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Florida’s warm, humid climate can be ideal for many low-maintenance plants, especially those that are drought-tolerant and resilient in high heat. These plants are excellent choices for creating a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape in Florida that can withstand the state’s unique climate conditions.
Low-maintenance Florida shrubs
These shrubs are well-suited to Central Florida’s climate, offering beauty and resilience with minimal upkeep.
Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata)
A sprawling shrub with clusters of sky-blue flowers. Requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Attracts butterflies and blooms profusely with minimal care.
Firebush (Hamelia patens)
A native shrub with tubular, orange-red flowers and dark green foliage. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and fast-growing. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Provides year-round color.
Coontie (Zamia integrifolia)
A native, low-growing cycad with fern-like, evergreen leaves. Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Extremely drought-tolerant. Low maintenance and resistant to pests and diseases. Adds a tropical look to gardens.
Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
Evergreen shrubs with vibrant, showy flowers in spring, available in a variety of colors. Prefers partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Moderately drought-tolerant. Provides stunning seasonal color and works well as a hedge, border, or foundation plant.
Dwarf Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola)
A tropical-looking shrub with glossy, green leaves and a compact, bushy form. Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Can be used as a low hedge, in containers, or as an indoor plant.
Low-maintenance Florida grasses
Here I’m referring to ornamental grasses, rather than turf grasses. These ornamental grasses not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of Florida gardens but also provide a low-maintenance solution for adding texture, color, and movement to landscapes.
Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
Known for its stunning pink to purple feathery plumes that bloom in the fall, creating a soft, airy appearance. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Ideal for mass plantings, borders, and as an accent plant. It attracts birds and is deer-resistant.
Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass (Tripsacum floridanum)
A smaller version of Fakahatchee Grass with the same arching leaves but a more compact size, typically reaching 2-3 feet. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Ideal for borders, ground cover, and smaller garden spaces.
Sand Cordgrass (Spartina bakeri)
A clumping grass with narrow, arching green leaves that turn golden brown in the fall, growing up to 4-5 feet tall. Tolerates wet soils and can be planted in shallow water. Prefers full sun. Excellent for use around ponds, in wetlands, and for erosion control. Provides shelter for wildlife.
Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’)
A popular ornamental grass with dark purple, arching leaves and soft, bottlebrush-like flower spikes. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and easy to care for. Excellent for borders, containers, and as a focal point due to its striking color and texture.
Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)
A tall, clumping grass with lemon-scented leaves that add both texture and fragrance to the garden. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Can be used as an ornamental grass or in the kitchen. Adds a unique fragrance and tropical look to the landscape.
Low-maintenance groundcovers
Groundcovers are an excellent way to keep weeds at bay and at pops of color. Less maintenance required than pulling pesky weeds!
Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis)
A native, spreading groundcover with bright yellow flowers and dark centers. Prefers full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and thrives in coastal conditions. Provides year-round color, attracts pollinators, and is excellent for coastal or sandy areas.
Perennial Peanut (Arachis glabrata)
A low-growing groundcover with bright green leaves and yellow flowers that resemble peanuts. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Fixes nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for fertilizers. Perfect for replacing lawns or for use in erosion control.
Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomeratus)
A low-growing groundcover with silvery-green foliage and small, sky-blue flowers. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Provides continuous blooms and is ideal for borders, rock gardens, or as a groundcover.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
A colorful, flowering shrub with clusters of small flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red. Tolerates full sun, drought, and poor soil. Requires minimal watering once established. Attracts butterflies and pollinators. Ideal for borders or as a ground cover.
Low-maintenance succulents
Add some eye-catching spiky accents or build a Florida xeriscape garden with these low maintenance succulents.
Agave (Agave spp.)
Succulent plants with thick, fleshy leaves often arranged in rosettes. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Adds architectural interest to landscapes. Ideal for xeriscaping.
Yucca (Yucca filamentosa)
A hardy, drought-tolerant plant with sword-like leaves and tall spikes of white flowers. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Requires minimal watering and care. Adds texture and structure to landscapes. Ideal for xeriscaping or as a focal point.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this succulent has long, upright leaves with variegated patterns. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Extremely drought-tolerant and can handle neglect. Very low-maintenance and versatile, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s also known for its air-purifying qualities.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
A popular succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that contain soothing gel, known for its medicinal properties. Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and easy to grow. Requires little water and care, and the gel inside the leaves can be used for skin treatments. Suitable for containers or garden beds.
Low-maintenance Florida vines
These low maintenance vines will make a great addition to your pergolas and trellises. Try these vines potted on a balcony for extra privacy!
Confederate Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
A vigorous, evergreen vine with glossy leaves and fragrant, white star-shaped flowers. Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established. Low-maintenance and perfect for covering fences, trellises, or as ground cover.
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
A low-growing, spreading plant with vibrant purple leaves and small pink flowers. Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Drought-tolerant and easy to propagate. Ideal as a ground cover or in containers. Adds a splash of color to gardens.
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
A vining shrub with vibrant, paper-like bracts in colors like magenta, red, orange, and purple. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and thrives in heat. Provides striking color with minimal care. Great for walls, fences, or as a ground cover.
Tips for low maintenance gardening in Florida
Mulching: Use mulch to retain moisture, reduce weeds, and moderate soil temperature.
Native Plants: Opt for native species, as they are naturally adapted to the local climate and require less water and care.
Group Plants by Water Needs: Plant species with similar water requirements together to minimize watering efforts.
Soil: Ensure good drainage, as many Florida soils can be sandy and drain quickly, but some areas may retain moisture.
Pruning: Most ornamental grasses and native shrubs benefit from a once-a-year trim, typically in late winter or early spring, to remove dead growth and encourage new growth.