Flowers to Plant in February in Central Florida

Dianthus

• Also called pinks or annual carnation, dianthus (Dianthus spp.) forms clustered mounds of green leaves with numerous flowers atop wiry stems. They appreciate moist, fertile soil that doesn't become soggy after rain or irrigation. Once flowering, cover the plants when frosts or freezes threaten in February in the region. Plants without flower buds or open blossoms tolerate light frost without much damage.

Verbena

• If you love blue or purple, verbena (Verbena spp.) likely makes a perfect flower to plant in February and enjoy the flowers until May or June. Cover plants if frost threatens. Verbena is a sprawling, low-growing plant that looks like groundcover carpeting.

Petunia

• As long as petunias (Petunia spp.) aren't exposed to frost or subfreezing weather, they grow and bloom profusely if planted in February, and they continue to look great until late May when the rainy season starts. Mounding and trailing types exist, and flowers come in all colors except pure yellow, green or black. Newer petunia hybrids don't need deadheading (removal of old flowers) to keep the plant continually flowering.

Strawflower

• A member of the daisy family, strawflower ( Xerochrysum bracteatum, formerly known as Bracteantha bracteata) produces yellow, red, pink, orange or white flowers with papery petals. The cut flowers dry well, which is why they are also known by another common name, golden everlastings. Like petunia and verbena, strawflower relishes lots of sunlight, but protect them from any February frosts.

Pansy

• If frosts occur too frequently in February in your section of Central Florida and you can't be bothered constantly laying protective sheets or frost-cloth over your flowers, plant pansies (Viola spp.). Pansies tolerate frosts and freezes without harm, even as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If you didn't already plant them in January, plant in February and expect them to bloom into April. Once temperatures get hotter than 80 to 85 degrees, pansies stop producing flowers and grow leggy.