The Top 4 Plants for Your Southwest Florida Home

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but you can judge a home by its landscape

It is easily overwhelming to enter a garden section in hopes of the perfect outdoor décor for your yard with no specific plants in mind. Many people don’t realize that your decision shouldn’t be on your plant preference, but on your location and the environment, the plant will be placed in. Plants well suited to their site require less irrigation and fertilizer and are more resistant to pest infestation. Did you know that over 60 inches of rain can fall annually in Southwest Florida? This fact, in combination with the year-round tropical climate, makes certain plants ideal for your home. We’ve picked out our four favorite types of plants for sprucing up your Southwest Florida home.

1.  Shrubs with Colorful Flowers

Shrubs provide gorgeous flowers as well as a screening function. The Glabra firebush, specifically, blooms year-round with clusters of red flowers that can attract butterflies. Additionally, according to the Lee County Extension Service, the most popular Florida shrub is the hibiscus. The hibiscus can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide.

2.  Cannas

The Cannas is an old-fashioned favorite that is a group of 19 different species of flowering plants. They are easy to grow and thrive in the heat. Unlike in Northern climates, the rhizomes (or stems) will unite to produce even more plants. The Cannas produce red and yellow flowers with thick and rich leaves. Make sure to keep the soil evenly moist and place them in either sun or partial shade.

3.  Florida Perennials

Most annuals and perennials grow well in Florida but two perennials in particular flourish in the Sunshine State. The autumn fern is a nice bronze copper color in the spring when the plant is young and matures into a dark green. This fern is pest-resistant and will grow best in the shade.

The zeezee plant is considered to be a houseplant in the North but can flourish outside in tropical Southwest Florida. It grows slowly and needs little water. It also attracts almost no critters. Note: all parts of this plant are poisonous if eaten.

4.  Hedges

Hedges can be seen enhancing most Southwest Florida homes. They are bright and can grow up to 10 feet tall, which are a great option for wrapping around your fence. You can maintain the hedge at any desired height. They require full sun and well-draining soil. For a fine-leaved hedge with moderate growth that will respond well to trimming, consider the Florida privet.

Now that you know some of the best plants for your Southwest Florida home, you need to find the best house. Dante Disabato is an experienced Realtor within the luxury housing space and will help you find your dream home. Contact him to take the next step.