Florida Shade Flowering Plants

Yellow Star Jasmine

• Floridata cautions that yellow star jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) does not actually belong to the jasmine family. However, as the name suggests, the delicate flowers and spicy aroma function similarly in the garden. The flowers of yellow star jasmine form an interesting pinwheel shape with a yellow star at the center. The plant acts as a ground cover and will creep through sites in the deep shade all the way up to full sun (although it requires extra water in full sun). Yellow star jasmine has moderate salt tolerance, but not enough to grow directly on the beach, and likes moisture but will tolerate drier conditions.

Black-Eyed Susan

• Most gardeners place their black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) in full sun, but the daisy-like yellow and black flowers can also tolerate light shade, according to the University of Florida Extension's Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program. Flowers grow in masses on 2-foot stalks, creating a profusion of color in your shady spots. Plants can tolerate a range of soil types, moderate salt levels and drought conditions and resist most pests. The plant requires very little special maintenance, although deadheading spent flowers will produce more blooms.

Begonias

• According to Master Gardeners Online, the Florida climate begs for begonias, which grow well year-round in subtropical conditions. While most begonias prefer dappled shade, a few species tolerate full shade with beauty and grace. The Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program recommends the white and castor bean begonias (Begonia popenoei and B. ricinifolia), the latter of which produces dark pink blossoms in the winter. They also recommend the star begonia (B. heracleifolia) for shady spots, cautioning that the plant may become invasive.

Hosta

• Most gardeners plant hosta (Hosta spp.) for their broad-leafed and striped foliage that hugs the ground under trees and in other shady places. However, hostas also produce a large, showy blossom that comes in a variety of colors, sometimes with a deep fragrance. Hostas don't grow well in southern Florida, but some species can thrive in the northern counties, according to Floridata.