Landscape Plant Selection -- South Florida

Timothy K. Broschat and Derek Burch

Windstorms are always a matter of concern, but trees that have been selected properly, sited with care, and maintained so as to have a sturdy form and an open canopy stand the best chance of surviving intact and not adding to the damage in the area. It is worth learning how to prune and shape trees in order to minimize the risks of damage.

A. W. Meerow, T. K. Broschat, and H. M. Donselman

In recent years, the subject of native plants has taken on new significance in Florida horticulture. Many counties are considering landscape ordinances that require that a percentage of native plant materials be used in all future developments. Several have already implemented such ordinances. This will result in a need for wider availability of native plant materials. Woody landscape plant producers, landscape architects, and home gardeners in Florida need to become informed about and prepared for the production and cultural needs of native plants.

Timothy K. Broschat, Alan W. Meerow, and Robert J. Black

Landscape plants can improve the appearance of our surroundings and modify the extremes of local climate (microclimate modification). Plants provide shade, insulate the home from heat loss or gain, and cool the air that surrounds their leaves through transpiration (release of water from plant pores). Trees are the main types of landscape plants used around the home for passive energy conservation. They provide shade, influence air movement around the house and, once established, require little maintenance. The energy-conserving impact of a particular tree species depends on 1) whether it keeps its leaves during the winter and 2) the shape of a tree and density of its foliage. This document is about choosing the right species of trees to plant in Florida, the sites to plant them, and how to properly maintain them.

Cliff G. Martin, Jody Haynes, John McLaughlin, Laura Vasquez, Adrian Hunsberger, and Zachary Brym

This publication was originally developed to help answer requests from participants of the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program in Miami-Dade County, now Florida Friendly Landscaping TM (FFL), for a list of landscape plants suitable in south Florida and has become a critical reference for the county. The resulting list includes over 330 species of low-maintenance plants. For each species, we provided the common and scientific names, family, size, light preference, salt tolerance, establishment status, invasive status and potential, and other useful characteristics. Written by Cliff G. Martin, Jody Haynes, John McLaughlin, Laura Vasquez, Adrian Hunsberger, and Zachary Brym, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, revised February 2025.

Timothy K. Broschat and Robert J. Black

Typically, palms will fare better in windstorms than broadleaf trees, but some are even better adapted than others. Proper palm selection will improve the chances of a palm thriving in a particular location. This document lists a number of species that can be grown in south Florida landscapes. Although many other species have been successfully grown in south Florida, they are relatively rare in the nursery industry and thus are not readily available.