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Native plants are adapted to your local climate โ€” less watering, fewer pests, and more wildlife. Once established, most Florida native plants thrive on rainfall alone.

Florida native garden

Why Choose Native Plants?

Florida native plants evolved over thousands of years in your exact climate, soil type, and rainfall pattern. They've developed natural resistance to local pests and diseases, and timing perfectly synchronized to Florida's seasons.

Top Florida Native Plants

Coontie (Zamia integrifolia): Florida's only native cycad. Extremely drought-tolerant, grows in full sun to full shade. The sole larval host for the rare Atala butterfly.

Firebush (Hamelia patens): One of the best natives for hummingbirds and butterflies. Produces clusters of orange-red flowers nearly year-round in South Florida.

Native Florida flowers

Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris): In fall, explodes into clouds of pink-purple feathery plumes. Extremely drought-tolerant, grows in poor sandy soil.

Simpson's Stopper: Beautiful native shrub with fragrant white flowers and orange-red berries that birds love. Highly drought-tolerant once established.

Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): Famous for stunning clusters of brilliant purple berries in fall and winter. Birds feast on the berries all season long.

Getting Natives Established

Even drought-tolerant natives need regular watering during their first growing season. Water deeply but infrequently โ€” once or twice a week for the first three months. After year one, most Florida natives can survive on rainfall alone.

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