What Are Some Hardy Plants to Grow in Florida?

Alyssum

• An annual in cold climates but a perennial in warm ones, alyssum thrives throughout Florida as well as other U.S. states. It prefers full sunlight to partial shade and serves as a floral ground cover that also attracts pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. It presents blossoms that vary in color from snow-white to shades of orange, purple and pink.

Giant Timber Bamboo

• Although the giant timber bamboo resembles a tree, it is actually a type of grass. It is also the most widely grown type of bamboo in the United States. It thrives throughout Florida and is hardy to temperatures as low as 15 degrees. Giant timber bamboo requires direct sunlight and dry soil. It reaches as tall as 50 feet with stalks more than 5 inches in diameter.

Fig Tree

• Throughout the state of Florida, fig trees thrive as hardy deciduous trees. They are generally hardy to temperatures as low as 25 degrees and go dormant in lower temperatures. Fig trees prefer direct sunlight for long periods of time and loamy, well-drained soil. They produce large, waxy-green leaves and edible fruits that are enjoyed throughout the world.

Rosemary

• An evergreen herb, rosemary never changes color or goes dormant during the winter months. It is both drought- and frost-tolerant, making it an excellent herb to grow as part of a year-round Florida garden. It prefers direct sunlight, but adapts to partial shade as well. Soil should be well-drained and mulched to retain nutrients for the plant to remain vibrant. It is highly aromatic and floods its nearby environment with its sweet, balsamic fragrance.