Most Underused Plants in Florida Landscaping

Chinese Hibiscus

• The Chinese hibiscus, or Hawaiian hibiscus, is most often seen pruned into a small shrub. It has another form, however, that is rarely seen and vastly underused in the Florida landscape. When left to grow on its own, it will take on its natural form of a small, flowering tree that can reach a mature height of up to 15 feet. While shrubs can be used as foundation plantings, the rarer tree form can be used as a specimen tree or be planted in a container.

  Rated for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 and 10, the Chinese hibiscus is a sub-tropical plant with dark green leaves and flowers that can be up to 6 inches in diameter. The bell-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors from orange, red and white. Thriving in full sun or partial shade, the Chinese hibiscus does best in moist, fertile soil.

Sand Cordgrass

• Sand cordgrass is a drought-resistant, hardy ornamental grass that is well suited to the Florida landscape but rarely used.

  The grasses grow in clumps between 4 and 6 feet tall and wide. Brownish-green in the summer and turning brown in the winter, the grasses have a rough texture to their long blades. In their natural habitat, clumps of sand cordgrass are typically found in wet, marshy areas both freshwater and salt. Because of its size, sand cordgrass isn't suited to small yards or areas, but can do well when added to large yards, around ponds or other large water features. Very tolerant of salt water, sand cordgrass can weather the rough conditions that come with beachfront properties.

  Blades of the sand cordgrass can be dried and used in flower arrangements, and clumps can prevent the growth of weeds as well as helping to control erosion in problem areas.

Ashe Magnolia

• The Ashe magnolia can be grown as both a large shrub or small tree up to 30 feet tall. Its green leaves are large, up to 2 feet in length. Flowering in the early summer months, blossoms are white with maroon accents and can be up to 10 inches in diameter. They are sweetly fragrant and very showy.

  Native to Florida, the Ashe magnolia is not commonly found as a landscape plant. According to the University of Florida Extension, is is one of the most underused of all native trees. While it does well in moist soils, it does not tolerate standing water. Thriving in full sun or partial shade, the Ashe magnolia can be susceptible to frosts. Low maintenance when planted in areas shielded from the winds and the elements, only moderate pruning is required to keep the shape of the plant is so desired.