Spring Blooms in the Sunshine State: What to Plant Now That Will Last Into Autumn
Florida's unique climate means we get to enjoy a longer blooming season than most! While other regions are thinking about frost, we're still basking in sunshine and can keep our gardens vibrant. So, what flowering plants can you plant now that will keep the color coming right through the fall? Let's dive into some Florida-friendly favorites.
Understanding Florida's Fall:
Before we get planting, remember that "fall" in Florida is a bit different. We're talking about a slow transition from hot and humid to warm and slightly less humid. This means:
Heat Tolerance is Key: Plants need to handle lingering summer heat.
Rainy Season Considerations: While the rainy season winds down, occasional downpours can still occur, so good drainage is essential.
Sun Exposure: Florida's sun remains strong, so choose plants that thrive in full to partial sun.
Blooming Beauties for Florida's Extended Season:
Here are some fantastic flowering plants to consider planting now, that will continue to bloom into the fall in Florida:
Lantana:
These are incredibly hardy and love the Florida sun.
They produce vibrant clusters of flowers in a variety of colors and attract butterflies.
They bloom prolifically from spring through fall.
SunPatiens:
A fantastic alternative to traditional impatiens, SunPatiens can handle full sun and heat.
They provide continuous color throughout the season.
Vinca:
Vinca is another heat-tolerant option that provides consistent color.
They are great for ground cover.
Mexican Marigolds:
These are very heat resistant, and they bloom for a long time.
They also have the added benefit of repelling some garden pests.
Penta:
Not only are these heat resistant, but they thrive in it!
Easy to care for, and do well in pots or containers, as well as in soil.
Purple Coneflower:
A tough, low-maintenance perennial perfect for Florida gardens. Its pink-purple daisy-like blooms add a pop of color from spring to fall.
This hardy plant thrives in full sun and can handle drought once established.
Bougainvillea:
Come in a variety of colors and grow quite quickly.
Resistant to drought, which comes in handy on those scorching summer days.
Firebush:
Adapts to different types of soil, as well as varying degrees of sun and shade.
Minimal care and maintenance.
Blue Daze:
Can take the heat, and loves soaking up the sun.
Has gorgeous blue flowers that continues to bloom throughout the year.
Tips for Success:
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Watering: Florida's heat can dry out plants quickly, so consistent watering is essential, especially during the hottest months. Pro tip: Plants in containers dry out much quicker and require more frequent watering in the hottest months.
By selecting the right plants and providing proper care, you can enjoy a beautiful and colorful garden in Florida from spring through fall!
