![\"Azalea](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/azaleas-1.jpg\")
Ocala is a picturesque city full of rolling hills, champion horses, and thoroughbred farms. It is home to the Ocala National Forest with over 430,000 acres of wildlife, lakes, rivers, and botanical diversity, making it easy to see many of the over 4,700 species of plants native to Florida live in their habitats. After seeing […]
\n","content":"\nOcala is a picturesque city full of rolling hills, champion horses, and thoroughbred farms. It is home to the Ocala National Forest with over 430,000 acres of wildlife, lakes, rivers, and botanical diversity, making it easy to see many of the over 4,700 species of plants native to Florida live in their habitats. After seeing these beautiful plants, consider adding some to your Florida lawn for a low-maintenance landscape.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer many benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nNative plants promote a healthier Florida ecosystem. Check out these 25 native plants for Ocala to create a diverse landscape in your own backyard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nAzaleas are recognizable for their pink or white flowers lining the flowerbeds of many homes in North Central Florida. However, those particular plants are not native. They are actually hybrid varieties from Japan, Rhododendron indicum.
\n\n\n\nFlorida has its own native azaleas with smaller flowers. These fragrant flowers bloom in spring and range in color from pink to yellow. They are a slow-growing plant, eventually reaching heights up to 10 feet tall. They are low-maintenance shrubs that love partial shade and filtered sunlight. Add native azaleas to your flower beds and butterfly garden to attract pollinators.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; all plant parts are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/American_Beautyberry_6172956232.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Virginia State Parks staff / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBeautyberry is a sprawling shrub that works well as a border plant with its long branches arching toward the ground. Also known as American mulberry, its bright purple fruits attract birds and other wildlife. It responds well to pruning for a more compact appearance.
\n\n\n\nBeautyberry has small lavender flowers and fuzzy, light green leaves. The shrub blooms from spring to summer before maturing to fruits in September. Beautyberry is drought tolerant and adapts well to the acidic, sandy soils of North Central and South Florida.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers nutrient-rich soil but tolerates acidic, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; prefers a regular watering schedule and moist roots
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/black-eyed-susan-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is a highly recognizable pop of color for Ocala yards. Known for its bright gold petals and dark brown centers, the hardy wildflower is salt and drought-tolerant and makes a great addition to any butterfly garden.
\n\n\n\nTransplanted flowers or sewn seeds grow well in garden beds and containers. Black-eyed Susan flowers grow atop round, clumping leaves. They love full sun and well-drained soil and work well as cut flowers for an outdoor-to-indoor home display.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable, prefers acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSome plant species, like milkweed, are vital to healthy Florida landscapes, and over 20 native species call Florida home. Butterfly weed is a native species of milkweed and an attractive flowering plant. It is a nectar source for bees and pollinators and a host plant for caterpillars, including the Monarch butterfly.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed produces bright orange or yellow flowers from summer to fall. The hardy plant loves full sun and tolerates most soils. It is also moderately salt and drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall and less than 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, though some species are annuals
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Semi drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: High toxicity; milky sap poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/coontie-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCoontie is a member of the cycad family. This clumping groundcover is a seed plant resembling a small fern. Also known as Florida arrowroot, the evergreen plant has ancient roots dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. It is an important member of the Florida ecosystem and the only cycad native to North America. Coontie is the larval food source of the rare Atala butterfly.
\n\n\n\nThe round plant has shiny, feather-shaped leaves attached to a thick stem. It works well as clumping groundcover in many areas of your landscape and is drought, salt, and cold-tolerant. It thrives in both sunny and shady conditions.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Clumping groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-3 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; seeds are deadly to humans and animals if ingested, and the entire plant is poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coral-honeysuckle-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jo Naylor / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle is a twining evergreen clumping vine found climbing the woods, sandhills, and flatwoods of Central and South Florida. It blooms year-round and does its best blooming in the winter. You can find it crawling trellises, walls, and fences, reaching heights up to 18 feet.
\n\n\n\nTrumpet-shaped red-orange flower clusters grow among dark, shiny leaves, giving way to bright red berries from September to October. Coral honeysuckle attracts hummingbirds, songbirds, and other pollinators with its vibrant flowers and fruit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-18 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need weekly watering during dry spells)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"bright](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coreopsis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrey Zarkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCoreopsis is Florida’s state wildflower and a type of aster. Also known as tickseed, the perennial blooms daisy-shaped, yellow flowers with brown-orange centers from spring to summer.
\n\n\n\nCoreopsis is drought-tolerant and reseeds itself. Its bright blooms attract butterflies and native pollinators. Tickseed makes a great addition to flower beds, containers, and butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; tolerate partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained soil, sand, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Pale](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/elliotts-aster-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Titus Tscharntke / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nElliot’s aster is one of 331 native aster species in Florida. It is a perennial with a sprawling shape. It is quick-growing and great for filling gaps in flower beds and pollinator gardens. Elliott’s aster is especially attractive to honey bees.
\n\n\n\nThe delicate flower blooms light purple in late summer to early fall. It loves full sun and a range of soils but does not tolerate salt.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8b-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers moist soil, sand, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderately drought-tolerant; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, edible
\n\n\n\n![\"clumps](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/fakahatchee_grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFakahatchee grass is a clumping plant that makes great ornamental grass for Ocala landscapes. It works well as an accent and border plant. Fakahatchee grass is the food source for the larval Byssus Skipper butterfly. You can find it growing naturally along river banks and swamps in South and Central Florida.
\n\n\n\nThis ornamental grass is easy to grow. It has grass-like foliage and small white, yellow, or pink flowers that bloom in late spring. It grows best in full sun and loves well-drained, moist soil, though it adapts to drier conditions and will survive flooding. Fakahatchee grass responds well to pruning but grows just as well as a low-maintenance plant when left alone.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-4 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; well-drained, moist acidic or alkaline soil, sand, loam, clay; extended flooding
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderately drought-tolerant; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"bright](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/firebush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mokki / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFirebush has distinctive bright red flowers that bloom from late spring to the first frost. It is a hardy shrub popular with hummingbirds, butterflies, and other local wildlife. Firebush can reach up to 15 feet tall in North Central Florida but responds well to pruning for contained growth.
\n\n\n\nThe semi-woody shrub works well as a standalone shrub, hedgerow, or border plant. The foliage will die if temperatures hit freezing but will regrow in spring. Firebush adapts to most soil conditions and is heat and drought-tolerant with no natural disease or insect threats.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 9-12
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-12 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need weekly watering during dry spells)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; poisonous to humans and animals, though it has a bitter taste most animals avoid
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/florida-anise-tree.jpg\")
Photo Credit: peganum / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nPurple anise, or the Florida anise tree, is actually an evergreen shrub with small star-shaped purple to red flowers. Its skinny branches droop to the ground, giving the shrub a rounded shape while its flowers bloom in spring with fruits following from late summer to fall. The fruits of the Florida anise tree give off a distinct licorice odor when crushed like its cousin star anise.
\n\n\n\nFlorida anise has a dense growth pattern, making it ideal for windbreaks and hedgerows. They grow well in partial shade but prefer full sun and respond well to pruning. Florida state law protects these low-maintenance evergreen shrubs. They love rich soil and moisture but adapt to most conditions. The purple anise does not tolerate salt water and its foliage is poisonous, making it resistant to insects, deer, and Ocala black bears.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, moist soil, clay, sand, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; foliage is poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/gaillardia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: JJ Harrison / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nExperts recently discovered the most popular species of gaillardia, Gaillardia pulchella, also known as blanket flower, is not native to Florida. However, a similar species of gaillardia, Gaillardia aestivalis, or lanceleaf blanket flower, is native to North and Central Florida, making it an excellent choice for your Ocala landscape.
\n\n\n\nPart of the daisy family, lanceleaf blanket flower is a quick-growing perennial with showy yellow compound blooms appearing from late spring into fall. This clumping plant attracts butterflies and pollinators. Unfortunately, it is short-lived.
\n\n\n\nGaillardia aestivalis prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and self sows. This native wildflower makes a great addition to borders, rock gardens, small spaces, containers, and butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower or clumping groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall and up to 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; well-drained acidic or alkaline soil, sand, rock, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/muhly-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMuhly grass is one of the most low-maintenance and easy-to-grow options for Ocala landscapes. This ornamental clumping grass lines Florida flatwoods, uplands, and highways, producing fluffy pink flower stalks every fall.
\n\n\n\nMuhly grass thrives in the sun and is drought-tolerant. The salt-tolerant grass is perfect for flower beds, borders, and low-maintenance mass plantings.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; acidic or alkaline soil, sand, loam, clay; extended flooding
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Oakleaf](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/oakleaf-hydrangea-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Anne Norman / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nOakleaf hydrangea is a rare shade-loving shrub found in the understory of large trees like Florida live oaks. It is coarse-textured with large, cone-shaped flower clusters that bloom for months every summer and change colors from white to light pink and purple.
\n\n\n\nThe fast-growing deciduous shrub gets its name from its dark green, oak-shaped leaves that turn red, gold, or purple in the fall. Oakleaf hydrangea reaches heights up to 10 feet tall and thrives in fertile, well-drained soil. Smaller cultivars like “Pee Wee” are available for homeowners with limited space.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5b-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 feet high and 6-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full shade to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers, fertile, well-drained soil; adapts to most soil conditions, including moist, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderately drought-tolerant; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; all plant parts are poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/nature-plant-flower-purple-bloom-summer-543725-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nPassion flower, or maypop, is a flowering vine and butterfly host plant. It is fast-growing, and hardy with dense foliage that provides natural cover for wildlife. Passion flower’s large lavender blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The vine produces edible green fruits, though they are not related to passion fruit and do not taste good.
\n\n\n\nThe perennial vine loves full sun and spreads to occupy a trellis, fence, or archway. Passion flower is pest-resistant and tolerates drought conditions. However, the hardy plant is susceptible to nematode damage in North Central Florida.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet; spreads to occupy the trellis or fence
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water twice weekly during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; safe for humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Closeup](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/powderpuff-mimosa-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nPowderpuff mimosa is a low-growing, flowering groundcover. Also known as sunshine mimosa, this flowering plant is an important host plant for butterfly larvae. It blooms puffy, pink, ball-shaped flowers from spring through fall among bright-green, fern-shaped leaves.
\n\n\n\nPowderpuff mimosa withstands light traffic and spreads quickly. However, it is not an aggressive plant and works well with turfgrass and in containers alongside other plants. It helps control landscape erosion, is drought tolerant with deep roots, and grows well in full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ornamental flowering groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: Spreading; up to 1 foot tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; acidic or alkaline soil, sand, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Saw](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/saw-palmetto-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSaw palmetto is easily recognizable, growing wild throughout Florida. It is a slow-growing, clumping palm that only reaches heights of 5 to 10 feet. Saw palmetto has sprawling, fan-shaped fronds, and tall white flowers bloom on stalks in the spring followed by yellow berries from August to October.
\n\n\n\nThe palm’s berries are an important food source for local wildlife, and some people believe the extract helps cure cancer though there is no scientific evidence. The plant’s popularity as an alternative medicine has led officials to place a harvesting permit requirement on the plant.
\n\n\n\nSaw Palmetto is the host plant for the Palmetto Skipper and Monk butterflies’ larvae. Saw palmetto grows best in full sun and makes a great addition to mixed borders, privacy hedges, and foundation plants. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Palm shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 5-10 feet tall and 4-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, moist soils or seasonally water-logged areas
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need weekly watering during dry spells)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/scarlet-sage-salvia-close-up.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nScarlet salvia is an herbaceous perennial with many names, including blood sage, scarlet sage, and tropical sage. It has tubular red flowers that bloom from spring through fall. The attractive plant reaches up to 4 feet tall and attracts Ocala wildlife, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nScarlet salvia is drought and salt-tolerant. The adaptable plant responds well to pruning and grows well in flower beds, containers, and butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous plant
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; acidic or alkaline soil, sand, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tree-plant-fruit-leaf-flower-food-829906-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nYou can find seagrape growing along Florida’s coasts. It is an endangered and protected shrub that is salt-tolerant. The small tree produces clusters of edible red fruit resembling grapes, clusters of cream-colored flowers, and bright green, round foliage with red veins.
\n\n\n\nLeft unattended, seagrape will grow to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide but responds well to pruning. These plants work well as hedges, privacy screens, natural windbreaks, and shade trees with attractive, twisted trunks. Seagrape grows well in full or partial sun and sandy, acidic soils. It is very low maintenance except for the occasional pruning.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 10a-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 35-50 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible fruits
\n\n\n\n![\"Long](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/southern-live-oak-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nSouthern live oak is a picturesque shade tree straight out of a famous novel. Its branches sprawl up to 60 feet high and 100 feet wide, while its trunk grows up to 6 feet in diameter. These impressive trees live for hundreds of years when planted with enough room to thrive.
\n\n\n\nSouthern live oaks love well-drained, moist soil. With regular pruning while young, these large trees become incredibly wind-resistant, making them an excellent addition to a hurricane-ready landscape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 60 feet tall and 100 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Young southern live oaks might need watering once a month except during winter when rainfall provides enough water; mature trees are very drought-tolerant and most likely won’t need any watering outside of rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Acorns and leaves are toxic to pets and cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested; surface roots can damage nearby sidewalks, driveways, or other pavement
\n\n\n\n![\"Magnolia](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/800px-Magnolia_grandiflora_Piazzo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Syrio / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSouthern magnolias have shiny, evergreen leaves and creamy white flowers up to a foot in diameter. These large trees grow up to 90 feet tall and produce a lemon-like fragrance. They make a great addition to privacy screens and boundary establishments and respond well to pruning and branch training.
\n\n\n\nSouthern magnolias thrive in the sandy Ocala soils, preferring well-drained, moist, acidic soils. They grow in full sun to partial shade. It is important to note that these large trees grow best as perimeter plants as they shed leaves and seedpods every spring.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 90 feet tall and 50 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Young southern magnolias need watering one to two times weekly for the first six months; mature trees are drought tolerant and only need watering during extreme drought
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards; surface roots can damage nearby sidewalks, driveways, or other pavement
\n\n\n\n![\"Southern](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/southern-wax-myrtle-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BotBln / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nSouthern wax myrtle is a small tree or large shrub that makes a great hedgerow or windscreen around Ocala properties. It is salt-tolerant and multi-stemmed with a round canopy. Southern wax myrtles are quick-growing and respond well to pruning and branch training.
\n\n\n\nThese trees produce fragrant green flowers, glossy leaves, and gray bark. Wax myrtles adapt to a range of soils, including the acidic, sandy soils of Florida, and grow well in full sun to full shade.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 25 feet tall, but often kept shorter than 12 feet in landscapes; up to 25 feet wide at the crown
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun or partial shade but tolerates full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water once every 10-14 days in the absence of rain
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/flower-plant-nature-flora-blossom-botany-1370586-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nOcala’s subtropical climate creates the perfect environment for crawling vines. Star jasmine, also known as jessamine and evening trumpet flower, is a fragrant flowering vine with clusters of tiny white flowers that bloom in early spring and summer, attracting pollinators to your yard. It is moderately salt-tolerant, drought-resistant, and shade-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nStar jasmine is fast-growing and spreads to occupy any available space. It works well as groundcover but requires frequent pruning. The flowering vine is best planted near lampposts, trellises, arbors, or chain-link fences, and will not climb masonry walls or wooden fences without supports.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine or spreading groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 9-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/walters-viburnum-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWalter’s viburnum is another small tree that works well in Ocala landscapes as a large shrub. It has small white flowers that attract butterflies and fruits that ripen in fall, attracting birds and other wildlife. Walter’s viburnum reaches heights up to 20 feet tall but responds well to pruning and training, making it a great option for hedgerows and privacy screens.
\n\n\n\nThe flowering tree has dense foliage that acts as a nesting spot for songbirds, and it is the host plant for the Azure butterfly. It is drought tolerant and prefers full sun to partial shade. These plants do not tolerate salt and need moist, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water twice weekly
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; safe for humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"sharp](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/yucca-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nYucca plants are a group of Florida shrubs that love full sun and the fast-draining, sandy soils found in Ocala. They are extremely drought and heat-tolerant. Yucca plants grow well in flower beds, and their spiky foliage makes a great standalone specimen plant.
\n\n\n\nThere are three native Yucca species in Florida:
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-10 feet tall and 2-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial; some species are annuals
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate heavy clay soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water every 10 days
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; poisonous to humans and animals when consumed raw; edible when cooked
\n\n\n\nNot all native plants grow well in your Ocala yard and each has their own needs. It is important to consider your landscape’s needs, including soil type, irrigation access, and sun and shade conditions, and select plants suitable for your unique microclimate.
\n\n\n\nOcala sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, indicating the coldest annual temperature is between 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Florida-native plants are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in Ocala’s hardiness zone. Keep your zone in mind when selecting non-native plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nThanks to Ocala’s year-round subtropical climate, you can plant anytime you want. Plants go through their active growing season in spring and summer. Experts agree the best time to head into your garden is from mid-March to the beginning of April.
Early morning is the best time to water your plants. Foliage needs time to dry before nightfall, and wet foliage can lead to disease and rot. Winds are calmer and temperatures are lower in the early morning, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or sun scorching.
Native plants support beneficial insects like butterflies, bees, and birds as well as Florida’s ecosystem. Many are salt and drought-tolerant and adapted to the acidic, sandy soil found in most North Central Florida yards, making them easier to grow.
Create your own home forest complete with fragrant blooms, hanging vines, and warm-season turfgrass to invite butterflies and songbirds into your yard by introducing native plants. Be sure to source your plants ethically from reputable nurseries.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local Ocala nurseries:
\n\n\n\nMany native plants are drought and wind-tolerant, standing up to dry summers and high winds. Be sure to create a landscape maintenance plant to care for your new native plants and turfgrass year-round. Check out our spring lawn care tips to get you started.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help deciding which native plants to add to your landscape, let Wikilawn connect you with a local Ocala landscaping pro.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Jasmine flower / Wallpaperflare
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\n","content":"\nHomeowners know that finding the perfect plants for landscaping can be tough. But did you know that some of the best options may be right outside your home? St. Augustine’s moderate climate and coastal location make it the ideal habitat for various native plants that thrive in the region.
\n\n\n\nChoosing native plants for your landscaping not only celebrates the natural beauty of this coastal town but also offers several advantages over non-native species:
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re looking to enhance your yard’s aesthetic appeal or create a sustainable and eco-friendly landscape, incorporating the best native plants for St. Augustine is a great way to achieve your goals.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nHere are 15 of the best native plants for St. Augustine, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and groundcovers.
\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
\n\n\n\nTypically found growing in the understory of wooded areas or along the edges of forests, this deciduous shrub produces small, pinkish-purple flowers in the spring and summer, eventually giving way to clusters of bright, magenta-colored berries in the fall. These berries are a food source for birds, including northern bobwhites and bluebirds.
\n\n\n\nTo make American beautyberry even more beautiful in your garden, consider planting it in groups or mass plantings to showcase its vibrant color. You also can mix it with other native plants, such as Florida anise, swamp milkweed, or goldenrod, to create a diverse and colorful landscape that attracts a variety of pollinators.
\n\n\n\nWhile American beautyberry is generally low-maintenance and disease-resistant, it may benefit from regular pruning to encourage a fuller and more attractive shape. If you want to keep the plant looking its best, trim back any dead or diseased branches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun – needs at least four hours of direct sun exposure
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows well in most soil conditions but prefers fertile, organic loam soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – around 1 inch of water per week, but it needs deep, slow watering during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but its berries may cause discomfort like vomiting if ingested.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Beach-Sunflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA beautiful and hardy native plant that thrives in the sandy soils and salty air of St. Augustine’s beaches, this low-growing perennial is a favorite among gardeners in the area for its bright flowers and ability to withstand harsh coastal conditions.
\n\n\n\nThe beach sunflower, which is a member of the aster family, blooms throughout the year, with the peak season occurring in the late summer and fall. During this time, the plant produces a profusion of yellow flowers resembling little suns.
\n\n\n\nAn excellent groundcover, beach sunflower can pair well with other native plants like sea oats and coontie, creating a natural beachy look in your landscape. Deadheading or trimming the flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms when the flowers start to fade. But avoid overwatering it if you don’t want it to succumb to sunflower rust.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8b-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, but can tolerate partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, acidic to alkaline, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed-Susan-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nA showy, resilient wildflower native to much of North America, black-eyed Susan blooms from early summer to fall, producing bright yellow to orange flowers with dark centers. As they are well-suited to the climate and soil conditions of St. Augustine, you’ll often see them planted in parks, public gardens, and along roadsides throughout the city.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its visual appeal, black-eyed Susan is a valuable food source for pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It also provides a habitat for ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on pests like aphids and spider mites.
\n\n\n\nDeadheading the spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers, and dividing the clumps every few years can help keep it healthy and vigorous. To make the most of black-eyed Susan in your garden, consider planting it alongside other native perennials, like coneflowers and bee balm.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial, annual, or biennial (depending on growing conditions)
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – it needs at least six hours of sun exposure each day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, fertile, acidic, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans and pets, but may cause allergic skin reactions and asthma attacks
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blanketflower_-_Gaillardia_aristata_IMG_6098-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Macdon / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAnother member of the Aster family, blanketflower is popular in pollinator and butterfly gardens, attracting various species with their nectar-rich flowers. You can see them growing in gardens and natural areas, including Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine Beach, and the nearby Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve.
\n\n\n\nNative to the prairies of the southern United States, this perennial wildflower thrives in Florida’s sandy soils and warm, humid climate. It typically blooms from late spring through early fall, producing abundant flowers on bushy, compact plants. With its bright red and yellow petals, it can add a splash of color to garden beds, containers, and borders.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, dry, acidic, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but may cause skin irritation
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlooming from late spring through summer with striking orange flowers, butterfly milkweed stands out in any garden. These flowers not only add a splash of color to any landscape, but they also serve as an important food source for monarch butterflies.
\n\n\n\nA hardy and beautiful perennial native to Florida, butterfly milkweed grows wild in meadows, fields, and prairies throughout the state. It’s a must-have plant for any homeowner looking to attract pollinators to their garden.
\n\n\n\nOne way to make your butterfly milkweed even more beautiful in the garden is to pair it with other native plants, such as black-eyed Susans, coreopsis, or blanketflowers. To promote healthy growth, water regularly and avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to weak stems and fewer flowers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – every part of the plant is toxic and can be fatal if ingested in large amounts
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coontie.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as Florida arrowroot, coontie is a slow-growing evergreen indigenous to Florida. It’s well-suited to the area’s warm, humid climate and has a lifespan of over 50 years. It blooms in the spring and produces small, yellowish flowers that are not particularly showy. But its pretty, fern-like foliage and unique texture more than compensate for its inconspicuous blooms.
\n\n\n\nCoontie is drought-tolerant once established and requires little maintenance, making it an excellent choice for busy homeowners. You can incorporate it into a mixed border with other native species and prune it to keep it in a more compact shape or let it grow naturally to its full size.
\n\n\n\nThe only native cycad in the United States, this ‘living fossil’ has been around for over 200 million years. It’s also the only plant that serves as the larval host for the Atala butterfly – an endangered species native to Florida.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-11b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade (two to six hours of sun per day)
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, fertile, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – all parts of the plant are poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coral-honeysuckle-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jo Naylor / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida and other southeastern states, coral honeysuckle produces bright, coral-red flowers that bloom from spring to fall. Its nectar-rich blooms attract a wide range of pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any Florida garden.
\n\n\n\nThis versatile perennial can be planted in various settings, from borders and rock gardens to trellises and fences. It also makes an excellent groundcover, spreading quickly and providing a lush, green carpet of foliage. But remember that it has an extreme flammability rating, so you shouldn’t plant it too close to your house.
\n\n\n\nTo keep your coral honeysuckle looking its best, provide it with plenty of support, such as a trellis or fence. This will encourage it to climb and help prevent it from becoming too leggy or sprawling. To promote new growth and keep it from getting unruly, you also can prune it back in late winter or early spring.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-20 feet (depending on its supporting structure)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Grows well in partial shade but prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, rich, slightly acidic soil but tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Its berries are toxic to humans and pets but favored by birds
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coreopsis_auriculata_Nana_3zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommonly found growing in the wild in dry, sandy soils in pine forests, sandhills, and open woodlands, ear-leaved tickseed is ideal for planting in large groups, along borders or pathways, or as a groundcover. This plant is a great addition to wildflower gardens or meadow landscapes.
\n\n\n\nYou can plant ear-leaved tickseed in large masses to create a stunning display of yellow blooms. Note that they need regular watering during the first growing season to establish their roots. But once established, they require very little watering, making them ideal for xeriscaping or water-wise gardening.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom from spring to summer. It’s a larval host to several butterfly species, including the Florida state butterfly – the zebra longwing. It also attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and other butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Florida-Anise-Illicium-floridanum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ted Bodner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida, this evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves grows naturally in moist, shaded areas throughout the state. It’s known for its large, star-shaped fruits that ripen in the fall and are a food source for many bird species.
\n\n\n\nA larval host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly, Florida anise blooms in the spring, producing clusters of small, maroon flowers that have a sweet, spicy scent.
\n\n\n\nRemove dead or damaged branches and prune the shrub regularly to maintain its shape. Also, apply mulch around its base to retain moisture during the hot summer months. You also can grow it in containers or use it as a unique accent plant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, fertile, clay, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – while it’s drought-tolerant, you will need to water it weekly during long periods of dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oakleaf-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its large, showy flowers, oakleaf hydrangea blooms in late spring to early summer. The flowers are typically white but can take on pink or red tones in certain soil conditions. As its name suggests, the foliage of this Florida-friendly plant resembles that of an oak tree – with large, lobed leaves that turn a beautiful shade of burgundy in the fall.
\n\n\n\nSince it’s native to the Southeast U.S., oakleaf hydrangea is already well adapted to the hot and humid climate of St. Augustine. But regular pruning can help keep the plant healthy and encourage more blooms. Also, deadheading spent flowers can help promote new growth and extend the plant’s blooming period.
\n\n\n\nThe oakleaf hydrangea is a great plant for attracting wildlife to your garden. Its large flowers are a favorite of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, while the plant’s foliage provides shelter for birds and other small creatures.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-8 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Fertile, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – every part of this plant is poisonous and must not be ingested by humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pink-Pinxter-Azalea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: EoRdE6 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida, pink pinxter azalea grows naturally in wetlands, woodlands, along stream banks, gardens, parks, and natural areas throughout St. Augustine and Jacksonville. It blooms with bright pink flowers in the early spring, serving as an important food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It’s also a larval host plant for the Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly.
\n\n\n\nConsider planting pink pinxter azalea in a shady area with well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The plant requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought. Pruning after flowering can help shape the plant and promote healthy growth.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, well-drained, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic to both humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sabal-Palm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nAn iconic symbol of Florida, Sabal palm is the most common palm you’ll see throughout the state. Like saw palmetto, this slow-growing palm also thrives in sandy soils in wetlands, hammocks, and coastal plains. This hardy plant can withstand droughts, saltwater spray, and hurricanes, making it an ideal choice for landscaping in St. Augustine.
\n\n\n\nSabal palm blooms in late spring, producing small yellow flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its fruit, which is dark blue or black when ripe, is a favorite food source for birds such as woodpeckers and bluejays.
\n\n\n\nRemember to trim the lower leaves of the palm to showcase its unique trunk, which is covered in a brown fibrous material. You also can add mulch around its base to help retain moisture and control weeds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7b-11b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-30 feet tall, though it can grow up to 90 feet in the woods
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate – but for the first six months, water it often until established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets – can cause paralysis or even death
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Scarlet-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nAlso known as red salvia or scarlet salvia, scarlet sage is a stunning herbaceous perennial plant popularly grown in St. Augustine. This bright red-flowered plant is a showstopper in any garden or landscape, adding beautiful color and texture to any outdoor space. It’s a native of tropical and subtropical regions of the United States, including Florida, and thrives in the warm, humid climate of St. Augustine.
\n\n\n\nWith pungent foliage that makes it deer-resistant, scarlet sage blooms from late spring to early fall, producing vibrant red or pink flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This evergreen is also a host plant for the white peacock butterfly, providing a source of food and habitat for its larvae.
\n\n\n\nScarlet sage reseeds easily but needs regular watering and fertilizing to help it thrive. Also, removing spent flowers can encourage more blooms. You also should prune the plant back after its blooming season to help it grow bushier and produce more flowers the following year.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial – annual in regions with below-freezing winters
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, clay, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – its flowers can cause gastric distress
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Southern-Live-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nWith their wide-spreading canopies and distinctive twisting branches, Southern live oaks are iconic features of the Florida landscape. You can find them throughout the city’s historic districts, public parks, and private gardens. Since the natural habitat of Southern live oaks is in coastal regions, they are well adapted to the sandy soils, salt spray, and high winds of these environments.
\n\n\n\nTypically blooming in the spring, these trees produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are pollinated by the wind. These evergreen trees are important host plants for a variety of butterfly and moth species, including the giant swallowtail butterfly and the io moth.
\n\n\n\nRegular watering and fertilization can help promote healthy growth and ensure the tree remains strong and disease-resistant. Additionally, pruning should be done carefully to maintain the tree’s natural shape and to prevent any damage to the branches or trunk. Also, consider incorporating other native plant species around the base of the tree to create a beautiful and sustainable landscape design.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-80 feet tall, 30-100 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – avoid ingesting the acorns and leaves as they can be poisonous to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWalter’s viburnum, also known as sweet viburnum, is a popular shrub for hedges or screens. It produces fragrant, creamy-white flowers in the spring while its glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round appeal. Its flowers are a favorite among pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds while the plant provides cover and nesting sites for birds.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its ornamental value, Walter’s viburnum also serves as a larval host for the viburnum sphinx moth. This shrub responds well to pruning, and shaping it into a hedge or topiary can create a stunning focal point in any landscape. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub to small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8-25 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen in regions with mild winters
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, clay, sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, but water it often until established (six to 12 months after planting)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustine is home to a diverse range of native plant species, from stunning wildflowers to lush shrubs and trees. With an average low temperature of around 48 degrees Fahrenheit, the city falls primarily into USDA hardiness zone 9a. This zone provides the perfect conditions for many native plants to thrive, but you must choose plants well-suited to your specific yard.
\n\n\n\nNot only do native plants enhance the beauty of your yard, but they also support the local ecosystem and help maintain the area’s natural balance. But while the region’s well-draining, sandy soil is ideal for many native plants, some may require additional nutrients or amendments to thrive.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, many native plants are drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, humid summers, but you must consider water usage and conservation. Using mulch and compost can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for watering.
\n\n\n\nBefore selecting plants, test your soil first. You can get help from your local cooperative extension or soil testing lab to determine your soil’s pH level, texture, and nutrient and salinity levels. This way, you can choose the plants best suited to your soil type.
\n\n\n\nWhile St. Augustine is known for its lush greenery and subtropical climate, creating a backyard buffer can be an essential step in preserving the natural beauty of the area and protecting your home from hurricanes. Native plants are an excellent choice for this purpose, as they are well-suited to the local climate and can provide food and shelter for local wildlife.
Some of the best native plants for a backyard buffer in St. Augustine include coontie, firebush, muhly grass, red cedar, and wax myrtle.
Apart from beach sunflowers, other plants that bloom year-round in Florida include the Egyptian star cluster, plumbago, and porterweed. But remember that some perennial plants that show flowers all year in South Florida, like firespike, only bloom in certain months in North Florida.
The type of soil found in Northeast Florida can vary depending on location. But since St. Augustine is known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse ecosystems, including salt marshes, barrier islands, and coastal forests, the city has mostly sandy soil with low fertility.
The sandy soil here is well-drained and doesn’t retain moisture well, making it challenging for plants to establish deep roots and absorb the nutrients they need to thrive. Adding organic matter, like compost, to sandy soil can help improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient content. Still, it’s better to choose native plants well-suited to the local soil conditions as they don’t require excessive watering or fertilization.
Even though St. Augustinegrass is a popular choice for many homeowners in the area, it may not be the best fit for a garden that features a variety of native plants. This is because St. Augustine grass is known to be aggressive and can outcompete other plants for resources.
A better option would be Zoysiagrass. This warm-season grass can thrive in the heat and humidity of St. Augustine and has a slower growth rate than St. Augustinegrass. This means it’s less likely to compete with native plants for resources, allowing them to grow and flourish.
Another option to consider is a ground cover, such as coontie, beach sunflower, creeping phlox, dwarf mondo grass, or creeping thyme. These low-growing plants can provide a green carpet-like appearance without the aggressive growth of St. Augustinegrass. They’re also great for edging walkways or filling in gaps between stepping stones – providing a visual contrast and adding texture to your garden.
St. Augustine is blessed with a rich diversity of native plant species, including flowering perennials, shrubs, and trees that thrive in the area’s unique climate and soil. If you’re looking to add some indigenous flora to your garden, there are several local nurseries and plant resources to check out.
\n\n\n\nStart your search with the Florida Native Plant Society, a statewide organization that promotes using native plants in landscaping and conservation. Their website provides much information on local plant species, their growing conditions, and where to find them.
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting native plants for your garden, consider the environmental conditions of your site, including soil type, water availability, and exposure to sun and shade. Also, purchase plants from reputable sources and avoid transplanting them from the wild.
\n\n\n\nAdding native plants to your landscape can help create a sustainable and low-maintenance garden that supports local ecosystems and provides habitat for native wildlife.
But if you’re short on time or unsure where to start, consider hiring a St. Augustine landscaping pro to help design and maintain your beautiful, eco-friendly garden.
Main Image Credit: Lazaregagnidze / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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\n","content":"\nOrlando has so much to see and do for tourists and residents alike. But it’s not just the popular sites like Disney World that make The City Beautiful stand out – it’s also the tropical landscape. As homeowners, we do our part to hold up our nickname by maintaining our yards. Knowing the six best grass types in Orlando is a start to keeping our city’s scenery lush and beautiful.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWarm-Season vs. Cool-Season Grasses for Orlando
\n\n\n\n6 Warm-Season Grasses for Orlando
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Grass Types for Orlando
\n\n\n\nChoose Plant and Grass Varieties for Your Orlando Landscape
\n\n\n\nLiving in Florida it should come as no surprise that you would want to choose a warm-season grass for your lawn. But you may still wonder, why does it even matter which grass I plant?
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of grasses:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses: The southern states are where you will mostly find these types of grasses. They originated in the subtropics and like cool winters and hot summers. Warm-season grasses will be at their greenest with temperatures 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit making them the ideal choice for Orlando homeowners.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses: These grasses prefer cold winters and warm summers along with regular intervals of rain. They grow the most when temperatures are 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nWith their affinity for hot weather, warm-season grass types are the obvious choice for Central Floridians. Here is some information to help you decide which of the six types of warm-season grasses is best for your Orlando yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Bahiagrass
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Bahiagrass may have its roots as a pasture grass, but it has made itself at home in Orlando landscapes. This fast-growing grass is tolerant of most soils but does best in acidic soil. Its resistance to most insects and diseases makes it easy to see why it’s a popular choice.
\n\n\n\nThis grass is good for large spaces due to its aggressive growing rate. Because bahiagrass develops a deep root system and spreads through rhizomes (underground, stemlike roots) it easily spreads to other lawns or flower beds, so it’s best to ask a professional for advice if you live close to your neighbors.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass blades are typically tall and thin with a light green shade, but it also tolerates nitrogen if you desire a darker green grass. Expect to mow every seven to 10 days during the growing season.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Growth rate is moderate to high, so plan to mow often during the growing season
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; insect tolerance is moderate
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils, does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is grown in the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S; does best in acidic soils — not the best grass if your soils are naturally alkaline; doesn’t tolerate saltwater well
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Bermudagrass
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
This grass with its high traffic tolerance is great if you have pets and children. It spreads through both stolons and rhizomes to help it grow into a beautiful green carpet, making it an ideal place for the kiddos to run and play. However, you will need to add metal or concrete borders at least 2 inches into the ground to prevent rhizomes from tunneling and invading nearby ornamental beds.
\n\n\n\nIts heat tolerance is perfect for our relentless hot summers and its drought tolerance is ideal for our dry springs. Bermudagrass also loves lots of sun making it the perfect Sunshine State grass.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a fine-textured grass with blades that fan out horizontally creating a soft, dense turf. It’s often used on golf courses and athletic fields. It’s a higher-maintenance grass because it requires frequent mowing and fertilizing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and is able to outcompete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns. Tolerant of most soil types.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Starr-070906-8535-Stenotaphrum_secundatum-habit-Kula_Ace_Hardware_and_Nursery-Maui_24264673843.jpg\")
St. Augustinegrass
Photo Credits: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
This high-maintenance grass needs lots of moisture and is the least cold-resistant of the warm-season grasses, making it another great option for Central Florida homeowners. Its blue-green blades are quick and easy to establish for a dense turf grass in your yard.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass’s high salt tolerance is another reason why it is a popular choice among Florida homeowners. However, it’s also known for being susceptible to disease so you do need to keep an eye out for any signs of distress.
\n\n\n\nIt has a coarse and spongy texture with broad-rounded tips and doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic. While not a requirement, this grass performs best when fertilizer is applied regularly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Zoysiagrass-2.jpg\")
Zoysiagrass
Photo Credit: David-Pierre Mangiapan / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
This thick grass may be slow to establish but is well worth it once your yard is a full carpet of green turf. Its natural thickness helps to prevent weeds from peeking through and ruining the lawn you’ve spent so much time cultivating.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is native to Asia but has been in the U.S. since at least 1895. Its love of warm weather makes it a favorite among southern gardeners. It also grows deep roots helping it to weather a short drought. It will become dormant if there is an extended drought, but will quickly spring back to life once watered.
\n\n\n\nKeep up with proper lawn maintenance practices to keep pest problems away and your Zoysiagrass looking its best. The University of Florida details how homeowners can use best management practices, like proper fertilization, irrigation and mowing, when maintaining their Zoysia lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Centipedegrass.jpg\")
Centipedegrass
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
This is a slow-growing grass with origins in Southeast Asia. It does well in acidic soils, is fairly drought tolerant, and even tolerates shade.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is naturally a lighter green than many other grasses but homeowners are discouraged from overfertilization with nitrogen to get a darker green. You risk increasing long-term maintenance and it also reduces the grass’s ability to tolerate cold spells.
\n\n\n\nThe fact that it’s a low-maintenance grass has made it a popular choice for Orlando homwoners. Centipedegrass requires less mowing than other types of grasses and is easy to edge around garden beds and sidewalks.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; doesn’t tolerate heavy traffic; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Buffalograss.jpeg\")
Buffalograss
Photo Credit: Titus Tscharntke / Pixnio / CC0
Spread by stolons, buffalograss derives its name from its use as a grass to feed bison and buffalo across the Great Plains in the 19th century.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss loves what and sun, making it a great option for Central Florida homeowners. Known for its blue-green color and curling leaves, it grows well in all soil types but does not like high traffic.
\n\n\n\nThis low-maintenance, low-growing grass is drought-tolerant and should only be watered as needed. Overwatering can leave your buffalograss weak and susceptible to weeds. Overwatering can also leave room for diseases to creep into your lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very low — best suited for full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Very low, but light use or rare heavy use is OK
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency — once per week or less
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches or leave unmowed
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWhile you can plant grass seed year-round in Central Florida, it’s generally best to plant new seed between April and July. This will allow time for a full growing season before cold snaps begin in the late fall.
St. Augustinegrass tends to be the easiest to grow and the most popular grass in Florida due to its heat tolerance.
Yes. However, there are numerous things to consider when mixing grasses. For instance, you don’t want to choose a grass that will outgrow the other, ultimately taking over your yard. It is best to seek professional advice on the best mixes and how to care for them once planted.
Naturally with Orlando falling into the USDA zone 9b, you will always want to choose a warm-grass type for your Orlando landscape. But which grass you choose will largely depend on your personal preferences and needs:
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn: St. Augustinegrass is an excellent option for anyone with a shady yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a sunny lawn: Bermudagrass’s love of the sun makes this a go-to for homeowners with little to no shade in their yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you have kids, pets, and guests walking on your grass frequently: You can’t go wrong with Bermudagrass when it comes to foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nThe grass with the least amount of work: Centipedegrass or Zoysiagrass are the easiest to maintain.
\n\n\n\nSo whether you live on the outskirts of town or in the heart of the city near Lake Eola, if you are seeking the ideal Central Florida lawn reach out to an Orlando lawn care professional to get that perfectly lush lawn that will be the talk of the neighborhood.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Orlando FL Lake / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Orlando, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/1789c/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/107df/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 320w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/293e9/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 500w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/f2cbb/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 800w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/1789c/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 960w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/c26c2/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/1dd6e/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/67b76/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 320w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/8df11/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 500w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/98a65/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 800w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/1dd6e/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 960w,\n/static/b0c2192b36d56c654cf03d935ca40691/3cc96/Orlando_FL_Lake_Ivanhoe_Res_HD03.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Orlando, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you’re looking for grass for your Orlando yard, there are 6 warm-season grasses that are perfect for the hot, humid Central Florida conditions."}}},{"node":{"id":"a272f150-42e5-5164-984b-3cff33b7fc2a","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/low-maintenance-landscaping/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Gorski lives with her family in Texas. She has a degree in Professional Studies and a minor in marketing. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and writing.","name":"Danielle Gorski","id":"7c21f4d6-aa31-5681-9530-3d69932d07c4","path":"/author/danielle-gorski/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d4dbd5997a7fe91daa87a0bd0839baff?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"dc593a91-bb7f-5961-b8a5-96bfdf119898","name":"Tampa","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tampa/"}],"date":"April 3rd, 2023","excerpt":"Tampa has so much to offer, from Ybor City to Lowry Zoo to the Gulf Coast beaches. So why spend your weekends weeding the yard when you could be out with the family enjoying the sites? If you want more free time and lessen your yard work load, make your landscape easy to maintain. From […]
\n","content":"\nTampa has so much to offer, from Ybor City to Lowry Zoo to the Gulf Coast beaches. So why spend your weekends weeding the yard when you could be out with the family enjoying the sites?
\n\n\n\nIf you want more free time and lessen your yard work load, make your landscape easy to maintain. From xeriscaping to native plants, check out these 8 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Tampa.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nYard work is a year-round chore in Tampa with the mild climate and hot, humid temperatures. Beat the heat by trying these low-maintenance landscaping ideas so that you can spend less time working on your yard and have more time to enjoy the Tampa sights.
\n\n\n\n![\"plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscaping-garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA xeriscape is landscaping that requires very little water, which means they require less care. Natural rainfall should be sufficient for a xeriscape to survive without your landscaping needing any supplemental water.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping includes:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Turning your traditional landscape into a xeriscape costs $1.50-$2.50 per square foot. Depending on the nature and scope of the project, overall costs range from $8,737 to $22,226. Although the initial cost is expensive, decreased watering and maintenance expenses save homeowners money long-term.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want your landscaping to thrive with the minimum amount of effort, a simple solution is to plant Florida-friendly native plants that thrive in subtropical, humid temperatures.
\n\n\n\nLook for plants that are drought-tolerant and pest resistant. The more durable and hardy a plant, the more likely it is to survive on its own without a helping hand. Avoid plants that are delicate or picky, as these take more time and effort to keep happy.
\n\n\n\nSome Florida native plants that are good for Tampa landscapes:
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance native plants require minimal care and don’t need regular watering, pruning, or spraying in order to thrive. These Florida-friendly plants are acclimated to the local environment. Look for plants that are:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Average prices for native plants are $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $150 and $3,000 per tree. For a more thorough project, homeowners can expect to pay $585 to $3,300 for a professional flower bed installation.
\n\n\n\n![\"Patio](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Patio.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you are looking for ways to reduce living space for your landscaping plants and grass to grow, try filling those places with hardscapes. Some ideas you can try are:
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are easy to maintain because they don’t require trimming, fertilizing, watering, or any of the time-consuming tasks that caring for a lawn and plants require. The only thing that hardscapes require is an occasional cleaning.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Hardscaping can be expensive. The price of the project depends on what kind of landscape design and type of hardscape you are installing in your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\n| Project | Price |
| Decorative rock | $460 – $1,000 |
| Rock garden | $460 – $1,000 |
| Stone paver | $8 – $22 per square foot |
| Pergola | $2,000 – $9,000 |
| Gazebo | $4,828 – $9,930 |
| Patio | $2,000 – $6,500 |
| Deck | $4,000 – 11,000 |
| Fire pit | $500 – $3,000 |
| Retaining wall | $3,622 – $9,582 |
![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Blue-daze.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGrass takes a long time to mow in the blistering summer heat. Instead of grass, try planting groundcover. These low-growing plants only grow a few inches tall but they act as filler that keeps your lawn green and full. They provide a natural look and require little to no mowing, Groundcovers also attract bees and butterflies to your yard.
\n\n\n\nSome popular groundcovers in Tampa yards include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Trading turfgrass for groundcover can cost $4.50 to $26 per square foot. The type of groundcover will determine the price. If homeowners have to remove their grass from their lawn first, it will cost extra.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Artificial-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nick Bastian / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a green lawn year-round without the work it requires, consider installing artificial turf. Artificial grass mimics the appearance of real grass. What’s better is that it comes in a variety of different types so you can choose the perfect grass type for your yard. Some artificial turfs are so life-like that your neighbors won’t be able to tell it isn’t real grass!
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial turf:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: While prices vary depending on the type of artificial grass you choose and the shape and size of your yard, artificial turf costs about $5-$20 per square foot. Although the upfront costs are expensive, artificial turf doesn’t require maintenance, which saves homeowners a lot of expenses on watering, mowing, and fertilizing.
\n\n\n\n![\"pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a low-maintenance yard, it only makes sense to pick perennial plants. Unlike annuals or biennial plants, perennial plants live for several years. They usually go dormant during the winter and come back again during the warm season.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re tired of buying and planting new plants in your plant beds every year, try investing in perennials for your yard.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost depends on the type of plant. All plants are priced differently and some plants are more expensive than others. Perennials typically are more expensive than annuals, although the long-term cost of perennials will be cheaper than replacing your plants every year.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-3-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMulch retains water, keeping your plant beds moist during the sweltering summer days. The longer the soil retains moisture, the less frequently your plants need to be watered.
\n\n\n\nThere are two different categories of mulch: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch is made from plant material such as tree bark, grass clippings, or pine needles. You will have to reapply mulch to your yard more frequently, since after a while organic mulch decomposes and will need to be replaced.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulches are made of plastic or stone. Although inorganic mulches are low-maintenance and don’t need to be reapplied to flower beds as frequently as organic mulches, they aren’t as hurricane-resistant as organic mulches are.
\n\n\n\nMulch is inexpensive and readily available. Spreading a layer of mulch around your plants is an easy DIY job that will help your landscape thrive with little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated costs: The price for a bag of mulch costs depends on the type of mulch. Some mulch types, such as leaves or pine needles, are free if they are found around your own yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"Set](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Wikilawn-Sprinklers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAutomatic irrigation systems put your mind at ease, as they can be programmed to automatically water areas of the yard with a specific amount of water. With this preprogrammed technology, you can have a watered lawn without the stress of manually watering your grass yourself.
\n\n\n\nSome sprinklers have a rain sensor that allows them to automatically adjust to local water levels. Automatic irrigation systems can also be adjusted by season to fulfill your lawn’s water needs.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners can either have an in-ground sprinkler system installed or buy an above-ground sprinkler head. In-ground irrigation systems have an underground water source. Above-ground sprinkler heads must be attached to a water source above the ground, typically a hose.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of an automatic irrigation system:
\n\n\n\nEstimated costs: The average price of an in-ground automatic irrigation system is between $2,400 and $4,200. An above-ground sprinkler hose attachment costs between $9 and $36.
\n\n\n\nWith Tampa’s hot and humid weather, you want to get a drought-tolerant lawn so you don’t have to spend so much time watering the grass. Bermuadagrass consumes the least amount of water. Other good options are bahiagrass, buffalograss, and centipedegrass.
Warm-season grasses that can tolerate a lot of foot traffic, are disease-resistant, and drought-tolerant are the most hardy types of grasses. Low-maintenance grasses that are perfectly suited for Tampa’s climate include:
• Bahiagrass
• Buffalograss
• Centipedegrass
• Zoysiagrass
One of the cheapest and simplest ways to save time on landscaping maintenance is to use mulch in your landscaping. Organic mulches are inexpensive, great for the environment, and often the materials can be found around your own yard.
Here are some ways you can make your own mulch:
• Compost. If you have a compost bin, use that compost as mulch for your plant bed.
• Grass clippings. If your lawnmower has a bag, then simply use the grass clippings in the bag for mulch. Otherwise, after you mow the lawn, rake up the grass clippings across your lawn and use them for mulch.
• Leaves. Rake up leaves in a pile and then run your lawnmower over the leaves several times to chop them up into mulch.
• Pine needles. Pine needles can be chopped up in a wood chipper to make mulch. They are often combined with homemade wood mulch to make them extra effective.
• Tree branches. Fallen or pruned branches from your tree can be used as mulch. Put the tree branches and sticks through a wood chipper to chop them up into mulch. If you don’t have a wood chipper, you can rent one.
Try mixing grass clippings with wood chips to create an effective mulch that is full of nutrients for your flower bed.
If you’re tired of maintaining your landscaping, it’s time to redesign your Tampa yard. You can have an elegant landscape that is the envy of the neighborhood without all the effort of caring for a traditional lawn. To free up your time, hire a local pro to take care of the trimming, watering, and mowing for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Robles House in Tampa, FL / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Tampa, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4ec5536280d674d3cb80e0d93e6a7471/1789c/Tampa-FL-Robles-House.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ec5536280d674d3cb80e0d93e6a7471/107df/Tampa-FL-Robles-House.jpg 320w,\n/static/4ec5536280d674d3cb80e0d93e6a7471/293e9/Tampa-FL-Robles-House.jpg 500w,\n/static/4ec5536280d674d3cb80e0d93e6a7471/f2cbb/Tampa-FL-Robles-House.jpg 800w,\n/static/4ec5536280d674d3cb80e0d93e6a7471/1789c/Tampa-FL-Robles-House.jpg 960w,\n/static/4ec5536280d674d3cb80e0d93e6a7471/c26c2/Tampa-FL-Robles-House.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4ec5536280d674d3cb80e0d93e6a7471/1dd6e/Tampa-FL-Robles-House.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ec5536280d674d3cb80e0d93e6a7471/67b76/Tampa-FL-Robles-House.webp 320w,\n/static/4ec5536280d674d3cb80e0d93e6a7471/8df11/Tampa-FL-Robles-House.webp 500w,\n/static/4ec5536280d674d3cb80e0d93e6a7471/98a65/Tampa-FL-Robles-House.webp 800w,\n/static/4ec5536280d674d3cb80e0d93e6a7471/1dd6e/Tampa-FL-Robles-House.webp 960w,\n/static/4ec5536280d674d3cb80e0d93e6a7471/3cc96/Tampa-FL-Robles-House.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Tampa, FL","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you want you and your landscape to stand up to Tampa’s hot and humid weather, try these low-maintenance landscaping ideas to minimize yard work."}}},{"node":{"id":"b402167d-a3ac-5eaf-8d61-7e59e048b233","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/hurricane-resistant-landscaping/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"b2c4f6ff-0472-5f66-b3a2-f18459ce21c7","name":"Tallahassee","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Tallahassee is nestled in the Florida panhandle between Jacksonville and Pensacola, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its pristine sandy beaches. This cultural city recognizes the power and destruction of hurricanes, even without a front-seat ocean view. Hurricane-force winds impact cities as far as 150 miles inland, wreaking havoc on your Tally lawn. […]
\n","content":"\nTallahassee is nestled in the Florida panhandle between Jacksonville and Pensacola, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its pristine sandy beaches. This cultural city recognizes the power and destruction of hurricanes, even without a front-seat ocean view. Hurricane-force winds impact cities as far as 150 miles inland, wreaking havoc on your Tally lawn. Here are some hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to help you prepare your outdoor space for hurricane season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n8 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tallahassee
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Hurricane-Resistant Miami Landscaping
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Taxodium_Distichum_Bald_Cypress_28894599385.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Treeworld Wholesale / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSustained winds of 90 mph or more will uproot large trees. Even 20 miles from the nearest coast, Tallahassee is no stranger to tropical storm winds during hurricane season. The city endured 12 hours of hurricane-force winds and gusts up to 71 miles per hour when Hurricane Michael ripped across the Gulf of Mexico in 2019.
\n\n\n\nWith 41% of all U.S. hurricanes making landfall in Florida, it is important to plant wind-resistant trees to protect your home and neighborhood from flying branches and falling trees.
\n\n\n\nWind-resistant Tallahassee tree species include:
\n\n\n\nTrees to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of wind-resistant trees:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of a hurricane-resistant tree varies depending on the size and type of tree, purchase location, and whether you are having a certified arborist handle your landscaping. If you head to your local nursery to purchase your tree, you can expect to spend between $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/tree-meadow-trunk-woodland-palm-trees-tree-trunks-1097898-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nStorm preparedness and emergency management are second nature to most residents of Leon County. Unfortunately, no matter how much you plan, you know there is no way to completely protect your home and yard from high winds and storm damage. Selecting wind-resistant trees and thoroughly planning your landscape design increases your plants’ survival chances during a storm surge.
\n\n\n\nSome things to consider as you plan your hurricane-resistant landscape include:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/40561099854_c6581da4db_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: gailhampshire / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTally sits in the central portion of the Northern Florida panhandle. Native plants are the most salt and wind-tolerant plants you can include in your landscaping, and they are incredibly low-maintenance. Native plants promote a healthy ecosystem and thrive in Tallahassee’s subtropical climate. These plants are hands-off, resistant to local insects and diseases, and more likely to survive flooding from a hurricane churning in from the Gulf.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Tallahassee native plants to choose from. Take a look at some of the most wind-tolerant examples:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Tree_Pruning.jpg\")
Photo Credit: TreeMinion15 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nTallahassee residents get to experience the enviable Florida weather and a short 30-minute drive to sugary white beaches. They also have the added advantage of being inland away from most storm surges during a hurricane, and hurricanes only directly impact Tally once every eight years on average.
\n\n\n\nStill, healthy trees are sturdy trees, and one of the best ways to maintain healthy trees is to perform routine maintenance, including pruning and trimming. Be sure to keep your hedges, shrubs, and trees pruned or trimmed to cut down on the number and size of branches flying across your yard during a tropical storm.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of landscape maintenance:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional tree trimming and landscape maintenance costs between $315 to $700, depending on the size of your yard and the number of trees and shrubs.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4608457413_921dff2b0e_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rachel Kramer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMulch is an inexpensive DIY job with enormous benefits for your Florida lawn. Mulch comes in many forms and colors. It is a loose material typically made of organic matter like compost, tree bark, and wood chips that helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protects your plants’ roots from heat.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch is the best option for your Tallahassee landscape. It adds beneficial nutrients to the sandy loam soil as it decomposes, but you will need to add a fresh layer annually. Organic mulch absorbs water, prevents puddling, decreases runoff, and assists in flood management.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulches like gravel, river rock, and landscape glass are low-maintenance and durable, but the hard pieces ricochet off windows and siding during a hurricane.
\n\n\n\nBest mulch for your Tallahassee landscape:
\n\n\n\nMulch to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JiminyPicketVinylFence.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Deniseesser / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nMany Tallahassee fence contractors specialize in wind-resistant fencing and reinforcement. Like trees, all fences are not created equal, especially for wind resistance. It is important to consider the best type of fencing for your landscape and note that wood fences are not the best choice for wind-resistant fencing. However, if the sustainability and natural beauty of wood are something you cannot live without, be sure to choose a slatted fence design to minimize wind resistance.
\n\n\n\nTake a look at some of the most wind-resistant fence types:
\n\n\n\nFence types to avoid:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional fence installation costs between $1,330 to $5,550, depending on size, materials, and location.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bird-bath-gdd2579a6f_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThe average Florida homeowner spends 37.7 days mowing in their lifetime. That is a lot of time outdoors, which comes as no surprise considering the year-round warm weather. Statues, flower containers, bird baths, small fountains, and patio furniture are all great additions that add a personal touch and visual appeal to your Tallahassee landscape. Unfortunately, these objects are no match for hurricane-force winds. Be sure to remove all movable storm hazards to minimize damage.
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There is no cost to move your landscaping decorations or furniture indoors. However, if you are short on space and want to maximize your storm preparedness, you can rent a storage unit for around $125 per month.
\n\n\n\n![\"Water](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-ready-made-3964796-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nTallahassee receives 60 inches of rain per year, and Leon County’s unique topography, including streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, is susceptible to overland flooding. Storm drains are an integral part of your overall landscape. Unfortunately, many homeowners often overlook these necessities because they offer little aesthetic value. Yard waste and organic debris clog your drains, leading to increased flooding and water damage. Be sure to keep paths to your drains clear by maintaining your landscape.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of proper drainage:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional French drain installation costs between $1,650 to $12,250, depending on location, size, and excavation needs.
\n\n\n\nThe best hurricane-resistant grasses for your Tallahassee landscape are bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. Both types of grass tolerate submergence and are great warm-season grasses that also stand up well to heavy traffic.
Yes. Most artificial grass is wind-resistant and can withstand up to 50 inches of rain per hour. Most hurricanes generate precipitation at a rate of 6 inches per hour.
Mow regularly once the ground is completely dry. Aim to mow weekly to stimulate grass growth. Be sure to set your mower to the tallest setting to help your grass establish deep roots, making it more flood and drought resistant.
Check hurricane-resistant landscaping off of your storm preparedness list. While you focus on other areas of preparation, consider letting Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company that can handle your lawn care needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Tallahassee FL Park Ave / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"8 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tallahassee, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1789c/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/107df/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 320w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/293e9/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 500w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/f2cbb/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 800w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1789c/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 960w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/c26c2/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1dd6e/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/67b76/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 320w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/8df11/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 500w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/98a65/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 800w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/1dd6e/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 960w,\n/static/6f9299f08025ad8228fc92b30db13f5c/3cc96/1280px-Tallahassee_FL_Park_Ave_HD04.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tallahassee, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Worry less about your storm preparedness with these hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for Tallahassee, including the estimated cost of each."}}},{"node":{"id":"11a46912-2115-56c3-8a87-2d3efa09b79d","slug":"florida-friendly-landscaping-ideas","path":"/lawn-care/florida-friendly-landscaping-ideas/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"Florida is blessed with sunshine, gorgeous beaches, warm temperatures, stunning natural landscapes, and lush vegetation year-round. But with the Sunshine State’s unique weather conditions and soil types, creating and maintaining a beautiful and resilient landscape can be a challenge. In addition, Florida is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause severe damage to […]
\n","content":"\nFlorida is blessed with sunshine, gorgeous beaches, warm temperatures, stunning natural landscapes, and lush vegetation year-round. But with the Sunshine State’s unique weather conditions and soil types, creating and maintaining a beautiful and resilient landscape can be a challenge.
\n\n\n\nIn addition, Florida is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause severe damage to homes and gardens. With this in mind, these 9 Florida-friendly landscaping ideas can help you achieve the perfect garden for your home.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo have a beautiful and healthy garden, you need a sustainable approach like the Florida-Friendly Landscaping or FFL program that’s suitable for your Florida home. The FFL program is a statewide initiative that encourages sustainable landscaping practices ideal for the state’s unique climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nThis program was established in 1993 by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS extension) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. It was their response to concerns about water quality and conservation in the state.
\n\n\n\nWith a range of educational resources and training programs for homeowners, landscapers, and other professionals, the program has numerous goals, including:
\n\n\n\nThese resources include workshops, online training, and educational materials such as books, brochures, and videos.
\n\n\n\nWith numerous recognition and awards for its contributions to water quality and conservation efforts, the FFL program has been successful in promoting sustainable landscaping practices throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nOne of the key features of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program is the use of nine key principles that form the basis of sustainable landscaping practices in the state. These FFL principles include using native plants, mulching, minimizing fertilizer and pesticide use, and promoting wildlife habitat conservation and management.
\n\n\n\nCreating a sustainable and easy-to-maintain home landscape design is achievable by ensuring that each plant is positioned in the most suitable location. But first, you’ll need to choose Florida-friendly plants that are suited to your property’s soil type, lighting conditions, water availability, and climate.
\n\n\n\nSince native plants require little to no additional water, fertilization, or pesticides once established, it translates to time and cost savings. But remember to stay away from invasive plants like Chinese tallow and Australian pine in your plant selection. Instead, opt for salt-tolerant plants like seagrape and Southern wax myrtle.
\n\n\n\nBefore planting, check if it’s safe to dig in that area. Otherwise, you may damage your utility lines, which will cause tremendous problems for you. Also, avoid planting trees too close to your home and power lines to prevent issues down the line.
\n\n\n\nThe benefits of following the “Right Plant, Right Place” approach include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Several factors can influence the cost of professional tree planting. It’s typically higher for larger and more established trees, while smaller saplings tend to be more affordable. But you can expect to pay between $22 and $3,300.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spreading-fertilizer.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nTo promote healthy plant growth, you must ensure they receive the appropriate nutrients they need. Though plants naturally obtain nutrients from the soil, providing them with supplemental nutrients can help them grow much better. Fertilizers can:
\n\n\n\nHowever, you need to use the right fertilizers. Otherwise, using fertilizers not suitable for your plants can damage them and cause severe environmental consequences.
\n\n\n\nTo determine the right type and amount of fertilizer you need for your lawn, a soil test done by your local extension office can help. By analyzing soil samples, it can reveal crucial information about the nutrient levels, pH, and organic matter content of the soil. For example, if a soil test reveals that the soil is deficient in nitrogen, a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content may be recommended.
\n\n\n\nAlso, fertilize at the right time to prevent nutrient runoff and leaching. The UF/IFAS Extension recommends fertilizing between February and March or September to October. Doing so can help ensure that your lawn receives adequate nutrients to thrive while protecting Florida’s waters from pollution.
\n\n\n\nAlways follow fertilizer label directions carefully and adhere to any local fertilizer ordinances. Plus, ensure that your landscape professional is licensed and has undergone the GI-BMP (Green Industries Best Management Practices) training.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: On average, the cost of fertilization for an average-sized lawn is around $380, with costs ranging from $88 to $544. The final cost depends on factors including the size of the lawn, the type of fertilizer used, and the lawn care company hired to perform the service.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Watering-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nImplementing an effective irrigation system can have a significant impact on water conservation and reducing pollution. With a well-designed and calibrated irrigation system that uses less water, your plants will have the right amount of water necessary for optimal growth while you help conserve water resources.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, an efficient irrigation system can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the yard, which can bring a sense of satisfaction. Plus, it can help minimize nutrient leaching and runoff, resulting in a more sustainable environment. Also, adjust your watering schedule accordingly to conform with the local government’s ordinance on water restrictions.
\n\n\n\nWhen designing an irrigation system, remember to:
\n\n\n\nAnother way of helping reduce the strain on municipal water systems is to use rain barrels for collecting and storing rainwater for irrigation. Doing so can help lower your water bills. Plus, collecting rainwater with rain barrels before it hits the ground can help prevent erosion and promote healthy soil.
\n\n\n\nAlways remember that overwatering can be harmful to your lawn. So, only water your garden as needed while considering the best time to water in Florida.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: On average, the installation cost for underground sprinkler systems is approximately $0.60 per square foot, with the total cost averaging around $3,150. This amount can fluctuate depending on various factors, such as the complexity of the system design, the size of the yard, and the type of sprinkler heads being installed.
\n\n\n\nYou might be surprised at what a layer of mulch can do for your landscape. It conserves moisture, protects plants, and reduces weed growth. Mulch is also an excellent choice for shady areas and hard-to-mow spots. It creates a neat and uniform appearance that is both visually pleasing and functional.
\n\n\n\nUsing mulch provides many benefits for your landscape, including:
\n\n\n\nMaximize the benefits of mulching by maintaining a 2- to 3-inch-deep layer on plant beds. Be careful not to pile mulch against the trunk of your trees, as this may cause rot. Instead, leave a 2-inch space around the trunk. Allowing fallen leaves to remain under your trees creates a self-mulching area that enriches the soil. When choosing mulch, consider sustainability.
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of mulch – inorganic and organic. Inorganic mulch is made from synthetic materials like rubber or plastic. In contrast, organic mulch is made from natural materials like bark, leaves, and straw.
\n\n\n\nThe pros and cons of inorganic mulch are:
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, organic mulch has the following pros and cons:
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nSince it provides many benefits to the soil, it’s better to use organic mulch for your Florida yard. While inorganic mulch has its advantages, it does not contribute to soil health in the same way as organic mulch.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The price of mulch varies depending on the type and quantity purchased. On average, a cubic yard of mulch costs around $17 to $68, or approximately $2 to $5.50 per bag. Prices also may differ based on the supplier, location, and quality of the mulch.
\n\n\n\nWith its vast array of water bodies, Florida is home to around 7,800 lakes and over 10,000 miles of streams and rivers. In fact, it has the second-longest coastline in the country. Do your part in safeguarding these natural resources by maintaining a 10-foot low-maintenance zone along the water’s edge.
\n\n\n\nAvoid mowing, fertilizing, or using pesticides in these areas to protect native aquatic plants, such as maidencane and giant bullrush. Additionally, you should remove exotic species like purple loosestrife and water hyacinth because they have invasive growth habits.
\n\n\n\nOther protective measures you can do include:
\n\n\n\nThe benefits of protecting your waterfront include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: You will actually save money by letting nature maintain the 10-foot low-maintenance zone along the water’s edge. But if you need to transplant flood-tolerant trees and plants along the shoreline, the cost can range anywhere from $158 to $880. If you are installing a seawall, expect to pay around $113 to $770 per linear foot.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to preserve water quality, it’s crucial to avoid stormwater runoff that can carry pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, and soil debris. This way, you can keep as much rainfall and irrigation water on your property as possible.
\n\n\n\nExamples of what you can do include:
\n\n\n\nThese stormwater control features not only add beauty to the landscape but also reduce pollution and protect the environment by filtering stormwater through plants and soil. The collected water can even be used for irrigation and, at the same time, prevent erosion and maintain a healthy landscape.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: Hiring a professional crew to help you create a sustainable landscape that can reduce stormwater runoff may cost between $7 and $11 per foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Person-spraying-pesticide.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nA gardening strategy called Integrated Pest Management (IPM) aims to control pests using minimal chemicals. This technique involves selecting pest-resistant plants and placing them in appropriate locations to prevent disease and insect outbreaks. If a problem arises, remove the affected parts of the plant or physically remove the insects by hand.
\n\n\n\nAvoid over-treating by spot-treating only and using selective, rather than broad-spectrum, insecticides. And remember to always follow the instructions on insecticide labels.
\n\n\n\nThe benefits of managing your yard pests include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of IPM services can vary depending on the type of treatment required and the severity of the pest infestation. Generally, you may have to spend between $7 and $14 per month for each unit.
\n\n\n\nOne important aspect of maintaining a healthy landscape is managing yard waste generated by maintenance activities like raking, mowing, and pruning. Keeping these materials onsite can help conserve nutrients and reduce the energy required for transportation.
\n\n\n\nAs organic matter decomposes, it releases nutrients back into the soil – which plants ultimately absorb. Composting yard waste is an environmentally sustainable method of producing organic fertilizer, which can help enrich the soil and improve plant growth.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, using uncomposted leaves and pine straw as mulch can reduce the need for purchasing mulch, further saving money and resources.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: None – it can even help you save money.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pipevine-swallowtail-john-flannery-cc20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Flannery / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re interested in attracting more wildlife to your yard, consider designing a landscape that provides food and habitat for various species:
\n\n\n\nBy reducing your use of insecticides, you’ll also help protect native animals and beneficial insects while promoting a healthy ecosystem in your yard. Enjoy the benefits of observing and supporting Florida’s diverse wildlife while enhancing your landscape.
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: A bird bath can come in many forms, from a simple $2 ceramic saucer placed on the ground to an extravagant marble one that can set you back $2,000 or more. If you opt for a rain garden, the cost can vary greatly, depending on its size and the number of plants used, ranging from $3 to $15 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nBy following the FFL principles, you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy landscape, as well as these benefits:
\n\n\n\nThe best Florida-friendly turfgrass for your lawn depends on several factors, such as your location, soil type, amount of shade and sun, and maintenance preferences. Some of the most commonly used warm-season grasses in the Sunshine State include St. Augustinegrass, bahiagrass, Zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass.
Each turfgrass has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you must do your research and consult with a local landscape expert to determine which one is best suited for your specific needs. Additionally, choosing a turfgrass that is drought-tolerant and pest-resistant can help reduce water usage and minimize the need for chemical treatments.
Yes, you can use groundcovers instead of turfgrass for your lawn. In fact, using groundcovers is often a more sustainable and Florida-friendly option because they require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than traditional turfgrass lawns.
Some examples of groundcovers suitable for Florida’s climate include Asiatic jasmine, liriope, and mondo grass. Consider the amount of sunlight and foot traffic in the area, as well as the soil type and moisture level.
Additionally, some HOAs or municipalities may have restrictions on the use of groundcovers, so you must check local regulations and ordinances before making any changes to your lawn.
There are several hurricane-resistant trees that can be planted in Florida to help reduce damage from strong winds and storms. Some of the top hurricane-resistant trees include:
Incorporating Florida-friendly landscaping practices in your outdoor space can help you conserve natural resources while creating a beautiful landscape. Moreover, by minimizing stormwater runoff and reducing pollution, you also can contribute to the health of Florida’s waterways and native wildlife.
\n\n\n\nWith these home landscape ideas, you can transform your garden into a functional and visually appealing environment. Whether you are a seasoned gardener in Miami, St. Augustine, Tampa, Orlando, Pensacola, Jacksonville, or another city in the Sunshine State, these strategies can help you create a landscape that is both practical and eco-friendly.
But if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, consider hiring a landscaping pro to help with your Florida-friendly landscape design.
Main Photo Credit: Wallpaper Flare
\n","title":"9 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Ideas","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4943960149439601,"src":"/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/1789c/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/107df/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.jpg 320w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/293e9/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.jpg 500w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/f2cbb/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.jpg 800w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/1789c/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.jpg 960w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/c26c2/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/1dd6e/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/67b76/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.webp 320w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/8df11/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.webp 500w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/98a65/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.webp 800w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/1dd6e/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.webp 960w,\n/static/3c161f55ba18dedb35cd8b257694a411/3cc96/landscape-grass-architecture-sky-lawn-house-486532-pxhere.com-2-2.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Ideas | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Level up your yard with these 9 Florida-friendly landscaping ideas and keep your property safe and beautiful."}}},{"node":{"id":"50d6ca88-a9c8-5ae0-aadb-dfd25f9ab9de","slug":"best-native-plants-miami","path":"/lawn-care/fl/miami/best-native-plants-miami/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"529a6382-d2d9-58ab-b746-9f305ef45bd4","name":"Miami","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/miami/"}],"date":"March 20th, 2023","excerpt":"Miami is a melting pot of cultures and arts and home to over 147 parks, gardens, and recreation centers. Florida contains over 4,700 species of native plants, so it is easy to create your own diverse cultural stew in your own backyard by filling it with Florida plants. Native plants offer many landscaping benefits, including: […]
\n","content":"\nMiami is a melting pot of cultures and arts and home to over 147 parks, gardens, and recreation centers. Florida contains over 4,700 species of native plants, so it is easy to create your own diverse cultural stew in your own backyard by filling it with Florida plants.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer many landscaping benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nNative plants help promote a healthier Florida ecosystem. Check out these 20 native plants for Miami to create a diverse landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/beautyberry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tony Alter / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBeautyberry, also known as American mulberry, is a small shrub with bright purple fruits that attract birds and other wildlife. The sprawling shrub works well as a border plant with its long branches arching toward the ground. Some homeowners prune the plant for a more compact appearance.
\n\n\n\nBeautyberry has fuzzy, light-green leaves and small lavender flowers that bloom from spring to summer before maturing to fruits in September. The edible shrub is drought tolerant and loves rich soils, though it will adapt to the acidic, sandy soils of South Florida.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers nutrient-rich soil but tolerates acidic, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; prefers a regular watering schedule and moist roots
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan offers a pop of color for Miami yards. The hardy wildflower is known for its bright golden petals and dark brown center. It is salt and drought-tolerant and makes a great addition to any butterfly garden.
\n\n\n\nBlack-Eyed Susan loves full sun and well-drained soil. Flowers grow atop round clumping leaves and work well as cut flowers for an outdoor-to-indoor home display.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable, prefers acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/butterfly_weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is a native species of milkweed and is extremely important to healthy Florida landscapes. It is an attractive flowering plant and a nectar source for bees and pollinators as well as a host plant for caterpillars, including the Monarch butterfly. There are around 20 native species of milkweed that call Florida home.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed produces bright orange or yellow flowers from summer to fall. The attractive plant is hardy and loves full sun. It tolerates most soils and is moderately salt and drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall and less than 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial though some species are annuals
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Semi drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; milky sap irritates humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"photo](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coontie-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCoontie, also known as Florida arrowroot, is a seed plant resembling a small fern and a member of the cycad family. With ancient roots dating back to the time of the dinosaurs, this evergreen plant is the only cycad native to North America and an important member of the Florida ecosystem. It is the larval food source for the rare Atala butterfly.
\n\n\n\nCoontie has shiny, feather-shaped leaves attached to a thick stem. The round plant works well as clumping groundcover. It is drought, salt, and cold-tolerant and will thrive in sunny or shady conditions.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Clumping groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-3 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; seeds are deadly to humans and animals if ingested, and the entire plant is poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coral-bean-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Everglades National Park / Flickr / License
\n\n\n\nLike seagrape, coral bean, also known as Cherokee bean, thrives in the tropical Miami weather and grows as a large shrub or small ornamental tree. Butterflies and hummingbirds flock to the bright red tubular flowers. It grows well in natural landscapes with fertile soil, but keep in mind it is extremely poisonous to humans and animals. Coral bean performs best when planted as part of a mixed border, and the perennial shrub loses its leaves in the winter.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 5-15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained, fertile and sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; seeds poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Jo Naylor / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nOften found climbing the woods, sandhills, and flatwoods of Florida, coral honeysuckle is an evergreen clumping vine. It blooms year-round in South Florida and does its best blooming in the winter. You can find it crawling trellises, walls, and fences, reaching heights up to 18 feet.
\n\n\n\nThe dark, shiny leaves give way to trumpet-shaped red-orange flower clusters from spring to fall, and the vine produces clusters of bright red berries from September to October. Coral honeysuckle attracts songbirds, hummingbirds, and other pollinators thanks to its vibrant flowers and fruit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-18 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need weekly watering during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals if ingested
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Andrey Zarkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCoreopsis, or tickseed, is Florida’s state wildflower. The perennial blooms daisy-shaped, bright yellow flowers with brown centers from spring to summer. The drought-tolerant beauties reseed themselves, attracting butterflies and native pollinators. Tickseed makes a great addition to flower beds and container gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; tolerate partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFakahatchee grass is another great ornamental grass for Miami landscapes. It is a clumping plant, working well for accents and borders. It is the food of choice for the larval Byssus Skipper butterfly. In nature, you can find it growing along river banks and swamps.
\n\n\n\nFakahatchee grass is easy to grow with grass-like foliage and small white flowers in late spring. It grows best in full sun and loves well-drained, moist soil, though it adapts to drier conditions and will survive flooding. It responds well to pruning but will grow just as well as a low-maintenance plant when left alone.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-4 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; well-drained, moist acidic or alkaline soil, sand, loam, clay; extended flooding
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderately drought-tolerant; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Mokki / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFirebush is a hardy shrub with bright red flowers that bloom from late spring to the first frost. Popular with hummingbirds, butterflies, and other local wildlife, the semi-woody shrub can reach up to 15 feet tall in South Florida but responds well to pruning for contained growth.
\n\n\n\nFirebush is a popular addition to many landscapes and works well as a standalone shrub, hedgerow, or border plant. The foliage will die after the first freeze but regrows in spring. It adapts to most soil conditions and is heat and drought-tolerant with no natural disease or insect threats.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 9-12
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-12 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need weekly watering during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; poisonous to humans and animals, though it has a bitter taste most animals avoid
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: peganum / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe Florida anise tree, also known as purple anise, is actually an evergreen shrub with small star-shaped purple to red flowers. Skinny branches droop to the ground, giving the shrub a rounded shape. Flowers bloom in spring with fruits following from late summer to fall. Like its cousin star anise, the fruits of the Florida anise tree give off a distinct licorice odor when crushed.
\n\n\n\nThese shrubs have a dense growth pattern, making them ideal for hedgerows and windbreaks. They prefer full sun but will grow well in partial shade and respond well to pruning. They love rich soil and moisture but will adapt to most conditions. The purple anise does not tolerate Miami saltwater and its foliage is poisonous, making it resistant to insects and deer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; foliage is poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/gaillardia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: JJ Harrison / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nGaillardia is a perennial with dark green leaves and bright, daisy-like blooms from summer into late fall. Also known as firewheel, or blanket flower, blooms are typically red to orange, attracting butterflies and Miami pollinators. Firewheel reseeds itself and grows well in beds and containers. Fresh-cut flowers make great additions to home vases and floral arrangements. Gaillardia tolerates sun, heat, sandy soils, and salt.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 12-24 inches tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; acidic or alkaline soil, sand, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"large](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/gumbo_limbo_tree.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Milo44 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA South Florida native, the gumbo-limbo tree is large and semi-evergreen. Mature heights reach up to 60 feet in nature, though they are more compact in home landscaping. They love the tropical Miami climate and make great shade trees.
\n\n\n\nGumbo-limbo trees show off bright green leaves with small clusters of light green flowers and peeling copper bark. It is one of the most wind and hurricane-resistant trees in Florida landscaping.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 10b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 25 to 50 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, alkaline soil, sand, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water every seven to 10 days
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMuhly grass lines Florida flatwoods, uplands, and highways and makes a popular choice for home landscapes. It is an easy-to-grow ornamental clumping grass that produces fluffy pink flower stalks every fall.
\n\n\n\nMuhly grass thrives in the Miami sun and is drought-tolerant. The salt-tolerant grass is perfect for coastal areas and grows well in flower beds and along borders.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; acidic or alkaline soil, sand, loam, clay; extended flooding
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nPassion flower, or maypop, is a flowering vine like coral honeysuckle. It is a butterfly host plant, fast-growing, and hardy. Its dense foliage provides natural cover for wildlife while its large lavender blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The vine also produces edible green fruits, though they do not taste good.
\n\n\n\nPassion flower loves full sun and thrives on a trellis, fence, or archway. It is a spreading vine that will grow to occupy the trellis or fence. They are pest-resistant and tolerate drought conditions. However, the hardy plant is susceptible to nematode damage in South Florida.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet; spreads to occupy the trellis or fence
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water twice weekly during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; safe for humans and animals
\n\n\n\nScarlet salvia goes by many names, including scarlet sage, blood sage, and tropical sage. It is an herbaceous perennial with tubular red flowers that bloom from spring through fall. The attractive plant reaches up to 4 feet tall and attracts Miami wildlife, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nScarlet salvia is drought and salt-tolerant, tolerating the occasional salty spray well. The adaptable plant responds well to pruning and grows well in flower beds and containers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous plant
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; acidic or alkaline soil, sand, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nSeagrape is an endangered and protected shrub or tree naturally found growing along the Florida coasts. The salt-tolerant plant produces clusters of edible red fruit resembling grapes, bright-green, round foliage with red veins, and clusters of cream-colored flowers.
\n\n\n\nSeagrape responds well to pruning, and left unattended, it will grow to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide. These plants work well as hedges, privacy screens, natural windbreaks, and shade trees. If grown as a tree, an attractive, twisted trunk is visible. Seagrape grows well in full or partial sun and salty acidic soils. It is very low maintenance except for the occasional pruning.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 10A-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 35-50 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need weekly watering during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible fruits
\n\n\n\nMiami’s tropical climate creates the perfect environment for crawling vines. Star Jasmine, also known as jessamine and evening trumpet flower, is a fragrant flowering vine with clusters of tiny white flowers that bloom in early spring and summer. It is drought resistant and attracts pollinators to your garden. The vine is also moderately salt-tolerant and adapts to shady conditions, making it a great option for coastal landscapes.
\n\n\n\nThis vine is fast-growing, climbing to occupy any available space. It works well as ground cover but requires frequent pruning. Star jasmine is best planted near lampposts, trellises, arbors, or chain-link fences, and will not climb masonry walls or wooden fences without supports.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine or spreading groundcover
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 9-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; may need weekly watering during extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pink-hibiscus-flower-1413634545iIg.jpg\")
Swamp mallow is a variety of hibiscus with many names in South Florida such as scarlet rosemallow and swamp hibiscus. Like all hibiscus flowers, swamp mallow is an herbaceous perennial with large red flowers that bloom from mid to late summer. The woody plant loves heat, humidity, and wet soil, and is moderately salt-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nSwamp mallow grows naturally in the Florida wetlands but tolerates drier soil. It loves full sun and can reach heights up to 8 feet. The swamp mallow makes a great informal privacy screen or standalone plant, and the bright blooms will attract butterflies such as Cloudless Sulfurs and Gulf Fritillaries to your Miami yard.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-8 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers rich, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water twice per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Viburnum_Reiflers_Dwarf_2zz.jpg\")
Walter’s viburnum is a large shrub or small tree with small white flowers that attracts butterflies. Fruits of the tree ripen in fall, attracting birds and other wildlife. It can reach up to 20 feet tall but responds well to pruning and training and makes a great hedgerow or privacy screen.
\n\n\n\nWalter’s viburnum has dense foliage that acts as a nesting spot for songbirds, and it is the host plant for the Azure butterfly. The shrubs prefer full sun to partial shade and are drought-tolerant. However, these plants do not tolerate salt and need moist, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water twice weekly
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; safe for humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/800px-Psychotria_nervosa_2.jpg\")
Wild coffee produces shiny, bright-green leaves with clusters of small white flowers in the spring and summer. Red fruits bloom in the summer resembling coffee berries but contain no caffeine. The evergreen shrub’s elongated leaves and dense growth habit make a great hedgerow or border plant for South Florida lawns.
\n\n\n\nWild coffee serves as the backbone for the life cycle of the rare Atala butterfly, providing a much-needed nectar source for the insect, while its fruits attract birds and other wildlife. The perennial shrub grows well in partial to full shade and loves well-drained soil. It responds well to pruning and is salt-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 9-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-10 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate heavy clay soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nNative plants each have their own needs, and not all native plants will grow well in your Miami yard. It is important to consider soil type and proximity to saltwater sprays when selecting plants for your landscape. Select plants suitable for your soil, sun exposure, and watering capabilities.
\n\n\n\nMiami sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, indicating the coldest annual temperature is between 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Florida-native plants are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in Miami’s’ hardiness zones. Keep your zone in mind when selecting non-native plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nThanks to Miami’s year-round tropical climate, you can plant anytime you want. Plants grow faster in the spring and summer, and experts agree the best time to head into your garden is from mid-March to the beginning of April.
Foliage needs time to dry before nightfall, and wet foliage can lead to disease and rot. Early morning or evening are the best times to water your native plants. Winds are calmer and temperatures are lower, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or scorching from the sun.
Native plants support the Florida ecosystem and beneficial insects like butterflies, bees, and birds. Many are salt and drought-tolerant and adapted to the acidic, sandy soil found in most South Florida yards, making them easier to grow and more beneficial to the local environment.
Create your own landscape melting pot and invite beautiful blooms, butterflies, and songbirds into your yard. If you want to introduce more native plants into your Miami oasis, source your plants ethically from reputable nurseries.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local Miami nurseries recommended by the Dade Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society:
\n\n\n\nMany native plants are salt and wind-tolerant, standing up to occasional flooding and high winds. Be sure to consider other hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to complement your new native plants and check out the best grass types for Miami for a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhen you are ready to turn over lawn upkeep to a professional, let Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping pro in your area.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"20 Best Native Plants for Miami","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.0905923344947737,"src":"/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/1789c/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/107df/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/293e9/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/f2cbb/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/1789c/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/c26c2/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/1dd6e/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/67b76/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.webp 320w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/8df11/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.webp 500w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/98a65/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.webp 800w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/1dd6e/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.webp 960w,\n/static/5b2259c9b663e084affa644150d1f414/3cc96/landscape-tree-nature-outdoor-architecture-plant-864513-pxhere.com-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"20 Best Native Plants for Miami | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Check out these Florida native plants for Miami to find heat and salt-tolerant plants that thrive in the sun and sandy soil, plus information on where to buy native plants locally."}}},{"node":{"id":"e58015d2-92bc-553a-9383-fc367da47485","slug":"best-grass-types-kissimmee-fl","path":"/lawn-care/fl/kissimmee/best-grass-types-kissimmee-fl/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"69fcc891-bf24-5292-8b37-302f33aebd17","name":"Grass types","count":11,"path":"/category/grass-types/"},{"id":"92fe5168-5342-512b-8d86-83015967c185","name":"Kissimmee","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/kissimmee/"}],"date":"July 16th, 2020","excerpt":"Florida’s heat presents some challenges for maintaining a great yard, but with the right grass type your Kissimmee, Florida, yard can be as pristine as Lakefront Park. Here are the seven best grass types for Kissimmee lawns: 1. St. Augustine grass St. Augustine grass, the most popular grass in the Sunshine State, produces a green […]
\n","content":"\nFlorida’s heat presents some challenges for maintaining a great yard, but with the right grass type your Kissimmee, Florida, yard can be as pristine as Lakefront Park.
\n\n\n\nHere are the seven best grass types for Kissimmee lawns:
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustine grass, the most popular grass in the Sunshine State, produces a green to blue-green color and is quick to establish. With a thick growth and broad soil tolerance, St. Augustine grass is more shade and drought-tolerant than most warm-season varieties.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: This grass spreads quickly via stolons that crawl along the surface of the soil.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: With a preference for direct sunlight, this turf is great for the Florida sun. Certain varieties do well with moderate shade.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: St. Augustine grass needs water to stay green, but it doesn’t require any more water than other species.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: This turf, though it boasts dense growth, does not hold up under heavy use.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: During the summer, you’ll want to watch for chinch bugs. St. Augustine will go dormant during the winter (or what passes for winter here in Florida), once you stop watering it. You’ll need to dethatch and fertilize in the spring.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: To prevent undue stress, mow St. Augustine grass to a height between 3½ and 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is low-maintenance and a prime choice for sandy or infertile soils. Visible seed heads throughout the growing season may encourage you to mow more often.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Deep-rooted, bahiagrass spreads via stolons, forming a dense mat.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Bahiagrass does not do well with shade; this is a good option only for open, sunny spaces.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Bahiagrass does well without water. It’s an excellent choice for a large yard without an irrigation system. Extended droughts will send it into temporary dormancy.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: This turf prefers light use. The coarse texture makes it a less enjoyable variety for recreation.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Bahiagrass is low maintenance. It doesn’t do well with salt, so it’s best for inland areas such as Kissimmee. It doesn’t form thatch or need much fertilizer, and it’s resistant to pests and weeds.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: Mow every 7 to 14 days, depending on the growth, to maintain a height between 3 and 4 inches. If left unmowed, this grass will naturally reseed and recover from damage. The seed heads will become visible without routine mowing.
\n\n\n\nZoysia does well in high temperatures. When the mercury passes 80 F, Zoysia flourishes; when the mercury dips, Zoysia enters dormancy. Healthy Zoysia presents a light to medium green color, with a somewhat coarse texture and dense growth.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: The density of Zoysiagrass results from its growth via both stolons and rhizomes.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Zoysia tolerates mild shade, but does best in full sun.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Its strong tolerance of drought is what allows this turf to do so well in high heat.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Zoysia does well with moderate to heavy use from humans, but it will turn yellow with too much use from those with four legs.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Zoysia requires routine fertilization and balanced nitrogen. It’s also important to treat pests and weeds should they become an issue.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: Maintain a height between 1½ and 2 inches, which means you will likely be mowing weekly.
\n\n\n\nWell-adapted to the climate and soils of northern and central Florida, centipedegrass is a popular choice. With a medium texture and light green color, centipedegrass is often overfertilized to reach a darker color. But, this is not recommended as it increases maintenance needs and the likelihood of dead patches.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Centipedegrass spreads by above-ground stolons, but is a rather slow-growing grass.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: With a fair tolerance for shade, this variety prefers full sun but does well with trees and other landscaped elements.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Centipede grass survives drought conditions by going dormant and turning brown. To prevent this, water your grass when footprints remain visible after walking.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Heavy play will damage this variety, so it’s best for yards with minimal foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: For a healthy lawn, it’s important to be vigilant against disease, insects, and weeds and to treat the turf as appropriate. Otherwise, with its slow growth and drought-tolerance, centipedegrass is fairly low maintenance.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: During the growing season, mow centipedegrass every 7-14 days to a height between 1½ and 2½ inches.
\n\n\n\nThis turf has a dark-green color and a coarse texture, making it rather hardy. Bermudagrass recovers quickly from damage, but needs some extra care to thrive in the Kissimmee area.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bermudagrass spreads vertically with both stolons and rhizomes, which creates dense coverage.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: This turf is best suited to wide-open spaces that receive sun throughout the day.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Bermudagrass is very drought-tolerant. It requires irrigation only during considerably hot or dry growing seasons. Otherwise, light showers will take care of the rest.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Recovering quickly from stress, Bermudagrass is a great choice for especially busy yards.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: As mentioned, this turf needs a little extra care when compared to others. Bermudagrass requires careful nutrient balancing and will likely need pesticide and herbicide applications as well.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: Mow weekly mowing to a height between 1½ and 2½ inches.
\n\n\n\nNative to subtropical and tropical areas, seashore paspalum grows in coastal and brackish environments. This turf is dark green and dense, with finely textured leaves.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Growing best with long days and warm temperatures, this turf does well with low light and cloud coverage.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Seashore paspalum requires irrigation, but does just as well with potable water as with recycled or salt water.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: With a dense covering, this turf is well-suited to heavy use.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: The dense growth inhibits weed growth, and the wide pH tolerance means it doesn’t need much fertilization. Too much watering and over-fertilizing will form thatch.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: To control thatch and produce a dense covering, mow seashore paspalum to a height between 1 and 2 inches. Grass clippings can remain on the lawn to restore nutrients.
\n\n\n\nWith wide leaves and blunt, rounded tips, carpetgrass looks similar to crabgrass. This might be a deterrent for some homeowners. But with a tolerance for acidic and sandy soils, shade, and drought, this can be a good option for yards where more popular varieties can’t thrive.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping stolons; stems spread from the plant’s crown and grow horizontally above-ground.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Carpetgrass grows well even with moderate shade.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Requires irrigation only during severe droughts, but typically, this turf does not require supplemental water.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Frequently used for parks and other play spaces, carpetgrass tolerates foot traffic quite well.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: While carpetgrass survives without fertilization, you’ll likely want to apply nitrogen as needed to support growth. Otherwise, routine mowing is all that is required.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: For residential spaces, mow weekly to a height of about 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nWhatever grass type you choose, with a little attention and care, your yard can look like that at Lakefront Park. And wouldn’t that be terrific? Relaxing in a parklike setting in your own backyard.
\n\n\n\nNeed help caring for your lawn? Find the best lawn care firms in Orlando, and get advice and tips in our Seasonal Guide to Lawn Care and Maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Miosotis Jade / CC BY-SA
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types in Kissimmee, Florida","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.350337584396099,"src":"/static/18a5463e18ac7cf6d2e7f02d4a574a8e/1789c/kissimmee-fl-lakefront-park-cc40-e1594913763646.jpg","srcSet":"/static/18a5463e18ac7cf6d2e7f02d4a574a8e/107df/kissimmee-fl-lakefront-park-cc40-e1594913763646.jpg 320w,\n/static/18a5463e18ac7cf6d2e7f02d4a574a8e/293e9/kissimmee-fl-lakefront-park-cc40-e1594913763646.jpg 500w,\n/static/18a5463e18ac7cf6d2e7f02d4a574a8e/f2cbb/kissimmee-fl-lakefront-park-cc40-e1594913763646.jpg 800w,\n/static/18a5463e18ac7cf6d2e7f02d4a574a8e/1789c/kissimmee-fl-lakefront-park-cc40-e1594913763646.jpg 960w,\n/static/18a5463e18ac7cf6d2e7f02d4a574a8e/1d616/kissimmee-fl-lakefront-park-cc40-e1594913763646.jpg 1800w","srcWebp":"/static/18a5463e18ac7cf6d2e7f02d4a574a8e/1dd6e/kissimmee-fl-lakefront-park-cc40-e1594913763646.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/18a5463e18ac7cf6d2e7f02d4a574a8e/67b76/kissimmee-fl-lakefront-park-cc40-e1594913763646.webp 320w,\n/static/18a5463e18ac7cf6d2e7f02d4a574a8e/8df11/kissimmee-fl-lakefront-park-cc40-e1594913763646.webp 500w,\n/static/18a5463e18ac7cf6d2e7f02d4a574a8e/98a65/kissimmee-fl-lakefront-park-cc40-e1594913763646.webp 800w,\n/static/18a5463e18ac7cf6d2e7f02d4a574a8e/1dd6e/kissimmee-fl-lakefront-park-cc40-e1594913763646.webp 960w,\n/static/18a5463e18ac7cf6d2e7f02d4a574a8e/78bd7/kissimmee-fl-lakefront-park-cc40-e1594913763646.webp 1800w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types in Kissimmee, Florida | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"What are the seven best grass types for your lawn in Kissimmee, Florida? These include St. Augustine grass, Bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass."}}},{"node":{"id":"1f359187-f747-5fd5-ad32-f85011a0f525","slug":"summer-lawn-care-guide-tampa","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/summer-lawn-care-guide-tampa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Gorski lives with her family in Texas. She has a degree in Professional Studies and a minor in marketing. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and writing.","name":"Danielle Gorski","id":"7c21f4d6-aa31-5681-9530-3d69932d07c4","path":"/author/danielle-gorski/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d4dbd5997a7fe91daa87a0bd0839baff?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"dc593a91-bb7f-5961-b8a5-96bfdf119898","name":"Tampa","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tampa/"}],"date":"July 31st, 2019","excerpt":"Whether you care for yard grass yourself or hire a lawn service, it would be a mistake to neglect it, that is, unless you really want an invasion of weeds, thatch and insects.
\n","content":"\nFlorida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing, and the city of Tampa boasts an impressive average of 244 sunny days a year. With all that sun, Tampa has many days with no rain. High summer temperatures average 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the hot, humid conditions invite pests and diseases right to your lawn. With all that working against it, use this guide to summer lawn care in Tampa to give your lawn the extra TLC it needs during the summer season.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Tampa Bay area enjoys a mild climate year-round, as the coastal city has an average annual temperature of 73.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Tampa’s hottest months are May through September.
\n\n\n\nIn the summertime, your lawn needs more care and attention than in the winter months when it’s dormant. During the heat and humidity of summer, your lawn may wither and die if it doesn’t get proper care. It’s important that your grass gets sufficient mowing, watering, and fertilizing, since a thriving grass is better protected against pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, Tampa is hurricane territory, and keeping a well-maintained yard can help with drainage during rough weather, making your yard safer and hurricane-resistant.
\n\n\n\n![\"lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Dont-Mow-too-much.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nThe general rule is that you should cut no more than one-third of the grass blade when mowing your yard. It is recommended that homeowners mow their lawns once every one to two weeks, depending on the grass type.
\n\n\n\nAs grass grows taller, its root growth improves, so it’s a good idea to raise the mowing height of your mower as your grass grows during the summer. If your lawn is brown after you mow it, it means you’ve cut your grass too short.
\n\n\n\nCutting your grass extra short may seem like a clever shortcut to mowing less frequently, but it won’t help your lawn’s health. When your lawn is cut too short, it is more prone to diseases and weed infestations. In the end, mowing the grass too short may increase the amount of work to keep it healthy.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Mowing Height | Mowing Frequency |
| Bahiagrass | 3-4 inches | 1-2 times a week |
| Bermudagrass | 1-2 inches | Every 7-10 days |
| Buffalograss | 2-3 inches | Every 7-10 days |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 to 2 inches | Mow weekly |
| St. Augustinegrass: Standard cultivar | 3-4 inches | Every 7-10 days |
| St. Augustinegrass: Dwarf cultivars | 2.5 to 3 inches | Every 7-10 days |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 to 2.5 inches | Mow weekly |
Before summer starts, have your lawnmower’s blades sharpened. This will ensure you get an even cut and avoid jagged, poorly cut grass. Sharpening mower blades helps your lawn stay healthier, as poorly cut grass is susceptible to diseases.
\n\n\n\nGrass that looks ragged, brown, or uneven after being freshly mowed is a sign of dull lawn mower blades. Usually dull mower blades make your cut grass look like it has been torn instead of neatly sliced.
\n\n\n\nTo sharpen your lawn mower’s blade, follow these steps:
\n\n\n\nIt’s good practice to inspect your lawnmower’s blades after every mow. Inspect them for wear, dents, cracks, or nicks.
\n\n\n\nLeaving a thin layer of grass clippings spread over the grass can increase your lawn’s health. Known as grasscycling, grass clippings left on your lawn decompose and feed nutrients back into your soil, acting like a kind of fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nJust make sure that you don’t get carried away. Too many clippings on the lawn is bad for your yard and can cause diseases, which is not an outcome you want.
\n\n\n\nGrass clippings should never be thicker than a couple of inches deep, otherwise they will create thatch. Thatch is formed from a collection of organic material such as dead grass, roots, stems, and leaves. Thatch deprives the ground underneath of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in an unhealthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nGrass clippings can also be used for compost or for mulch in your flower beds. Simply bag the grass clippings when you mow and then spread a layer of the clippings over your plant bed.
\n\n\n\n![\"Sprinkler](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Watering-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaper Flare
\n\n\n\nRegular watering encourages your lawn and landscaping to stay happy and healthy. Typically, a lawn in Tampa requires approximately 1 inch of water a week and should be mowed two to three times a week. Grass might need more water during droughts or particularly hot summers.
\n\n\n\nThe amount of watering your lawn needs depends on several factors:
\n\n\n\nBefore you plan a watering schedule, check local laws in case there are city watering restrictions on how long or at what times you can run your sprinkler system. The government may have water conservation measures in place, so it’s your responsibility to follow these regulations.
\n\n\n\nIt’s better to water deeply and less frequently than to give your lawn a quick, shallow sprinkle more often. Deep waterings help your grass grow deeper roots.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is a drought-tolerant cultivar that can endure going without water for extended periods of time. However, all grass needs some water eventually, so bahiagrass should be watered with .5 to .75 inches of water at a time.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a great choice for a low-maintenance lawn because it is incredibly drought-tolerant and requires less watering than other types of warm-season grasses. Water bermudagrass twice a week for a total of 1.25 inches of water each week.
\n\n\n\nIf you have automatic pop-up sprinkler heads, a watering session should take about 15 minutes. For rotary sprinkler heads, watering should take about 35 minutes long to water.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss doesn’t require much water, so be careful to only water their buffalograss lawn when it needs it.
\n\n\n\nWater buffalograss twice a week for a total of 1 inch of water a week. Each zone should be watered for 15 minutes with pop-up sprinkler heads, and 30 minutes for rotary sprinkler heads.
\n\n\n\nAlthough centipedegrass isn’t the best for dealing with foot traffic, it doesn’t require much maintenance. Centipedegrass generally requires more water than other types of grass, usually needing about 1.25 inches of water per week.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners should water centipedegrass twice a week in the morning before 9 a.m. Each zone should be watered for 15 minutes with pop-up sprinkler heads, and 35 minutes for rotary sprinkler heads.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass needs 1 inch of water every week, split into two separate watering sessions. Each zone should be watered for 15 minutes with pop-up sprinkler heads, and 30 minutes for rotary sprinkler heads.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass performs best in well-drained soil, so don’t overdo it with watering. Typically, Zoysiagrass needs 1 inch of water a week. Each zone should be watered for 15 minutes with pop-up sprinkler heads, and 30-minute sessions for rotary sprinkler heads.
\n\n\n\nFertilizing encourages healthy lawn growth. It’s best to use a slow-release fertilizer to keep your lawn fed over several weeks. Fertilizer feeds your lawn with nutrients, reduces the amount of weeds in your lawn, and increases the strength of plants.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass needs to be fertilized twice a year. The first application of fertilizer should be applied in April. No more than 0.7 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet should ever be applied at a time..
\n\n\n\nDuring the summer growing season, bermudagrass needs a monthly application of 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
\n\n\n\nExpect to fertilize bermudagrass about 2 to 6 times from spring to fall, its peak growing season. Stop fertilizing once the season cools down and the grass goes dormant for winter.
\n\n\n\nJust like buffalograss doesn’t require much watering, it doesn’t require much fertilization either. Buffalograss is a hardy grass that can perform well without a lot of maintenance. A North American native, most homeowners don’t fertilize buffalograss at all.
\n\n\n\nApply 1 pound of nitrogen-based fertilizer per 1,000 square feet once in June and again in September. Over the year, your lawn should get a grand total of 1-2 pounds of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is another type of grass that requires regular fertilization. Each year, a total of 2 to 5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet should be applied to your lawn. Each application should amount to 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen for 1,000 square feet of lawn.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass doesn’t need much nitrogen, and likewise doesn’t require a lot of fertilization over the year. Each year, zoysiagrass needs a total sum of about 1-3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Weed](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Control-Weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nIn Tampa, you want to spray pre-emergent herbicides on your lawn as early as February, before spring even arrives. Pre-emergent herbicides are chemicals you spray on your yard before weeds ever even have a chance to grow. If you missed that time frame, don’t sweat it. Weeds can be removed after they have sprouted up in your yard.
\n\n\n\nTo eliminate weeds, remove them by hand or use chemical solutions such as post-emergent herbicides. Post-emergent herbicides are the type of herbicide that you spray on visible weeds that are already established in your yard.
\n\n\n\nSome of the most common weeds in Tampa include:
\n\n\n\nChickweed: Chickweed has bright green oval-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers. The low-growing weed is an invasive plant. It is best to remove chickweed with herbicides or by hand removal.
\n\n\n\nDandelions: Dandelions are characterized by sunny yellow flowers that transform into a white puffball of seeds. Each flower is supported by a long, hollow stem with jagged leaves growing at the base of the stem. It’s best to remove dandelions with post-emergent herbicides or by hand removal.
\n\n\n\nGoosegrass: Goosegrass forms a tangled web of grass blades and stems growing horizontally outward from a pale white center. Routine lawn maintenance and herbicides are a homeowner’s best defense against goosegrass.
\n\n\n\nOne of the best ways to prevent pests from invading your grass is good lawn maintenance. That way your lawn will stay healthy and capable of resisting pests. Unhealthy lawns suffering from drought or overwatering are susceptible to pest infestations.
\n\n\n\nHere is a chart listing which pests are typically attracted to which type of warm-season lawn grass in Tampa:
\n\n\n\n| Types of Grass | Common Pests |
| Bahiagrass | Bahiagrass billbugsFall armywormsMole cricketsNematodes |
| Bermudagrass | Army wormsBillbugsMole cricketsSod webwormsWhite grubs |
| Buffalograss | Chinch bugsMealybugsMitesShort-tailed cricketsWebwormsWhite grubs |
| Centipedegrass | Ground pearlsGrubsLawn caterpillarsMole cricketsNematodesSod webworms |
| St. Augustinegrass | Army wormsChinch bugsCutwormsGrubsMole cricketsNematodesWebworms |
| Zoysiagrass | BillbugsChinch bugsMites Mole cricketsSod webwormsWhite grubs |
![\"Treat](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Treat-Diseases.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBefore summer hits, do a lawn inspection to check your lawn for signs of disease. Keep an eye out for diseases that are common in the Tampa Bay area such as gray leaf spot or root rot. Typically, good lawn care is the best way to prevent diseases from taking over your lawn, so it’s good practice to stay on top of taking care of your yard.
\n\n\n\nDollar spot is a common malady that haunts bahiagrass. The best way to combat dollar spot is good lawn maintenance. A proper amount of fertilization should help bahiagrass remain strong and healthy enough to resist intruding diseases.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass has an impressive resistance to diseases, but some diseases that might afflict bermudagrass include:
\n\n\n\nOne of the best ways to prevent pests from invading your grass is good lawn maintenance. Spraying insecticides on infected areas is a good way to get rid of lawn pest infestations.
\n\n\n\nTo protect bermudagrass from disease, apply pre-emergent herbicides during the spring when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nA hardy, tough grass, buffalograss has a high level of tolerance against diseases. However, even the most disease-resistant grass isn’t completely immune to all diseases. If your lawn is suffering from a disease, use broad-spectrum repellent-free pesticides to treat the affected areas of your buffalograss lawn.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is an easy target for fungal diseases. One good way to prevent fungal problems is to avoid allowing water to sit on your lawn overnight. Centipedegrass decline or iron chlorosis are other maladies that might affect your centipedegrass lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou should mow and water your lawn 24 hours before insecticide application. Treat affected areas with a broad-spectrum non-repellent insecticide that contains carbaryl or pyrethroid. Preventative yard treatments should be applied in May before the summer heat really kicks in. After the first application, a second follow-up application should be applied around June.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass may suffer from lawn diseases like gray leaf spot, large patch, or take-all root. Indoor-outdoor fungicides or plant disinfectants can be used to treat fungal diseases in your St. Augustinegrass lawns.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass has an impressive resistance to diseases, but there are a few possible diseases you should keep an eye out for:
\n\n\n\nFungal diseases are the most common ailment for zoysiagrass. To decrease the chances of a fungal disease becoming a problem in your yard, use fungicides on your lawn as a preventative measure.
\n\n\n\nAvoid watering your lawn in the afternoon, in the heat of the day. Also never water your lawn when temperatures have reached 95 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter.
The best time of day for watering the lawn is between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.
Don’t fertilize your lawn in hot weather or during a drought. When your lawn is stressed from the heat, fertilizing it could end up doing more harm than good. Only fertilize your lawn while it is still growing; if your lawn has gone dormant from the heat, don’t fertilize it.
Longer grass blades shade the soil at their roots, which protects moisture from evaporating. As a result, longer grass retains moisture longer and doesn’t need to be watered as frequently.
During the heat of summer you want to go cool off at the beach or in your backyard pool, not spend the day maintaining your lawn.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t want to deal with the hassle of lawn maintenance yourself, Wikilawn can help you find a Tampa lawn care pro today so you can focus on enjoying all Tampa has to offer.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pxfuel
\n","title":"Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Tampa, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/5487c020453c9944fbf82a9306aed303/1789c/Lawn-care-in-Tampa.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5487c020453c9944fbf82a9306aed303/107df/Lawn-care-in-Tampa.jpg 320w,\n/static/5487c020453c9944fbf82a9306aed303/293e9/Lawn-care-in-Tampa.jpg 500w,\n/static/5487c020453c9944fbf82a9306aed303/f2cbb/Lawn-care-in-Tampa.jpg 800w,\n/static/5487c020453c9944fbf82a9306aed303/1789c/Lawn-care-in-Tampa.jpg 960w,\n/static/5487c020453c9944fbf82a9306aed303/c26c2/Lawn-care-in-Tampa.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5487c020453c9944fbf82a9306aed303/1dd6e/Lawn-care-in-Tampa.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5487c020453c9944fbf82a9306aed303/67b76/Lawn-care-in-Tampa.webp 320w,\n/static/5487c020453c9944fbf82a9306aed303/8df11/Lawn-care-in-Tampa.webp 500w,\n/static/5487c020453c9944fbf82a9306aed303/98a65/Lawn-care-in-Tampa.webp 800w,\n/static/5487c020453c9944fbf82a9306aed303/1dd6e/Lawn-care-in-Tampa.webp 960w,\n/static/5487c020453c9944fbf82a9306aed303/3cc96/Lawn-care-in-Tampa.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Guide to Summer Lawn Care in Tampa, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Treat your lawn with a little extra TLC if you want it to survive the hot Tampa summer. Mow, water, fertilize, control weeds, and treat pests and diseases."}}},{"node":{"id":"71f6e831-21fb-5c9a-923c-44553c6f7346","slug":"worst-lawn-weeds-jacksonville","path":"/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/worst-lawn-weeds-jacksonville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"075cc120-3dd3-51e4-aead-643f50a8453e","name":"Jacksonville","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/jacksonville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"August 6th, 2019","excerpt":"Finding any weed in your Jacksonville lawn can be frustrating, but some are easy to control with common lawn sprays. But, there are a few weeds that require a bit more work.
\n","content":"\nPicture this: You’ve gone outside to enjoy a sunny Jacksonville day when you notice something odd on your lawn. It sure doesn’t look like the rest of your grass, and upon closer inspection, you may notice dying turf near it. You’ve stumbled upon a weed, but what should you do about it?
\n\n\n\nThe best way to deal with these leafy intruders is to identify them so you can create an appropriate game plan. Let’s learn about some of the worst Jacksonville weeds so you can grab the right tools and get your lawn back to normal.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nWeeds compete for the water, nutrients, and sun your turfgrass needs. Left unaddressed, they can spread over your lawn, garden, and neighboring properties.
\n\n\n\nBesides the competition for resources, weeds are usually a sign of something wrong. Overwatering is one of the most common problems that encourage weed growth. However, it also may be that your turf isn’t getting the nutrients it needs or is mowed too low to reach a healthy density.
\n\n\n\nYou may feel torn about what weed control method to try first. When choosing between manual and chemical control, you’ll need to consider time, effectiveness, and environmental concerns.
\n\n\n\nRemoving weeds by hand is the most eco-friendly method. However, it can take a lot of time, especially if you have more than a few weeds. You must pull up all plant parts to effectively remove weeds by hand. Many weeds can grow back from roots or tubers left in the ground.
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips to keep in mind:
\n\n\n\nHerbicides are specially-formulated products designed to eliminate weeds.
\n\n\n\nSelective herbicides target specific plants, such as grassy or broadleaf weeds. On the other hand, non-selective herbicides kill plants more indiscriminately.
\n\n\n\nAlways read herbicide labels carefully to avoid hurting you, your lawn, or your pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis weed can be tricky to spot, but you’ll see it everywhere once you recognize it. It resembles turfgrass but is often a lighter green with broader leaves. Crabgrass gravitates toward bare patches in your lawn. It germinates in spring and dies in fall, leaving brown patches and making your lawn’s color uneven.
\n\n\n\nCrabgrass can show up on any lawn. The best way to keep it at bay is to choose an appropriate grass type for Jacksonville. Keep your lawn thick and healthy with proper maintenance, so there are no bare spots for crabgrass to invade. If prevention doesn’t work, apply pre-emergent herbicides in early March before temperatures are consistently above 65 to 70 degrees to avoid harming your turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers dry soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Dollarweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ranjith-chemmad / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nA rose by any other name would smell just as sweet, but this weed is just as annoying whether it’s called dollarweed or pennywort. The coin-themed names come from the size and round shape of the leaves. Dollarweed is low to the ground and spreads with seeds, rhizomes, and the occasional tuber. Its small white flowers can bloom year-round.
\n\n\n\nDollarweed can thrive in many soil types, with or without sun, but prefers moist soil. To discourage this weed, avoid overwatering your lawn and improve drainage. Once you spot them, pull them out by hand or use selective or non-selective herbicides. Ensure you pull out all the white rhizomes, or it might make a comeback.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4A-10A
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates sandy, loam, or clay soils with acidic to neutral pH
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand-pulling, pre-emergent herbicides, or post-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\n![\"honeybee](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Dandelion.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nDandelions are some of the most iconic weeds. They’re easy to spot once they have their signature yellow flowers or fluffy white seedheads. Your inner child may want to blow those seeds away and make a wish, but resist the temptation — you’d only be spreading them around your yard and neighborhood. These plants are best dealt with before they produce seeds.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to prevent dandelions is to keep your turf dense and healthy, so there’s no room for them. Hand pulling isn’t a very effective removal method because it has deep roots, but it may be feasible in small yards.
\n\n\n\nApply pre-emergent herbicides before dandelions germinate when soil temperatures are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Spot treat with broadleaf herbicides but avoid triclopyr because it can harm the warm-season turfgrasses in Jacksonville.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates most soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: Low; dandelions are edible unless you have a latex allergy
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Broadleaf herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goosegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso called wiregrass or crowfootgrass, goosegrass gets its name from finger-like spikes that pop out from the same spot when it flowers. Before it reaches that point, it will be low-growing in matted, grass-like clumps with a white leaf sheath at the base. Because of its growth pattern, it survives low mowing remarkably well.
\n\n\n\nGoosegrass grows so aggressively in thin lawns it might give you goosebumps. Its favorite soils are compact and wet, so aeration may help make your yard less welcoming. Need to break out the herbicides? You can use pre- or post-emergent herbicides with ingredients like dithiopyr, oryzalin, pendimethalin, or prodiamine.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Summer annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers compact, wet soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre- or post-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Chamberbitter.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Prenn / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThis invasive plant will leave you bitter if it takes over your Jacksonville lawn. Chamberbitter has small, round leaves on long stems with bursting pods that launch seeds everywhere. It looks similar to the powderpuff mimosa, a native groundcover in Florida. Two kinds are found in the Sunshine State – long-stalked chamberbitter (Phyllanthus tenellus) and the smaller gripeweed (Phyllanthus urinaria).
\n\n\n\nGripeweed loves moist, overwatered soils and can survive even when mowed 2 inches high. This weed germinates from early summer to early fall. You can pull out these weeds by hand, but don’t shake the roots before tossing them in the trash — you could accidentally spread their seeds.
\n\n\n\nYoung chamberbitter can be controlled by pre- or post-emergent herbicide, but older, woody specimens may need two or three applications to die back. Apply pre-emergent applications in April to get ahead of germination and seed spreading. Be cautious applying post-emergent herbicides to centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass, since they also may be harmed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Summer annual broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8A-10A
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Prefers warm soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent herbicides work best, but you also can use post-emergent or hand-pulling
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sedges.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Tann / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSedges may look like grass, but you can identify these weeds by the angular shape of their stems. Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus escuelentus) and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) can be identified by their small flowers when in bloom. Summer is the season they’re at their peak, but they can grow year-round in temperate Florida.
\n\n\n\nSedges attack lawns without well-established root systems. Avoid overwatering and excessive foot traffic to address the root problem, then try removal. Nutsedges spread with tubers on their roots, making them difficult to remove by hand. Check periodically to see if they grow back. You may need to repeatedly treat this weed with herbicides.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8A-10B for yellow nutsedge and 3A-10B for purple nutsedge
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates most types, but prefers moist soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand-pulling and herbicides
\n\n\n\nDandelion weeders are a popular tool for weed removal in lawns and gardens. You also can use garden hoes.
While you can kill individual weeds, the war with weeds will never end. A gust of wind or an animal passing through could bring new weed seeds with them. However, preventative methods like pre-emergent herbicides and proper lawn maintenance give you the best chance of avoiding sprouted, visible weeds.
It depends on what your lawn goals are. If you want a picturesque lawn, no. Weeds will always compete with your grass and create an inconsistent appearance, if not patches and brown spots.
However, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. A weed is only a weed if it’s unwanted or threatens something desirable. Several weeds are beneficial to Florida’s ecosystem. Thus, some homeowners choose to have a wild, less manicured lawn to be eco-friendly.
If this is the route you want to go, research your options thoroughly. Simply letting your lawn grow unattended isn’t necessarily going to create a natural utopia. You will likely need to actively cultivate some native plants and eliminate any invasive species that try to return. Your yard will become lower-maintenance once fully established.
You’ll need a vigilant eye and a dedicated lawn care regime to keep your lawn weed-free. If you’d rather not give up your weekend outing to Riverside Park, consider hiring a Jacksonville lawn care professional to do the dirty work. A pro can identify weeds quickly and has the best products on the market to eliminate them for good.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pixabay
\n","title":"6 Worst Lawn Weeds in Jacksonville (and How to Get Rid of Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/1789c/Lawn-weed.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/107df/Lawn-weed.jpg 320w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/293e9/Lawn-weed.jpg 500w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/f2cbb/Lawn-weed.jpg 800w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/1789c/Lawn-weed.jpg 960w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/c26c2/Lawn-weed.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/1dd6e/Lawn-weed.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/67b76/Lawn-weed.webp 320w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/8df11/Lawn-weed.webp 500w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/98a65/Lawn-weed.webp 800w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/1dd6e/Lawn-weed.webp 960w,\n/static/5f18754c5fd8fe6cb36b2ede1c25c39f/3cc96/Lawn-weed.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Worst Lawn Weeds in Jacksonville (and How to Get Rid of Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Your lawn shouldn’t have to compete with leafy intruders. Learn to identify and rid your turf of the worst weeds in Jacksonville."}}},{"node":{"id":"01725c17-83b1-5edc-b262-9d63ea36a680","slug":"worst-weeds-tampa","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/worst-weeds-tampa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Gorski lives with her family in Texas. She has a degree in Professional Studies and a minor in marketing. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and writing.","name":"Danielle Gorski","id":"7c21f4d6-aa31-5681-9530-3d69932d07c4","path":"/author/danielle-gorski/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d4dbd5997a7fe91daa87a0bd0839baff?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"dc593a91-bb7f-5961-b8a5-96bfdf119898","name":"Tampa","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tampa/"}],"date":"July 31st, 2019","excerpt":"The same gorgeous weather that attracts so many to Florida also attracts weeds. This year, get ready to strike back. These are some of the worst weeds in Tampa and how to get rid of them.
\n","content":"\nMost weeds need warm weather to survive, which makes the Tampa Bay area the perfect habitat for weeds, since Florida’s humidity and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for invasive plants. If you’re tired of weeds overtaking your lawn and ready to get rid of them once and for all, here is a guide to the 7 worst weeds in Tampa and how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nNo one likes an uninvited guest, and that is exactly what weeds are: an unwanted guest. Not only do weeds ruin the uniform aesthetic beauty of your grass lawn, they threaten the health of your grass, as well.
\n\n\n\nWeeds cause several lawn issues:
\n\n\n\nAside from that, weeds are usually a sign that something is wrong with your yard, such as overwatering or unhealthy grass.
\n\n\n\nThere are two methods for removing weeds from your Tampa lawn: pulling weeds up by hand or using chemical treatments. Which method works best for your yard depends on the type of weeds you have as well as the size of the weed infestation plaguing your yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"Gloves,](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Weed-Control.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ruth Hartnup from Vancouver, Canada / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you pull weeds by hand, there is weed-removal equipment you can use to help in the process, such as a garden trowel, a hoe, or a screwdriver. The sooner a weed is removed, the easier it is to pull it up before it has a fully developed root system and takes root in the ground.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to remove the entire weed, including all its roots, tubers, and bulbs. If pieces of the weed are left behind, the weed may grow right back.
\n\n\n\nFor tap roots, try using a screwdriver or dandelion fork to uproot the entire root system.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spraying-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Praxis Eco Pest Control / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSometimes a weed infestation may be too severe to remove by hand. In that case, you might be better off using chemical weed killer treatments to eradicate your weed infestation instead.
\n\n\n\n![\"Broadleaf](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Broadleaf-Plantain.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Simon / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith a knack for thriving in compacted and soggy soils, broadleaf plantain forms a rosette of broad leaves that can grow up to 6 inches long. Broadleaf plantain is an edible perennial with medicinal properties that can soothe digestive problems, minor burns, or wounds. The weed produces flowers that grow in vertical stalks.
\n\n\n\nIt’s a hardy weed with a tap root system that can endure high levels of foot traffic and grow in sidewalk cracks or other tight spots. Broadleaf plantain needs full or partial sun in order to keep growing. From spring to fall, the weed produces white flowers. The plant is pollinated by wind.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-12
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Loves cool, moist soil most; works in clay or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand removal, post-emergent or pre-emergent herbicide
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-17.jpg\")
Photo Credit: OllgaP / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSmall, daisy-like flowers surrounded by oval green leaves growing in your yard may be a sign of common chickweed infesting your lawn. Chickweed grows low to the ground, ducking under lawnmower blades.
\n\n\n\nA winter annual, common chickweed is an invasive species that thrives in areas that are moist, cool, and shady. Although the flowers may be pretty, chickweed is an invasive spreader, and a single chickweed plant can produce more than 800 seeds.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to get rid of common chickweed is to use herbicides or uproot them by hand. Remember that chickweed has a fibrous root system, so don’t leave traces of the weed behind, otherwise it might grow back.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Areas that are moist, cool, and shady
\n\n\n\nDanger: Although common chickweed is edible, in some cases it might cause an upset stomach if consumed in large quantities
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand removal, pre-emergent herbicides, good lawn maintenance
\n\n\n\n![\"Crabgrass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Large-crabgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlat, bright green grass blades shooting out from a central root and tapering to a sharp point are a trademark feature of crabgrass. Crabgrass is a warm-season grass that loves Tampa weather. Its seeds germinate in early spring and summer, and crabgrass tends to pop up wherever there is patchy grass or bare plots of soil.
\n\n\n\nCrabgrass reproduces rapidly. If left alone too long, you risk the weed spreading seeds all over your lawn. The best treatment for crabgrass is herbicides. Also avoid cutting your grass too low, otherwise it may result in inviting crabgrass to invade your lawn.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Annual grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Dry, disturbed soil where the grass is sparse and there are dirt patches for crabgrass to grow in
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides, hand removal, routine lawn maintenance
\n\n\n\n![\"Dandelion](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dandelion-flowers-in-lawn-Mike-Mozart-cc20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mike Mozart / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne common weed that can be seen across North America is the dandelion. This flowering weed is known for maturing into the white puffballs of seeds you blow on to make a wish, but blow on one of these and you might find yourself getting a weed you hadn’t wished for.
\n\n\n\nDandelions blossom in a cheery bright yellow flower of spiky petals stuck on top of a tall, hollow stem. They have jagged dark green leaves. Dandelions are an edible plant that usually sprout up in late spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nDandelions are difficult to remove by hand because they have deep tap roots that delve 6-18 inches deep. Post-emergent herbicides can remove dandelions. Keeping your grass dense and healthy with routine lawn maintenance is the best preventative measure against dandelions.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Tolerates most soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: None; dandelions are edible
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Post-emergent herbicide, hand removal
\n\n\n\n![\"Dollarweed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dollarweed-also-called-floating-pennywort-water-pennywort-Indian-pennywort-marsh-penny-thick-leaved-pennywort.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dariusz Kowalczyk / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf it looks like a bunch of tiny lily pads infesting your grass, you are dealing with dollarweed. Commonly known as pennywort, dollarweed is a warm-season perennial that thrives in the summer. It is most common in warm states, particularly Florida and Texas.
\n\n\n\nDollarweed derives its name from its round green leaves with scalloped edges, which are shaped like a silver dollar. It grows low to the ground and produces little white flowers in July and August.
\n\n\n\nThis water lover has an affinity for moist soils. If you have dollarweed in your yard, it’s a sign you have poor drainage or are overwatering your lawn. To prevent dollarweed from infiltrating your yard:
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial broadleaf
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4a-10a
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Moist soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, clay, acidic, or neutral soil
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand removal, pre-emergent or post-emergent pesticides, proper irrigation
\n\n\n\n![\"Flordia](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flordia-Pusley.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dinesh Valke / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlorida pusley grows in dense patches, making it a challenge to remove by hand. Pusley blooms with snow-white flowers that turn purple as they mature. Their oval-shaped leaves taper to a sharp point at the end. Both stem and leaves are hairy, and all the foliage branches out from a single stem.
\n\n\n\nFlorida pusley is a fast-spreading plant that needs to be dealt with quickly to prevent it from overtaking your lawn. It loves lurking in thin areas among warm-season grasses, the types of grasses most commonly found in Tampa yards.
\n\n\n\nDrought-resistant and capable of withstanding sub-freezing temperatures, pusley is a durable weed. The summer annual has a shallow tap root system. Florida pusley usually grows in large groups, so the sheer quantity of them makes them difficult and tedious to remove by hand.
\n\n\n\nRoutine lawn maintenance such as regular mowing, watering, and aeration are good practices to keep Florida pusley away. Just be careful not to mow your lawn too short, otherwise it will decrease the lawn’s health and make it more susceptible to a pusley infestation. A large number of Florida pusley weeds in your yard may be an indication of a nematode problem.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Broadleaf annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 9
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Hand removal, routine lawn maintenance
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGrowing in a haphazard mess of tangly leaves, goosegrass is a low-growing grass-like plant with stems and leaves radiating outward from a pale center, growing more vertically then horizontally. Some homeowners might recognize goosegrass by its other names, wiregrass or crowfootgrass.
\n\n\n\nGrowing in warm regions across the United States, fast-spreading goosegrass can grow up to 12 inches tall if left unattended. Unfortunately, goosegrass thrives in compacted soil and endures high levels of foot traffic, which makes it a tenacious weed capable of withstanding wear and tear.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners can use herbicides to prevent or kill goosegrass. Routine lawn maintenance and aeration helps prevent goosegrass from appearing in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Summer annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nHabitat: Compact, wet soils
\n\n\n\nDanger: None
\n\n\n\nRemoval method: Pre- or post-emergent herbicides
\n\n\n\nFor weed management, the University of Florida recommends spraying pre-emergent herbicides around Feb. 1 in South Florida and Feb. 15 in Central Florida. Homeowners may want to spray earlier than that if temperatures start reaching 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Post-emergent herbicides can be sprayed on any visible weed, although the younger a weed is, the easier it is to control.
Frequent mowing helps eliminate weeds during the growing season as long as the lawn is mowed to the appropriate height and the grass isn’t cut too short. Cutting your grass too short invites weeds to your yard.
Mowing damages weeds and cuts off the flowering parts that produce seeds and spread more weeds across your lawn. Don’t forget to bag your grass clippings so that weed seeds don’t spread around your yard.
Yes, vinegar can get rid of weeds. However, vinegar is not as effective as weed-killing chemicals, as vinegar only kills the top part of a weed, not its root. Vinegar may be a natural solution for a few weeds, but it won’t be effective against large infestations.
Weeds are an irritating nuisance but a problem that can be dealt with, especially if homeowners react swiftly and get rid of weeds as soon as possible. Don’t forget that prevention is the best strategy to stopping weed growth in your lawn. Keep up with routine lawn maintenance and with spraying pre-emergent chemicals to prevent the seeds of invasive plants from germinating.
\n\n\n\nIf weeds are overrunning your yard, don’t stress. Call a pro instead. Wikilawn can help you find a local lawn care company to get rid of those pesky plants for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Hampton Terrace Historic District / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"7 Worst Weeds in Tampa (and How to Get Rid of Them)","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/1789c/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/107df/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.jpg 320w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/293e9/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.jpg 500w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/f2cbb/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.jpg 800w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/1789c/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.jpg 960w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/c26c2/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/1dd6e/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/67b76/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.webp 320w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/8df11/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.webp 500w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/98a65/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.webp 800w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/1dd6e/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.webp 960w,\n/static/c18fa900f719fba272dfc3cdce7cee0d/3cc96/Hampton-Terrace-Historic-District-Tampa-FL.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Worst Weeds in Tampa (and How to Get Rid of Them) | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Weeds are popping up around your Tampa lawn. Find out what weeds are commonly found in the Tampa Bay area and how to get rid of them."}}},{"node":{"id":"c0505ba7-6cf4-5229-a1c2-0fc57249861f","slug":"best-grass-types-tallahassee","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/best-grass-types-tallahassee/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"b2c4f6ff-0472-5f66-b3a2-f18459ce21c7","name":"Tallahassee","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tallahassee/"}],"date":"April 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Affectionately known to the locals as Tally, Tallahassee is home to over 89 miles of hiking, walking, and biking trails. The city sits in the northern Panhandle, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its sugary beaches. It has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, dry springs. The best grass types […]
\n","content":"\nAffectionately known to the locals as Tally, Tallahassee is home to over 89 miles of hiking, walking, and biking trails. The city sits in the northern Panhandle, 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its sugary beaches. It has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, dry springs. The best grass types for Tallahassee thrive in the city’s hot summers and sandy, infertile soils. If you are installing a new lawn or looking to spruce up your yard, consider one of these options for your Tallahassee landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses prefer growing temperatures between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These varieties go dormant, turning brown, when soil temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. With an annual average winter temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit, it is no surprise that Tallahassee benefits from warm-season grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nGrass types are classified into one of two categories:
\n\n\n\nThe following warm-season grass types grow well in Tallahassee’s climatic and soil conditions:
\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 has a tight growing pattern with fine leaf blades. It is slow-growing and a popular, low-maintenance option for Tallahassee lawns. Cultivars require little mowing, fertilization, or water to remain green. Centipedegrass handles shade but prefers full sun like most warm-season grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nIt is a smooth, flat-bladed grass that likes to be left alone. It does not handle heavy traffic, cold, or herbicides well and is prone to pests and disease when improperly maintained or over watered. Centipedegrass has a dull light green color, making it a less visually appealing choice for some homeowners.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate; prone to centipedegrass decline and iron chlorosis
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate; prone to ground pearls, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and lawn caterpillars
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St-Augustine-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is the most popular turfgrass in Florida. A native to warm coastal regions, this cultivar has thick leaf blades and deep roots, making it shade and drought-tolerant. However, keep in mind that this warm-season turfgrass can struggle with the Tallahassee rain, especially in shaded yards. St. Augustinegrass is prone to fungus, like gray leaf spot, if it does not dry out in between watering sessions.
\n\n\n\nThe quick-growing turfgrass has a dense appearance, coarse texture, and blue-green color. It is easy to establish and moderately salt tolerant, but, like centipedegrass, it does not stand up well to herbicides or heavy traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars are more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High; prone to chinch bugs, cutworms, mole crickets, grass loopers, army worms, web worms, and grubs
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Native to coastal areas across the world and prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance; will go dormant during winter in all but the southernmost regions
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf warm-season grass varieties had a Jack or Jill of all trades, Zoysiagrass would be it. It withstands anything Floridians and Mother Nature throw at it. Zoysiagrass tolerates low mow heights, heavy traffic, shade, drought, and even lower-than-average temperatures. Like centipedegrass, this warm-season variety has low fertilization requirements and grows densely, blocking out weeds with its thick leaf blades.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is an attractive turfgrass with a dense appearance and a dark green color. New cultivars have increased disease and pest resistance. Zoysia matrella and Zoysia japonica are two popular pest-resistant cultivars in Tallahassee that grow slowly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; large patch, root decline, spring dead spot, rust, curvularia, and leaf spot can occur
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; most common pests are mites, grubs, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, army worms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is a utilitarian warm-season variety that thrives in the sandy, well-drained Tallahassee soils. It is a low-maintenance cultivar that likes to be left alone. Bahiagrass requires minimal water and fertilizer. It is less dense than other varieties and not known for being an aesthetically pleasing, decorative turfgrass. However, its deep root system persists in infertile soils, making it a splendid choice for pastures, farms, and homes without irrigation systems.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass grows quickly in full sun. It does not stand up well to heavy traffic. It has a light green color, coarse texture, and open growth pattern that forms a sparse lawn easily overtaken by weeds. Homeowners with bahiagrass lawns need to pay close attention to their annual weed maintenance plan.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Growth rate is moderate to high, so plan to mow often during the growing season
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; susceptible to dollar spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low; mole crickets are sometimes a problem
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils, does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is grown in the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S; does best in acidic soils — not the best grass if your soils are naturally alkaline; doesn’t tolerate saltwater well
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a southern favorite and another common Florida grass that grows aggressively in full sun. Unlike other warm-season varieties, bermudagrass recovers quickly from damage and stands up to heavy foot traffic, making it a popular choice for golf courses, athletic fields, and home lawns. This hardy turfgrass ranges from coarse to fine-textured and is salt and drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nTallahassee is home to common and hybrid varieties. Common bermudagrass has a light green color and coarse texture, while hybrid cultivars have a finer texture and dark green appearance. Hybrid varieties require more maintenance than common bermudagrass, but they are dense like Zoysiagrass forming a carpet-like layer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease; prone to spring dead spot, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, and sheath spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance; prone to white grubs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, army worms, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and can out-compete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.
\n\n\n\nNo. Sinkholes form through a combination of many factors affecting the water table, including construction, blasting, heavy loading, drought, increased rainfall, groundwater pumping, and more. Routine residential watering does not sufficiently impact the water table enough to cause sinkholes.
You should plant your grass seed in April through July. This gives the seed a full growing season before the cooler winter temperatures set in.
St. Augustinegrass is the most shade-friendly grass type for Tallahassee.
Warm-season grass varieties thrive in Tallahassee. They are suited to Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle region and unique USDA Zone, 8b. Be sure to choose a turfgrass variety that works well for your lifestyle and your yard’s unique microclimate.
\n\n\n\nTallahassee residents are blessed by warm weather most of the year. There are numerous landscaping options available. If you are looking to spruce up your home landscape or make it more wind-resistant, check out our spring lawn care tips and hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to create your Florida fortress of solitude for maximum relaxation.
\n\n\n\nBeat the heat and conquer Tally’s humid climate. Contact a lawn care pro in your area today to help you maintain a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Tallahassee FL Gaither House02 / Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Tallahassee, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/1789c/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/107df/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.jpg 320w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/293e9/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.jpg 500w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/f2cbb/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.jpg 800w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/1789c/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.jpg 960w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/c26c2/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/1dd6e/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/67b76/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.webp 320w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/8df11/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.webp 500w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/98a65/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.webp 800w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/1dd6e/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.webp 960w,\n/static/3a8b5ce53e14ad98521410c4a6e47295/3cc96/Tallahassee-FL-Gaither-House.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Tallahassee, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Warm-season grasses are the best choice for Tallahassee, and these five species are great options."}}},{"node":{"id":"def56fbd-1b75-583e-af74-ea347102cb14","slug":"best-grass-types-saint-augustine","path":"/lawn-care/fl/saint-augustine/best-grass-types-saint-augustine/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9b5a7cc0-52e4-5870-a456-94b94f3508cb","name":"Saint Augustine","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/saint-augustine/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"Along the sunny coast of Florida lies the oldest city in the United States – St. Augustine. This picturesque destination is known for its historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and lush greenery. And for homeowners in this idyllic locale, having a backyard with a well-maintained and beautiful green lawn is just fitting. But with so many […]
\n","content":"\nAlong the sunny coast of Florida lies the oldest city in the United States – St. Augustine. This picturesque destination is known for its historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and lush greenery. And for homeowners in this idyllic locale, having a backyard with a well-maintained and beautiful green lawn is just fitting.
\n\n\n\nBut with so many grass varieties available, it can be overwhelming to determine the one best suited for your lawn. Discover the six best grass types that thrive in St. Augustine, and choose the right one to transform your backyard into a place where you can make unforgettable memories with family and friends.
\n\n\n\nGrasses are not created equal, and each has unique growth patterns and specific requirements. Understanding these differences can help you select the right grass for your lawn. There are two broad categories of grasses based on their preferred temperature ranges: warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses: They thrive in the summer when the temperature is between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These grass varieties grow actively during summer and go dormant in winter, turning brown until the warm weather returns. Therefore, it’s best to plant them in late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses: These grasses grow best in temperatures ranging between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes them active during spring and fall. They may struggle during hot summers but can withstand cold winter temperatures.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are perfect for St. Augustine because they are well-suited to the region’s humid subtropical climate and can tolerate drought and high temperatures. Additionally, they can withstand the salty soil conditions found in the coastal areas of Florida.
\n\n\n\nLearn about the characteristics of each grass type so you can choose the one that will suit your lawn requirements. From the resilient bahiagrass to the ever-popular St. Augustinegrass, there’s a perfect grass type waiting to transform your outdoor space into the backyard oasis.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA warm-season grass that thrives in St. Augustine’s hot and humid climate, bahiagrass has a coarse texture and light green color, which can add a unique look and feel to your lawn. It has deep roots that can reach up to 5 feet underground, allowing it to access moisture and nutrients even during periods of low rainfall. Although, prolonged drought can cause it to go dormant.
\n\n\n\nWhile you still need to provide enough moisture, avoid overwatering bahiagrass. Overwatering can weaken the grass, making it more vulnerable to weed growth. Since this grass variety is relatively drought-tolerant, it’s best to water it only when necessary. It also has low fertilizer requirements but can be susceptible to iron deficiency.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – it thrives in direct sun exposure
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – control seed heads by mowing every week or two (during summer, mow more often)
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low resistance – mostly prone to dollar spot (especially the Pensacola cultivar) and ergot diseases
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance – can be susceptible to mole crickets
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows well in almost all soil types but prefers sandy loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Planting with seeds may take longer to establish compared to using sod. Although plugging and sprigging methods are feasible, they may leave the lawn more vulnerable to weed infestation.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a top choice among homeowners for its resilience in extreme weather conditions and other challenging environments. This hardy grass variety also can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for areas with high activity, like athletic fields and golf courses.
\n\n\n\nOne aspect that makes it perfect for St. Augustine lawns is its love for sunlight. It requires ample direct sunlight to flourish and maintain its luscious appearance. Additionally, bermudagrass boasts exceptional drought tolerance, enabling it to remain green and thrive in low rainfall conditions or during high temperatures.
Classification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – some cultivars need more direct sun exposure than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – extended periods of drought can cause it to become dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – it needs frequent fertilization, watering, and mowing
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches – during extreme heat or drought, increase the mowing height to retain moisture
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – can be susceptible to dollar spot, brown patch, spring dead spot, and leaf spot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – can be prone to armyworms, hunting billbugs, white grubs, and mole crickets
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows well in most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: The rapid growth of this grass species can pose some challenges, as it can quickly spread and encroach on other areas of the lawn that require more meticulous maintenance.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nA highly sought-after grass variety in Florida, centipedegrass is favored for its ability to create lush lawns that require minimal maintenance. With this slow-growing grass type, you won’t have to spend countless hours each week tending to your lawn.
\n\n\n\nThis grass variety grows best in full sun but also can tolerate partial shade, making it ideal for lawns with mixed sun exposure. It has a medium to light green color and a fine texture that gives it a soft feel.
\n\n\n\nNonetheless, one of its drawbacks is its low tolerance to heavy foot traffic, so centipedegrass is not ideal for areas with high human activity. As such, homeowners who frequently host backyard events or have several pets or children may want to consider alternative grass types.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – grows well in sun-exposed areas but can still survive even with just six hours of sunlight per day
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low to moderate – prolonged drought may cause it to turn brown and become dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low – requires minimal mowing, watering, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1.5-2 inches – for lawns in shaded areas, raise the mower height by 1/2 inch
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – can be susceptible to iron chlorosis and centipedegrass decline
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – mostly prone to spittlebugs, sod webworms, nematodes, mole crickets, and ground pearl insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained, fertile, acidic soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Perform seeding in late spring or early summer to give it enough time to grow and become established. Since it germinates slowly, avoid seeding too late in the season.
\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 living near the coast and struggling with salinity issues, you may want to consider seashore paspalum as your lawn grass. Also known as saltwater couch grass, this grass type is commonly used in sports turf, but it can be a suitable option for home lawns where saltwater is a problem.
\n\n\n\nUnlike other grass types, seashore paspalum requires non-saline water during its establishment period. But once established, it can tolerate ocean-level salinity, making it ideal for beachfront lawns and yards in coastal areas.
\n\n\n\nThis grass variety has medium-textured leaves and boasts a lush, dark green color during summer, making it an attractive option for homeowners who value aesthetics. Note, though, that seashore paspalum is a high-maintenance grass type requiring regular professional care. But if you can keep it well-maintained, it has a low chance of becoming affected by insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Very Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Very Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High – needs frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High resistance – but can be affected by Helminthosporium disease, pythium blight, and take-all root rot if not properly cared for
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: High resistance – but it can be susceptible to fall armyworms, sod webworms, and mole crickets if not properly maintained
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-8
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows well in most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It isn’t tolerant of cold weather, and overfertilization can cause it to become thatchy. Most herbicides are harmful to this grass, so it’s best to avoid using those not labeled for use on seashore paspalum.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St.-Augustinegrass.jpg\")
St. Augustinegrass
Photo Credit: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Also known as Charleston grass, St. Augustinegrass is the go-to grass option for homeowners in St. Augustine, particularly those living in coastal areas. With its ability to tolerate both sandy and clay soils, this grass variety is a great fit for the region. It can withstand hot and salty conditions but favors warm winters and moist soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nWith its broad leaves and flat stems, you can create a beautiful and lush blue-green lawn. This hurricane-resistant grass is excellent at crowding out most weeds but can be susceptible to lawn diseases and pests like armyworms and chinch bugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate – some cultivars can tolerate shade better than others
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high – requires frequent mowing, watering, and fertilization
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow tall in shade, dwarf cultivars 2.5-3 inches, and standard cultivars 3-4 inches)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate resistance – mostly prone to gray leaf spot, large patch, and take-all root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Low resistance – susceptible to armyworms, chinch bugs, cutworms, grass loopers, grubs, webworms, and mole crickets
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows well in most soil types but prefers moderately fertile and moist (not muddy) soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: While it’s naturally found in coastal regions, this grass also can thrive in inland areas with the right growing conditions. But it doesn’t perform well in compacted clay soils.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nFor homeowners looking for a beautiful lawn that’s easy to maintain, Zoysiagrass is an excellent option. This grass variety has a light to medium green hue and provides excellent coverage due to its dense growth pattern. Although different cultivars can have varying characteristics, most of them have a medium to coarse texture.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type is also salt-tolerant, making it a perfect choice for St. Augustine’s coastal areas. In addition, Zoysiagrass is quite versatile, able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including drought and cold weather. Its extensive root system allows it to access moisture and nutrients from deep underground, even during dry spells and periods of low rainfall.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass has a dense growth pattern that makes it ideal for areas with heavy traffic and activity, such as homes with pets and children. It requires minimal maintenance, but if you want a more carpet-like growth, you should add nitrogen during its growing season.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate – it requires a lot of time under the sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High – but you must give it supplemental water during extended dry spells
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate resistance – can be susceptible to curvularia, leaf spot, brown patch, dollar spot, rust, spring dead spot, powdery mildew, pythium blight, root decline, and fairy wings
\n\n\n\nPotential for pests: Moderate resistance – common pests include armyworms, chinch bugs, nematodes, mole crickets, hunting billbugs, grubs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows well in well-drained soils but can survive in most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Late spring through early summer, typically from April to July, is an ideal time for seeding, as this allows for a full growing season before the onset of winter weather.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for grass options that will work well in shady areas, your two options would be St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass. St. Augustinegrass is known for having excellent shade tolerance and can thrive even in areas that receive only four hours of sunlight per day.
But if you don’t like St. Augustinegrass, you can opt for centipedegrass instead. It’s a low-maintenance option that also does well in shady yards.
Proper lawn watering is crucial to maintaining healthy grass in St. Augustine. As a general rule, you should aim to water your lawn deeply and infrequently, typically once or twice a week, depending on the season and weather conditions.
To ensure your lawn is getting enough water, you should aim for 1 inch of water per week, which can be achieved through either rainfall or irrigation. But take note of the irrigation schedule from the St. Johns River Water Management District to ensure you’re complying with the city ordinance.
Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to fungal growth and other issues. Additionally, watering in the early morning or evening when the sun is less intense can help prevent evaporation and ensure your lawn is getting the most out of each watering session.
The best grass variety for this situation is seashore paspalum. This grass variety is known for its excellent salt tolerance. Pair it with native plants that are also salt-tolerant, like coastal sweet pepperbush, so you won’t have to worry about needing non-saline water.
Choosing the right grass variety is essential to achieving a stunning lawn. With a range of grass types to choose from, you can find one that suits your specific needs and preferences. Consider important factors like the amount of shade and sunlight in your lawn, soil type, and the presence of salty water.
\n\n\n\nWhether you opt for the salt-tolerant seashore paspalum, the shade-tolerant St. Augustinegrass, or the versatile Zoysiagrass, you can create a lawn that will impress your family and guests. With the right care and maintenance, your lawn can thrive even in the Ancient City’s unique coastal environment.
\n\n\n\nCreate an outdoor space that will provide endless enjoyment for years to come. Consult with a St. Augustine lawn care professional today for expert help in determining the ideal grass type for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Matt Kieffer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
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![](\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lakefront_Park_04.jpg\"){kind=link}
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