hardwood forests. Growing up to 25 feet tall with a similar width, wax myrtle works well as a hedge or privacy screen. While you may have to prune your plant annually (and trim it regularly to keep it in shape), you wont have to worry about fertilizing it or protecting it from Northern Floridas temperatures. These shrubs vary in size and look but they all thrive in Floridas subtropical climate. Unluckily for plants, I really enjoy growing them. Oleander has a mounding shape with long branches covered in long dark green foliage. Always follow the rule of planting the right plant in the right place, which means to know your areas conditions and the conditions the particular shrub prefers. Plant a mass of them for big-impact flowers that bloom all year in Central Florida. Hedges are an excellent complement to any landscape. What are some of the Best Plants to Grow For Privacy in Florida? Small, fragrant white flowers appear in the spring and are followed by festive red berries. grow in a more natural form, they can create a more friendly hedge that . For the best performance, grow drought-tolerant Eugenia in partial sun to partial shade and in well-drained soils. There are so many trees and shrubs to choose from; you must figure out what and where to plant them. A sun-loving hedge is not going to be lush & fully leaved out to the ground if planted in partial shade. I just want to share my experience and hope that it helps others. The hollyhock-like flowers can get to be up to the size of a dinner plate. Find Out Today, Birds of Paradise Leaves Have Brown Edges: What to Do, Can An Avocado Tree Grow In A Pot (yes + How To). Which hedge plants should you consider? Its useful as a hedge, screen, used as a colorful backdrop or in mixed gardens. Shorter and fuller than sweet viburnum, viburnum suspensum is an evergreen with a low, compact form and rambling growth habit. Yet, many homeowners in Florida have a hard time choosing a hedge plant because of the states intense heat, humidity, and salt. It grows best situated in full to partial sun and in fertile well-drained soil. Shillings Dwarf is a male and doesnt produce the red berries, growing around 4 feet tall with the same spread and Taylors Rudolph produces red berries, growing about 3 feet tall and wide. The description of these plants If you want to fill those spaces with year-round greenery or colorful blooms, there are screening plants that will fulfill those desires and your landscapes design. all-green ones - are the most useful staple of any landscape design. Allamanda bush may be the easiest to grow of all the plants found in South Florida. The Florida native grows up to 20 feet tall with a spread of about half the height and can be pruned into tree form. Emerald Green Arborvitae ( Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') For a fast-growing, column-shaped shrub that creates privacy and blocks wind, consider the emerald green arborvitae. Fruits ripen in late summer through early fall. medium-height shrubs grow a bit more slowly than others, so they can Gardenias feature dark evergreen foliage with beautiful double white blossoms that bloom all winter. These evergreen trees grow to an oval shape and produce a plethora of cones all year. Since it grows here naturally, its more low-maintenance than typical hedge plants, and it even produces edible fruits that make for some pretty tasty jam! Various parts of Florida fall in different growing zones, so you need to make sure that you choose a plant suitable for your zone. When possible, plant species grown straight from local seed sources. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, it is relatively easy to grow. If you are unsure, speak to a local nursery or gardening center for advice on which plants will work best in your area. I've grown a few plants over the years. 4. From Marlberry Trees to Texas Sage, these ten varieties are sure to add beauty and effortless care to your garden. feet or grown as a taller shrubbut 4 to 6 feet is an ideal height for Here is a list of our favorite hedge plants for North Florida. Plant the arborvitae in full sun to moderate shade and well-drained soils for best results. The plant is drought tolerant and can easily be pruned into a hedge or other shape. The shrub grows 10 to 18 feet tall, spreading about 10 feet, and dwarf cultivars average 4 feet wide and tall. Additionally, shrubs can add color to an otherwise bland landscape with flowers and colorful foliage, especially during winter. As our blog post - "The Best Trees to Consider for Your Landscaping" - covers, Central Florida's subtropical climate is favorable to a wide variety of vibrant, year-round trees and plants. In spring, this hedge plant sports cool, blue-green foliage and bubblegum pink blossoms, little blue berries in summer, and in winter, the leaves transition to a deep purple shade. By Deb Wiley Updated on July 30, 2022 Deleting this collection CANNOT be undone. A common addition found in older Florida landscapes, Arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) is hardy growing statewide. Another staple of southern gardens, with taller varieties suitable used as hedges and screens, gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) performs well statewide. Medium-height shrubs you can keep 4 to 6 feet are prized as hedges or It thrives in areas that get at least six hours of sunlight daily. Best plant to create purple fast-growing hedges (Image credit: Getty Images) Often known as 'the purple bush', loropetalum shrubs make for eye-catching fast-growing hedges. 3691 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, 2023 Living Color. The shrubs are low maintenance once established. Only plants will be removed from the collection. Consider planting a Spanish Bayonet around your gardens borders to add a unique touch to your garden. Depending on the type, the evergreen shrubs produce flowers in colors of pink, yellow, red, orange or white. You can find several different varieties of hibiscus. When comparing a shrub from a tree, shrubs are shorter, growing shorter than 20 to 33 feet tall. Arborvitae. The shrub grows 10 to 18 feet tall, spreading about 10 feet, and dwarf cultivars average 4 feet wide and tall. Here is a list of Central Florida native shrubs that are well-suited for plantings in sunny gardens. Instead, this plant is grown for its striking foliage that appears in many different shades, including orange, pink, yellow and red, on the same plant. This option that is often called cherry laurel puts on clusters of creamy white flowers in the spring. Eco-friendly gardeners insist that this South and Central Florida native is the very best choice for Orlando hedges. Copyright 2011-2023 South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com, Click here to read our Privacy Policy and Disclaimer. Doing so will give you more satisfactory results. Whether you live around a pack of nosey neighbors or youd just like to add a bit of privacy to your Florida landscape, have no fear because you have a wealth of choices in privacy plants. Works well as a screden, hedge, specimen, accent plant, wildlife gardens or grown in containers. The ultimate guide to low-maintenance plants and landscaping! If your yard is a bit on the shady side, this is the hedge plant for you. The shrub makes an attractive foundation plant, hedge, used in mass plantings or mixed gardens and used to brighten a patio or entranceway in pots. We've included detailed information on each with the best ways to use . It grows to 20 feet tall and nearly as wide, making it suitable for specimen planting in formal settings. Additionally, always plant different types of shrubs together that have like needs. Marlberry trees require little maintenance once established but may benefit from pruning or trimming in late fall or early winter. Use in mixed borders, hedges or as a colorful accent plant. The shrub can grow 10 feet tall and have a wider spread. If you live in zones 8 to 10 and are looking for a shrub growing to be about 5-feet tall, think about the Indian Hawthorn. Fruits ripen in late summer through early fall. Low maintenance; rarely needs pruning; stays full, True hedges take time to develop, although shorter spacing between specimens yields faster coverage, Inexpensive; readily available; easy to grow, Prefers sandy, well-drained soils and is susceptible to fungus in wet environments; not cold hardy, Requires careful planting; may be susceptible to root rot, Moderate growth rate; may be difficult to source. It is drought tolerant once established and can tolerate temperatures into the 30s. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant. Also called Chinese fringe flower, due to the clusters of pink frilly blooms produced in spring, Loropetalum makes an attractive and colorful addition to landscapes statewide. The rounded canopy fills with 4-inch oval and lustrous dark green leaves with the undersides covered in brown hairs. Loropetalum adds color and interest to borders, mass plantings, hedges, screens or used in containers. Joshua Kipp Enterprises also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Its size makes it useful as a screen and its heavily thorn lined branches add to its usefulness of adding privacy. It can tolerate hot and cold temperatures and full sun and produces white flowers in the spring. Ixora (Ixora spp. For a densely foliaged shrub thats both drought- and salt-tolerant, as well as adding a tropical appeal, gardeners living in frost-free regions of Florida cannot go wrong growing Clusia (Clusia spp.). This plant loves moisture, so be sure that it stays consistently wet. For the best performance, plant the arborvitae in full sun to light shade and in well-drained soil. Crepe jasmine grows around 6 feet tall and almost as wide, preferring a sunny to shady location with acidic, well-drained soil. You can grow this hardy plant even in the South. If you want to add a tropical touch to your garden, planting a palm as your hedge can help you achieve your goals. Bottlebrush is a flowering evergreen perennial with gorgeous flowers that attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 4:00 PST . Extending 300 miles southward from the mainland, Central Florida begins in the temperate southeast and ends in the subtropical Everglades and the Florida Keys. It needs at least six hours of sunlight daily. (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones), Why is My Phlox Not Flowering? It works well used as a backdrop, shade gardens, mass plantings, accent plant or specimen or used as a screen. Berkman's Golden Arborvitae (Thuja Orientalis) (aungmyat/123rf.com) The Berkman Golden Arborvitae is an evergreen shrub that grows to five feet tall. These hedging trees keep their shape without any maintenance. Indeed, here we included a list of the best hedges for Florida. For a hedge in a shaded part of the yard, try wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa, hardy in USDA zones 9 through 12), an evergreen Florida native that grows 6 to 7 feet tall and wide. It produces bright green leaves and plenty of yellow flowers. It works well as a potted specimen, borders, screens, or as an espalier. These plants are fastest growing shrubs in Florida and other states. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'flgardening_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-flgardening_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.) Use your smartphone to log on and get instant and reliable info on each plant as you shop. Growing 15 to 20 feet tall with a similar spread, yaupon holly is salt- and drought-tolerant, thriving in full sun to shade and in various soils from wet to dry. Its tolerant of drought but has a low tolerance to salty conditions and hates to be pruned. As far as growth goes, its a bit on the slower side, but the luxurious emerald foliage is well worth the wait. Starting at $39.95. The truth is, there is a wide variety of colorful hedge plants with interesting variegated foliage and vibrant blossoms. It has a high drought-tolerance and moderate tolerance to salt, growing well in full sun to partial shade and in a variety of well-drained soils. 5. These plants are beautiful when used to line a property, a large driveway, or as a single showpiece plant. Viburnum is an evergreen shrub with colorful foliage. Lots of folks are quick to assume that hedges arent particularly eye-catching we often imagine those perfectly manicured, flat-topped green hedges. Supplement moisture. flowering, or colored foliage plants. Growing around 15 feet tall, you can prune the clerodendrum into tree form. What Planting Zone is Illinois in? The evergreen also performs as a tree, growing up to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Clusters of brightly colored flowers cover the shrub most of the year and range in colors of white, pink, yellow, red or coral and can be single or double, depending on the cultivar. Most bottlebrush varieties grow up to 5-feet tall spreads almost as wide as it is tall, but options growing up to 25-feet tall exist. Here, rainfall can be heavy, meaning you should select plants that thrive in humid conditions. The bamboo is heat, drought and salt tolerant. Many options grow to be about 36-inches tall while other choices can grow up to 12-feet tall. category. I was born in Tampa and have never left Florida. Its frost-tender and is best suited for gardens located in Central and South Florida. The golden trumpet-shaped flowers bloom intermittently throughout the year, most notably in the summer. Beautyberry is hardy growing throughout the state. There are so many trees and shrubs to choose from; you must figure out what and where to plant them. For taller, skinnier hedge plants that can be grown close together, the Fastigiata variety is great, but for something a bit shorter to use as a foundation planting, the Prostrata variety is a winner. It can resist drought but not saline conditions. An ebook by Chase Landreauthor of South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com. A large portion of the landscape supports herbaceous and forested wetlands. If you live in zones 10 to 12 and are looking for a sun-loving plant that thrives in moist conditions, then the ixora may be a great choice. Left to Theyre excellent as hedge shrubs or privacy plants, and they may grow to a height of 15 feet, although theyre typically kept trimmed to around 4 feet. Check irrigation heads to make sure shrubs and other plantings are getting water. Showy white flowers bloom in spring, followed by red berries, with both attracting various birds and butterflies. Once established, Clusia is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. This low-maintenance shrub features bright yellow flowers in the summer and is drought-tolerant once it is established. is a must have for those wanting a colorful and larger shrub that attracts butterflies as well as hummingbirds in Central and South Florida. This attractive native evergreens canopy fills with large 8-inch diameter round leaves that are green and leathery until winter when they change to red. Boxwood is commonly found in coastal areas on sandy soil and hammocks. Accept (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones), Why is My Phlox Not Flowering? While they do need sheltering from Floridas wind, the sun-loving copperleaf plant prefers the sun. 17 Effective Plants to Keep Cats Away + Deterrent Methods. accents. shrubs, and in this size range you have many choices of green, if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'flgardening_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_20',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-flgardening_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Those in Central and South Florida looking for a tropical and robust growing privacy plant thats not only salt-, drought- and wind-tolerant, but also offers the bonus of edible fruit should look no further than a sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera). if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'flgardening_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_11',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-flgardening_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); The evergreen offers a bit of color year-round, with the 4-inch oval foliage a yellowish-green, and then in springtime, clusters of greenish-white flowers bloom. It also produces a delicious plum that many animals consume. Allamanda bushes are evergreen and, to some extent, salt-tolerant. Continue reading because we discuss some of the very best shrubs for Florida landscapes throughout the state, their characteristics and preferred cultural conditions. The plant has small leaves, and new growth usually has red tips. Lets look at low maintenance shrubs for central Florida. Fertilize once in March, once in June, and once in September each year. Sugar Cane vs. Bamboo: Which is Right for Your Garden? This plant that often has yellow flowers does well in the sun or part shade in zones 6 to 10. Use this attractive shrub as a hedge, screen, border, foundation planting, and espalier or in containers. Podocarpus has a high tolerance to drought and salt, performing best in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soils. Click on linked scientific names for photos and/or more information. Many people love the pyramidal shape of the arborvitae. Pros: Orlando native; easy to grow Cons: It's also cold-tolerant and can be trimmed to look formal or natural. Unlike those living in the North, Florida homeowners can enjoy a beautiful lawn year-round. With its dark green and narrow leaf blades forming into a dense mass, Podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophyllus), also called yew Podocarpus makes an attractive hedge or privacy screen for gardeners throughout the state. They're often planted not just for their beauty but also to serve a Regardless of whether you live along the salty coast, in southern regions of the state where temperatures are the hottest or in North Florida where winters can get cold and frosty, theres Florida-friendly privacy plants that will thrive in your particular environment. Indeed, this plant will display abundant and colorful blooms in the tropical climate of the warmer regions of the state. While most flowers are salmon pink or apricot, you can also find yellow and red options. You can find varieties producing salmon, red, or even yellow flowers. What are the best shrubs to grow in Florida? Planting privacy hedges may be the best landscaping decision for your lawn and garden. Works well as a screen, hedge, specimen, accent plant, wildlife gardens or grown in containers. This evergreen has lacy needles to the ground, making it an ideal choice for a windbreak. This evergreen has lacy needles to the ground, making it an ideal choice for a windbreak. Clusia may be an excellent choice for those looking for an evergreen hedge plant for a shady spot that gets indirect sunlight. While this plant grows well in Floridas tropical climate, you should consider providing it some protection from the afternoon sun (or it might get burned). if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'flgardening_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_21',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-flgardening_com-narrow-sky-1-0');It prefers growing in a wide range of soils, including the poorest and in full sun to partial shade. Here are ten varieties of shrubs that can stay looking great with minimal effort: The Marlberry tree is a small tree that grows to a height of around 15 feet and is native to Central Florida. Many of our most beautiful garden shrubs fall into this size Hummingbirds delight in the flowers, making the plants good additions to butterfly or wildlife gardens. It gets its common name from the clusters of bluish-gray waxy berries that attract birds and once were utilized in candle making. The spikes of flowers on the end of the bottlebrush plant during the summer give this plant its name. Keep beds and containers well watered as the temperatures rise. They have quite a distinctive tastenot at all like actual cherriesthat youll either love or hate, but youll definitely want to wait until they reach that dark purple or blood-red sweet spot, or else youll be in for a shockingly sour surprise. Hardy in North and Central Florida, yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) develops into a large shrub growing around 15 to 25 feet tall and wide, making it a suitable choice used to add privacy to the landscape. Although they flower best grown in full sun, they also tolerate growing in partial shade and in a variety of well-drained soils. This showy shrub produces clusters of purple or white flowers in the summer and prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Can You Leave Daffodil Bulbs in the Ground All Year? 1233 Orange Blossom Trail Zelwood, FL 33223. Height: 40-60 inches tall. Walter's Viburnum and Other Viburnum Species, Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program, UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). However, some specimens can grow up to 30 feet tall. Theyre perfect for shorelines, because not only are they tough against salt, but theyre also highly resistant to damage from hurricanes and heavy winds! If youre aiming for stylish flair, function, or a bit of both, youve got quite a number of options. In summer, the vase-shaped canopy fills with small showy white flowers. The shrub is also drought- and salt-tolerant, thriving on neglect. We are changing the way America Hedges. The shrub can grow 20 feet tall and almost as wide making it suitable used as a hedge or screening plant. The best lighting condition for gardenias is bright shade. Plants are salt- and drought-tolerant. The Plant Pages profile each one in detail so you can choose the right mid-size shrubs for your home landscape. These are perfect for your pool because they print beauty to your landscape but they are also super easy to take care of and don't add any extra work to your already long list of pool duties. For more tips on landscaping with shrubs, see the Landscape Design Primer atSmall Shrubs. Click Here For more on Growing Firebush In Florida. Small white spring flowers are followed by glossy, bright red clusters of berries. However, dwarf holly shrubs are dioecious, which means there are male and female plants and if you desire those red berries, youll need females. With dark green, glossy leaves and clusters of small, fragrant white flowers, sweet viburnum does double-duty as a landscape hedge. This perennial herb is ideal for seasoning fish, pasta, and vegetable dishes. These are great privacy plants because they can grow large, and dense while also bringing beauty to your yard. Another attractive and flowering staple to southern gardens that is hardy in Central and South Florida is the fast-growing Oleander (Nerium oleander). This holly variety is notable for its dense, bright green foliage. 2. Whether youre looking for color, fragrance, texture, size, structure or ease of growth, theres a shrub that fits your needs and the choices are almost endless. Ebooks that help you grow, design and enjoy your landscape! Choose some that have flowers, and make sure the majority of your plants are cold hardy so even after winter your landscape still looks complete. I was born in Tampa and have never left Florida. The ultimate guide to low-maintenance plants, as a surround or centerpiece planting for tall palm trees, flanking each side at the end of a walkway or drive, in pairs on each side of a gate or free-standing arbor, along the edge of a patio to create an enclosure, to hide the A/C unit, trash can area, those hideous front yard pipes, or other "unmentionables". These two plants, fairly similar in looks and habit, are some of our most commonly used shrubs. Beautyberry is a native deciduous shrub producing clusters of tiny lilac flowers in springtime, giving way to large clusters of brilliantly colored purple berries in fall that attract birds and will definitely grab the eyes attention. Unluckily for plants, I really enjoy growing them. Temperatures range between 90 and 105F in the summer and can drop to 50F in the winter. 1. Powered byTrue Mtn. Crossandra, often called the firecracker flower, blooms freely in terminal racemes throughout the year in zones 10 and 11. Its one of the benefits of living in a year-round, subtropical climate. Its hardy throughout Florida. Clusia is the ideal hedge for people living in South Florida. Smaller shrubs, usually classified as subshrubs are shorter than 6.6 feet in height. height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. Its large, green, oval leaves give it a tropical look. The little, round, lobed fruits grow in clusters, transitioning in color from green to yellow, then orange to red, and finally to nearly-black purple as they mature. The 1.5-inch light yellow magnolia-like blooms burst onto the scene in spring, lasting until early summer. Pineapple guava is a good choice for those wanting an attractive flowering shrub that offers the bonus of edible fruit. Plant gold mound with 3 feet of space all around the base of each plant, in an area with lots of sun and excellent soil drainage. This plant freely flowers throughout the year on corymbose cymes that can be up to 8-inches wide. There are many Florida-Friendy choices of shrubs and hedges. Frost-sensitive, those in North Florida can grow it in pots and protect during winter. Consider pruning it in the spring to keep it between 3-and-5-feet tall, or it will go leggy on you. The plants small leaves grow closely together. Its beautiful purple leaves offer a stunning contrast to the other brown and greens that define the garden. Showy white flowers bloom in spring, followed by red berries, with both attracting various birds and butterflies. Once the flower fades, this plant small orange-yellow fruit that turns black over time. The best shrubs to plant in your Central Florida yard are those that grow well in a Florida landscape. In north Florida, the climate is warm and temperature. indicates plants that can tolerate wet soils or occasional flooding. However, finding the best plants to grow as a hedge in Florida is challenging. Hedges provide privacy, create welcome shade during the summer months, fit seamlessly in both formal and more casual landscapes, and can be surprisingly affordable. Ixora blooms best in full sun but tolerates partial shade and grown in well-drained acidic soil. Gardeners have various choices in cultivars that produce an array of different colored flowers in hues of pink, red, white, lavender and purple. Firespike. Growth Rate: Moderate. This durable and low-maintenance shrub grows throughout Florida and can be pruned into tree form. Top Plants for Florida Landscaping and Gardens These plants, trees, and shrubs can flourish in the subtropical Sunshine State. Unluckily for plants, I really enjoy growing them. Oakleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub with large blooms of pink or white flowers in the spring. Join now and start creating your dream garden! Cocoplum grows well in full sunlight, does not require fertilizer, and is a low-maintenance plant that can be trimmed for a more formal appearance or left to grow naturally. Jasmine can be grown as a hedge that typically reaches up to 4-feet tall or as a ground cover. Finally, consider the size and shape of the shrub when selecting one for your yard. Florida has three native species of anise and all are hardy growing statewide. Sunlight: Full sun, but will still grow in partial sunlight. Mature plants grow up to 15 feet tall and wide. Which hedge plants should you consider?