![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
In Florida, the conditions can be harsh. This is especially true if you live in a coastal area like Pensacola. It isn’t always easy to grow plant life when you’re dealing with the beating sun, pounding rain, salt-heavy ocean winds, and the occasional hurricane. The best grass types for Pensacola are hardy ones that can […]
\n","content":"\nIn Florida, the conditions can be harsh. This is especially true if you live in a coastal area like Pensacola. It isn’t always easy to grow plant life when you’re dealing with the beating sun, pounding rain, salt-heavy ocean winds, and the occasional hurricane. The best grass types for Pensacola are hardy ones that can stand up to these environmental conditions the Sunshine State has to offer.
\n\n\n\nGrass types are classified as either warm-season or cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses thrive in areas with higher temperatures and lots of sun, whereas cool-season grasses will do better with lower temperatures and less sun. The growing season for warm-season grasses is summer, while for cool-season grasses, it’s fall and early spring.
\n\n\n\nPensacola is firmly within the warm-season grass zone, which means that the best grass types will be warm-season ones that thrive in its sunny days and consistent heat. Warm-season grasses prefer areas with lots of sun and temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They experience most of their growth in the summertime.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is a warm-season grass that’s very well-suited to Florida. Its coarse texture combined with its lack of foot traffic tolerance unfortunately make it a poor choice for backyard barbecues or games of football. However, its decent drought tolerance ensures that it will fare better than some other grasses during the dry season.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass has an attractive, vibrant green color. It has great resistance to diseases and pests, does well in soil with low fertility, and grows very quickly, making it a good hardy lawn that can grow where other grasses might struggle.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low, but more than Bermudagrass
\n\n\n\nDrought Resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Frequent mowing
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers sandy or loam soils with low fertility
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Poor tolerance for salt spray
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is another warm-season grass that grows very well in Florida, one that stands out even among other warm-season grasses as a sun-lover. It has great resistance to both droughts and foot traffic tolerance and does well in pretty much any soil type, so if you want a hardy lawn that you plan to use often, bermudagrass may be right for you.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, Bermudagrass does have its downsides. One of them is a vulnerability to diseases and especially pests, which means that you’ll have to keep a close eye out for ant hills on your lawn. Another is the amount of maintenance it requires, which is good if you like being outside and working on your lawn, but not so much if you’re looking for a low-maintenance grass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low; prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought Resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: High; requires frequent mowing and regular dethatching and fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5-2.5 for common Bermudagrass, 0.5-1.5 for hybrid cultivars
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: High
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: All
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Good salt tolerance
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Blue_grama_Bouteloua_gracilis_MN_2007.jpg\")
Photo Credit: SEWilco / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBlue grama is a bit of an unusual grass type in that it grows in thick bunches. It’s a very low-maintenance grass that requires little water, making it a good ground cover or accent grass for xeriscaping. Blue grama also mixes well with other grass types such as buffalograss in a typical grass lawn or can be used by itself.
\n\n\n\nIn terms of salt tolerance, blue grama stands out, which makes it a good choice for Pensacola in particular. It’s unfortunately not very tolerant of foot traffic, however, so be careful where you step when using this grass type.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought Tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Low to moderate; most prevalent disease is fungal rust
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.6-8.4
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Does not tolerate wet or poorly drained soil
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Very good salt tolerance
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a common warm-season grass in Florida, one with a rich light green color and a coarse texture. As far as warm-season grasses go, it has great shade tolerance in addition to decent drought tolerance, making it ideal for yards that don’t get as much sun or rain as their homeowners would like.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is also low-maintenance and resistant to diseases and pests, so it makes a good lawn if you can’t spend too much time on yard care. It can also grow in acidic soils with low fertility that other grasses might not tolerate. Unfortunately, its poor tolerance for foot traffic makes it a poor backyard grass, but as a front yard grass, it’s a great candidate.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought Resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers infertile acidic soils with moderate drainage. Does not tolerate clay soil
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Poor salt tolerance
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Seashore-Paspalum-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a salt-tolerant grass, then look no further than Seashore Paspalum. As its name implies, it has an exceptional tolerance for salt, making it a particularly good grass if you live right by the shore. It’s also a well-rounded grass with good tolerances across the board. Keep in mind, however, that it is moderately susceptible to diseases and insects and requires a bit of extra maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its other tolerances, Seashore Paspalum also tolerates a wide range of soil types and pH balances. If your soil can’t support any other grass you’ve tried or is too acidic or basic, then this may be the grass for you.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought Resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Moderate fertilization and frequent mowing
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate; common diseases include large patch and dollar spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 3.6-10.2
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: All
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Highly salt tolerant and thrives in coastal regions like Pensacola
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/St.-Augustinegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustine is the most common lawn grass in Florida, and for good reason. It has great drought tolerance and is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass available. So if cabanas and pergolas shade your yard, put St. Augustinegrass on your radar.
\n\n\n\nIt grows and establishes quickly, and its coarse texture combined with its good range of colors make it a very attractive lawn.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, St. Augustine is somewhat vulnerable to diseases and pests and doesn’t stand up very well to foot traffic. It’s especially vulnerable to Florida’s southern chinch bug. If you choose this grass type, be prepared to put in a little extra work to help it thrive.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought Resistance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Requires frequent mowing and regular dethatching and fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 3.5-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers moist, but not waterlogged, soil with moderate fertility. Does not tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: St. Augustinegrass is the most shade tolerant of all the warm-season grass types. Good salt tolerance
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a particularly hardy grass type, then Zoysia could be the one for you. It’s extremely tolerant of foot traffic and has decent tolerances for drought, shade, salt spray, and diseases and pests. Its thick blades also block weeds from growing, leaving dethatching as the only notable maintenance that you’ll need to perform.
\n\n\n\nZoysia also comes in several different cultivars to suit your needs. Though it’s slow to recover, it’s still a good hardy grass that can thrive in many different environments, making it ideal if you have unideal conditions in your outdoor space that others can’t tolerate.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads By: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade Tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought Resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot Traffic Tolerance: High; recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Requires occasional dethatching
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential for Pests: Low
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil Type: Prefers a well-drained soil; preferred type will depend on the cultivar
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Good salt tolerance
\n\n\n\nYes. It is possible for cool-season grass types to grow in Pensacola since it’s in the northern part of the state, where the temperatures are cooler compared to the rest. Warm-season grasses will still be the better option, but if you want a cool-season grass, it’s possible to grow in Pensacola, FL.
The best time of year to plant warm-season grass seed in northern areas of Florida is spring or summer.
If your outdoor space isn’t quite right for a grass that you’ve got your heart set on, there are ways to make it work. You can look for a cultivar that better fits the conditions of your landscape, for example. The needs of many different grass types can vary among cultivars, so you may be able to find one that better suits your yard.
You can also try altering your landscape within reason to accommodate the grass you want. Trimming your trees to allow more sunlight can help sun-loving grasses thrive, for example. Finally, you can try mixing different grass seeds. Mixing the seed of the grass you want with one that’s better suited for your landscape can result in a lawn that looks great and fits the environmental conditions in your outdoor space.
If a traditional grass lawn doesn’t quite strike your fancy, then you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding an alternative. Many ground cover plants, such as clover, sunshine mimosa, and perennial peanut, can tolerate the conditions of the Pensacola area.
If you do use an alternative ground cover, however, keep in mind that Florida does experience occasional hurricanes, and that they’re particularly strong around coastal areas like Pensacola. For this reason, loose ground covers, such as gravel and stones, are not a very good idea, as they can become shrapnel.
An organic ground cover is also recommended since the strong winds and flooding possible during a hurricane may lead to erosion if your soil doesn’t have any ground cover to anchor it.
When you’re choosing a new grass type, there are many factors that you need to take into account. In addition to the usual ones, like the level of shade or how much foot traffic the grass will get, you also need to consider salt tolerance.
\n\n\n\nPensacola, FL is a coastal city, which means that it will receive a fair amount of salt spray and salty winds. Therefore, salt-tolerant grasses will fare much better than those that are not salt tolerant. Keep in mind, however, that you can still grow grass types with poor salt tolerance if you wish. Many grass types have cultivars that are more resistant to various factors, including salinity, than the standard varieties.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re having trouble with your Pensacola lawn, contact a local lawn care expert for help picking out the right grass type or maintaining your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pensacola, FL / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Pensacola, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/1789c/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/107df/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.jpg 320w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/293e9/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.jpg 500w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/f2cbb/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.jpg 800w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/1789c/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.jpg 960w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/c26c2/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/1dd6e/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/67b76/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.webp 320w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/8df11/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.webp 500w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/98a65/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.webp 800w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/1dd6e/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.webp 960w,\n/static/3a30a20815b61602745c12beda19bb98/3cc96/1280px-Pensacola_FL_Barkley_House03.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Pensacola, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Picking out a new grass can be tough. Read here to find the best grass types for your Pensacola, FL home."}}},{"node":{"id":"2bfbaf80-7122-5e9d-a959-0f43353e808f","slug":"best-native-plants-pensacola","path":"/lawn-care/fl/pensacola/best-native-plants-pensacola/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Austin Geiger is an avid reader and writer. He has loved to read and write from a young age, and does both daily. His favorite subjects are fantasy and comedy, and he despises run-on sentences.","name":"Austin Geiger","id":"69bc552e-2c03-5c38-acc7-562e86f2a201","path":"/author/austin-geiger/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5baab15ab5786cfd4d2372bb580f441c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"301db859-5d9c-56d3-8b4a-5742eaece884","name":"Pensacola","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/pensacola/"}],"date":"April 10th, 2023","excerpt":"In the wild areas of Pensacola, such as Big Lagoon State Park, native plants abound. These plants are an important part of any local ecosystem. They’re a great help to pollinators and feed your area’s critters. They’re also beautiful low-maintenance options for your landscaping if you’re looking for some new blooms to fill your outdoor […]
\n","content":"\nIn the wild areas of Pensacola, such as Big Lagoon State Park, native plants abound. These plants are an important part of any local ecosystem. They’re a great help to pollinators and feed your area’s critters. They’re also beautiful low-maintenance options for your landscaping if you’re looking for some new blooms to fill your outdoor space with. Here’s a list of some of the best native plants for Pensacola to help you pick out your new flora:
\n\n\n\n![\"berries](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Callicarpa_americana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Korall / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
American beautyberry is a shrub that certainly lives up to its name. Its light green leaves and vivid purple berries are a sight to behold, making it a great choice for beds or as an accent plant. Beautyberry requires very little water, prefers low sun, and is low-maintenance. It does best in soil with either loam or sandy composition.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Citrus
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low, requires only 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 4 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None, the berries it grows are edible for humans and animals
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low, prune in late winter to make it look better next year
\n\n\n\n![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed_susan_flowers_40862429212.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michel Rathwell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
Black-eyed Susan is a beautiful Florida native wildflower with bright yellow leaves and a dark brown center that gives it its name. It’s highly attractive to pollinators but is resistant to deer and looks great in beds, pots, or planters. It has some drought tolerance but does require its fair share of water.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan prefers full sun and tolerates a wide variety of soil types. If you plant this flower, be warned that it can become invasive if conditions are too ideal, so keep an eye on it and dig up the underground rhizomes it spreads by if it starts pushing out your other plants.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sandy, loam, acidic, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Can be perennial, biennial, or annual depending on growing conditions
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring to early autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Medium. Has moderate drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blue_Mistflower_Conoclinium_coelestinum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Linda M Morgan / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Blue mistflower is another beautiful Florida native wildflower, one that grows small purple clumping flowers. It can handle some shade and tolerates a few different soil types, and requires a moderate amount of water while still being drought tolerant.
\n\n\n\nBlue mistflower is resistant to deer and is very attractive to pollinators thanks to the abundance of nectar its flowers hide. This is another flower that can spread, so take care not to let it take over.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Floral
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Mid summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate, is drought-tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lonicera_sempervirens_-_Coral_honeysuckle_02.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Coral honeysuckle is a flowering vine with lovely tube-shaped red flowers that attract all kinds of pollinators, hummingbirds in particular. It has moderate water needs but is drought tolerant once established, and it can tolerate some shade along with a variety of different soils.
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle makes a great addition to trellises, or can grow around a pole or on a wall. You can even grow them around posts on outdoor structures, like gazebos, to give them that extra je ne sais quoi. Keep in mind, however, that this vine’s flowers are poisonous, so be very careful around them.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Semi-evergreen perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring, early summer, autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 15 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Flowers are toxic to both animals and humans, berries are inedible
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coreopsis_leavenworthii_Leavenworths_Tickseed_12743506864.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
If you want a native plant for your Pensacola landscape, there’s none better than Florida’s state wildflower. Also known as tickseed, Coreopsis is a wonderful yellow flower that loves the sun and tolerates many different soil types. Some varieties also have stunning red or orange colors closer to the center. It requires a bit more maintenance than some of the others on this list, but is well worth it.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, loam, sand, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Can be annual or perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 6 inches to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None, has medicinal properties
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/30324722222_48e115f639_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schluz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Longleaf pine is a species of pine tree native to Florida. Unlike many other pines, it grows tall and thin, up to 100 feet tall, with most of its branches towards the top of the tree. For this reason, it makes for a great centerpiece for your outdoor space. Longleaf pine is low-maintenance, requires little water, and prefers full sun.
\n\n\n\nIf you do choose this tree for your property, don’t make the decision lightly. Longleaf pine is classified as an endangered species. While you can have one on your property, you cannot cut it down and will need a special permit to relocate it should you decide you no longer want it, so make sure you do your research and understand state and local laws surrounding endangered species before installing a longleaf pine.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, acidic or neutral, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Pine
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Year-round
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 80 to 100 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Pollen and nuts can set off allergies
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8695231251_e54600299a_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: manuel m. v. / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Red buckeye is a beautiful shrub with tube-shaped red flowers that make it very attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. It’s low-maintenance, tolerates some shade, and requires a moderate amount of water. Thanks to its height, which is tall enough to sometimes be considered a small tree, it makes a great centerpiece for your landscape or can be used as an accent plant.
\n\n\n\nIf you choose red buckeye, keep in mind that several parts of the plant are highly poisonous.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, tolerates a wide variety of soil types
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Mid spring to summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 12 to 15 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Seeds, leaves, and sprouts are toxic to both humans and animals when ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Symphyotrichum_adnatum_168895303.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Horn / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
Scaleleaf aster is another stunning Florida native wildflower, one with pale purple to white flowers and a beautiful yellow center that make it very attractive to pollinators, bees especially. It can tolerate some shade and is very low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. This aster goes great in flower beds and containers and makes for a wonderful accent plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, chalky, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late autumn to early winter
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low, does not require supplemental water once established
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Scarlet-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
Scarlet sage, also known as blood sage or tropical sage, is a Florida native wildflower and the only sage native to the US with red flowers, which attract many different kinds of pollinators. It has moderate water needs and is low-maintenance. Scarlet sage can be either an annual or a perennial, and typically blooms in June.
\n\n\n\nScarlet sage is a great accent plant that goes well in flower beds or containers. It’s somewhat sensitive to salt, so make sure it has protection from salt spray and coastal winds. If you’re expecting a heavy storm or hurricane, take them inside so the salt doesn’t harm the plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Can be annual or perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sage
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Mid summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Seaside-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nSeaside goldenrod is another Florida native wildflower, one with beautiful small yellow clumping flowers that attract both birds and pollinators. It prefers full sun, loamy or sandy soil, and is low-maintenance and drought tolerant. As its name implies, seaside goldenrod is very salt tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal areas like Pensacola specifically.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nWith so many choices available, it can be difficult to pick out a few native plants for your landscape. Thankfully, it’s fairly easy to narrow them down. Take note of the conditions in your landscape and choose plants that are well-suited for it. If you get a great deal of sun, for example, pick native plants that do best in full sun, which shouldn’t be hard in Florida.
\n\n\n\nYou also need to examine your soil and determine what composition it has, how well it drains, and its pH balance. All of these things are important for a plant, native or no, so make sure you pick plants that can thrive in the type of soil in your landscape.
\n\n\n\nPensacola is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. This means that its average minimum yearly temperature ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The Hardiness Zones are used to determine how low of a temperature that plants can thrive in any given area.
\n\n\n\nEvery plant on this list can comfortably tolerate Zone 9a, and Pensacola’s other native plants are very likely to be the same way.
\n\n\n\n Some native plants are poisonous. You’ll need to take certain precautions when keeping these species in your outdoor space to avoid harm to yourself or others. Some examples include certain passionflower species, magnolia trees, and milkweed.
There’s also the possibility for certain native plants to become invasive. If conditions are too ideal, some native plants can push out the others in your garden, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t take over your landscape.
With the right precautions, yes. Most poisonous plants are harmless unless ingested. Some, however, can cause irritation of the skin if you touch them. Here are some tips to help keep you and others safe when keeping poisonous plants:
Many are, but not all. Native plants generally require less maintenance than non-native ones since they’re already in the habitats they’re best suited for. Just like any other kind of plant, however, their levels of maintenance vary.
Not particularly. Every plant needs time to establish itself in a new area, and native ones are no different. Keep an eye on any plant you introduce to your landscape and care for it well until the establishment period has come and gone. How long this takes will vary depending on the kind of plant and exact species.
When it comes to discovering new native plants to grow in your North Florida landscape, there’s no better place to look than the wilderness. Take a walk through areas like Pensacola’s Scenic Bay Bluffs Preserve and take note of some of the flora you see so that you can plant some in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to remember, however, that you should never take plants directly from the wild. Doing so can upset a fragile ecosystem. Instead, purchase them from qualified retailers recommended by the Florida Native Plant Society.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help caring for your landscape, connect with a local lawn care pro who can maintain the yard’s turfgrass, edging, and hedges.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Black-eyed Susan / Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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