FFL Principle 1: Right Plant, Right Place

How well your plants perform depends in great part on whether you choose the right plants for the right place.

Look for low-maintenance plants that are suited to your site and that'll require minimal irrigation, fertilization, or pest control, once they're established. Think about how much sun your site receives and choose plants that will work with your conditions.

Consider if you have any wet or dry spots, and group plants based on their irrigation needs. And always take into account how large plants will get before you purchase and plant them.

By choosing the right plant for the right place, you can help create a Florida-Friendly landscape that looks great but also conserves water and protects natural resources.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
• Florida-Friendly Living: Right Plant, Right Place

UF/IFAS Publications

• FYN Handbook Chapter One: Right Plant, Right Place (PDF)
• Native Plants: An Overview
• Topics: Choosing Plants

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Buying Plants Locally
• Choosing Plants That Fit Your Landscape
• Do Your Plant Homework
• Florida-Friendly Landscapes
• Purchasing Plants
• Saving Money with Landscaping
• Starting Your Landscape Design

Other Sites

• Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place--Florida Power and Light
• Right Plant, Right Place--Southwest Florida Water Management District
• Right Plant Right Place::Florida-friendly Best Practices--Hoe & Shovel
• Tutorial: Right Plant, Right Place--FloridaYards.org