Flowering Plants for North Central Florida

Wild Columbine

• The native wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is suitable for any wildflower or rock garden in north central Florida. A perennial, this plant also self seeds easily, so there will always be an abundant supply of tiny seedlings to transplant to other areas of the garden or give away to neighbors. The nodding, yellow and red flowers form a trumpet shape and are a favorite not only for hummingbirds but also butterflies. The plant attains a height of approximately 24 inches with a 12-inch width. The fernlike foliage remains evergreen in the region.

  Plant wild columbine in full sunlight or partial shade. It tolerates most soil conditions if they are well-draining. It prefers a moist root system but will die if the location suffers extended flooding or standing water.

Florida Mountainmint

• The Florida mountainment (Pycnanthemum floridanum) produces lavender flower clusters that measure 1 inch in diameter. The plant puts on a continuous show of flowers all summer long, despite the excessive heat and humidity of the region. It grows to a height of approximately 4 feet. Its foliage measures 2 inches long and smells like spearmint. During the winter months in north central Florida this plant dies to the ground--but returns when spring arrives.

  The plant grows well in full sunlight or partial shade. It flourishes in sandy soil and grows wild around the region on sand hills. It spreads easily by seeds. The plant attracts an abundance of butterflies and is a favorite among native gardening enthusiasts, according to the Floridata website.

Candy Corn Plant

• The candy corn plant (Cuphea micropetala), also called the cigar plant, grows to a height of 4 feet with a similar width. The foliage appears lance shaped and measures up to 6 inches in length at the base of the plant. Tubular flowers about 1 1/2 inches long appear in shades of brilliant red and yellow along the ends of the plant's stems tiny. The flowers appear in late summer or early fall. Hummingbirds flock around the flowers and they also draw an abundance of butterflies.

  Plant the candy corn plant in full sunlight or where it will receive at least five hours of sun per day to produce ample blossoms. In north central Florida the plant will freeze to the ground during the winter months, but return each spring.