Also known as Sweet Potato Vine, Morning Glory (lpomoea spp.) is a beautiful ground cover or accent for planters and pots. It is not native to Florida but is rated for hardiness zones 8a (Florida Panhandle) to 11 (Florida Keys). The colors of its large flowers color...
Plant Profile: Powderpuff
Calling it that isn’t an insult. The powderpuff is an excellent evergreen shrub for central to south Florida. The beautiful, flagrant bloom is a main reason for its popularity and becomes a magnet for hummingbirds. Native to Bolivia, the powderpuff has become a staple...
Plant Profile: Seaside Goldenrod
The Seaside Goldenrod is a beautiful plant which is not only versatile in planting location, but also attracts butterflies and other pollinators. While it is most commonly found by the seashore, it simply likes sandy, well-drained soils. Over the past 30 years,...
Plant Profile: Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees
You have likely at some point been involved in the debate about whether it’s more eco-friendly to have a real evergreen conifer versus an artificial Christmas tree. The most common type of artificial tree is made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a petroleum-derived...
Plant Profile: This Succulent is a Stone-Cold Survivor
Succulents have become quite the trend over the last decade. With their unique coloration, low-maintenance and low-grow profile, it’s no wonder why they have been in high demand across the world. There are multitudes of varieties within the greater succulent group,...
Plant Profile: Natchez Crape Myrtle
There is something very classy and elegant about delicate white flowers in the landscape. Crape Myrtles don’t get any better than the Natchez variety. Hundreds of pure white blooms, in six- to 12-inch panicles, stand out against the dark green foliage from June...
Plant Profile: Firecracker Plant
The Firecracker Plant or “Russelia equisetiformis” is one of the hardiest plants in Southwest Florida. Its continuous red, tubular blooms remain throughout the year and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The Firecracker is also very salt-tolerant and works well in...
Plant Profile: Dwarf Podocarpus
Dwarf Podocarpus is a medium-sized shrub that makes a great hedge and lends itself to shaping into topiaries very well because of the dense, narrow leaves resembling blades of grass or soft evergreen needles. The dark foliage and leaf texture create a nice contrast...
Plant Profile: Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a plant frequently found in the Florida landscape. Though Florida is home to native hibiscus, most varieties found in the urban landscape are exotic, likely originating in Asia. Growers have bred incredible variety into hibiscus with flowers and foliage...
Plant Profile: European Fan Palm
The European Fan Palm is great plant that can check all of the boxes if you are looking for a somewhat small, single or clustered, sun or semi-shaded, cold-tolerant, drought-tolerant, tropical-looking plant. This palm can be installed in just about any zone in Florida...
Resources
Memberships and Associations
- Irrigation Association
- Florida Irrigation Society
- Indiana Lawn Association
- Snow & Ice Management Association
- Carolina Irrigation Association
- American Society of Irrigation Consultants
- Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association
- National Association of Landscape Professionals
- National Safety Council
- American Society of Safety Professionals
Florida Weather and Data
Education Centers
- EPA Watersense
- Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology
- University of Florida IFAS Extension Orange County
- University of Florida IFAS Extension Sarasota County
- University of Florida IFAS Extension Collier County
- University of Florida IFAS Extension Lee County
- North Carolina State University TurfFiles Center
- Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Info Center
- Clemson University