Easy Maintenance Plants in Florida

Amaryllis

• Amaryllis bulbs can be purchased at a garden supply store and are low-maintenance plants perfect for Florida. The plant produces trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, such as pink, red, white, yellow and magenta. Amaryllis bulbs should be planted from October until the end of April. Larger bulbs will produce more flowers.

  Plant the bulbs approximately eight weeks before you want them to bloom. When the leaves begin to turn yellow, which is usually around fall, cut the leaves down to about two inches above the bulb. The bulb can be removed to be used again next year. Bulbs should be stored in a cool, dark place for at least six weeks.

Sunflowers

• Another low-maintenance plant that grows well in Florida is the sunflower. Sunflowers are annuals, and there are many different types. These plants are fast-growing and have wide yellow flower heads with a brown center.

  According to the Gardener's Net website, sunflowers always point their blooms to the rising sun in the east. Miniature sunflowers make great borders or edging in flower gardens. For a good production of sunflowers, make sure to have good soil drainage.

Scarlet Milkweed

• Scarlet milkweed is an evergreen perennial that is often grown as an annual. The leaves are long, narrow and approximately five inches in length. This plant gets about three to four feet tall, and the flowers produced are orange and red. The plant will bloom continuously from spring until autumn. Scarlet milkweed requires full sun to partial shade and needs water when soil is dry to the touch.

White Begonias

• Begonias come in many types, sizes and varieties. White begonias are perennials that are grown for their foliage and colorful flowers. Most begonias are versatile because they can be grown indoors, in hanging baskets or in the ground. This plant likes humidity and can tolerate full sun and moist soil. White begonias do not do well in cold weather. The blooming flowers are single and white in color.