Snowbird Swaps
Many “snowbird” gardeners new to the Sunshine State attempt to grow their favorite northern plants—such as hostas, lilacs, tulips, dahlias, and peonies—in their Florida landscape. Much to the frustration of these gardeners, such plants don’t fare well in our hot summers and mild winters. For example, hostas must reach temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum number of hours in the winter, and tulips require a period of cool dormancy. Lilacs, dahlias, and peonies are ill-suited for our summers’ high temperatures and humidity. To avoid these challenges, here are some attractive, hardy plant alternatives destined to be more successful in Florida.
Swap lilacs for crapemyrtle or chastetree
Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) produces colorful blooms late spring to summer, ranging from white or pink to lavender or red. This option thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7A to 9A with a high drought tolerance and preference for full sun. The blooms are ruffled and crinkly, resembling crepe paper, and the bark is smooth and peeling. Crapemyrtle stretches to around 20 to 25 feet tall, with dwarf types also available.
Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus), also called vitex, is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree that produces pleasant lavender blooms attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The plant flowers from late spring through fall and reaches up to 15 feet tall if left unpruned. Its sage-scented, gray-green leaves complement the sweeping branches and gray bark. It can be planted in areas that would benefit from a seasonal pop of color, even in a planter! Chastetree should be planted in full sun or partial shade and does well in hardiness zones 7B to 11.
Swap tulips for tropical bulbs
Amaryllis produces trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, white, and some are even multicolored or striped. It makes a stunning addition to the landscape and resembles tulips with its stiff upright stems and showy colors. It can be planted in Florida between September and January, blooming in the spring before the leaves develop. Amaryllis also does well in pots, both in the home and outdoors. It prefers partial sun and well-drained soil.
Agapanthus (Agapanthus orientalis), sometimes called African lily or lily of the Nile, is a summer-flowering perennial with striking blooms. While it originates from South Africa, it is considered a Florida-Friendly plant. It attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators to its blue, lavender, purple, or white flowers. The flower clusters, positioned on a single stalk high above the leaves, grow 2–4 feet above the ground. Agapanthus grows best in hardiness zones 9 to 11 in full sun and benefits from light irrigation between spring and fall.
Tulip ginger (Curcuma alismatifolia), previously known as Siam tulip, is not a true tulip and is in fact a member of the ginger family. This plant contains cone-like flowers enclosed within colorful bracts held above the foliage. It overwinters as dormant underground rhizomes that sprout sword-shaped leaves in the spring. The flowers bloom in the spring, summer, and fall with pink, purple, white, orange, or yellow hues. As a tropical ginger, this plant is well adapted to Florida’s hot climate. Tulip ginger prefers partial sun and rich, well-drained soil.
Hurricane lily (Lycoris radiata), true to its name, often blooms during the peak of hurricane season in September and October. Also known as surprise lily, magic lily, resurrection lily, or naked lady, this plant is unique in that its flowers bloom without foliage. Leaves appear in fall through winter but die back in the heat of summer. It’s best to plant hurricane lilies in late summer or early fall in sunny locations or with light shade, preferably in moist, well-drained soil. This plant can be grown successfully in North and Central Florida.
Swap dahlias and peonies for hibiscus or hydrangea
For an oasis with a rainbow of color options, consider planting the tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). The individual flowers make quick appearances and last about a day, but the plant blooms periodically over a long flowering season—nearly year-round in South Florida. Hibiscus is a pollinator’s paradise, drawing butterflies and hummingbirds. In southern areas, hibiscus remains green throughout the year, while in North Florida it will die back during freezes and return from the roots. There are hundreds of other species of hibiscus which range in density and size; some grow as low spreading shrubs while others reach up to 20 feet tall.
Hydrangea, a large woody shrub, comes in multiple types that all fare well in North and Central Florida. This includes the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), which grows giant “mopheads” of flowers in shades of blue or pink. The plant prefers shade and needs only periodic irrigation and occasional fertilizer. The oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a Florida native that produces white, elegant flowers and large leaves (up to a foot in length!) resembling those of an oak tree. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and thrives with irrigation and light shade. Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) differs from the other hydrangeas in that it tolerates full sun and infrequent irrigation. It can reach 15 to 25 feet tall with dark green, deciduous leaves and cream-colored flowers that fade to purplish-pink.
Swap hostas for cast iron plant
The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) can be grown in all regions of Florida from hardiness zones 7 to 11. It is a tough perennial that thrives in full or filtered shade but cannot tolerate full sun. The cast iron plant makes a reliable accent plant or groundcover and reaches 12 to 20 inches tall with rich, glossy green leaves. Some cultivars have a more varied display with cream- or yellow-colored stripes. Periodic watering keeps it happy, although it can be quite drought tolerant. This plant not only provides dense evergreen foliage for your yard, it can also be grown inside your home in areas with limited sunlight.
To all the snowbirds out there—don’t fret about what you can’t grow in Florida, instead rejoice in all the subtropical plant possibilities. Whether you are looking to add more color, height, or density to your landscape, there are many options that thrive in Florida’s climate with similar qualities to your northern favorites. Our state provides suitable conditions for plenty of unique, showy plants just waiting to join your home garden.
Also on Gardening Solutions
- Agapanthus
- Amaryllis
- Bulbs for Florida
- Cast Iron Plant
- Chastetree
- Crapemyrtle
- Dahlias
- Florida-Friendly Landscapes: The Nine Principles
- Hibiscus
- Hurricane Lily
- Hydrangea
- Tulips