Freeze-Resistant Blooming Shrubs in Florida

Firebush

• Firebush is a hardy Florida native that can tolerate a variety of less-than-ideal situations, from aggressive pruning to drought to extreme heat. Although it does die off after the first frost, it returns in the spring, blooming as early as June. It’s a great addition to hedges and borders because it can be pruned to keep its shape and makes an attractive shrub for patio gardens, since it is highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.

Azalea

• Azaleas are known as especially cold-tolerant shrubs. These tough plants are better-suited for more northern areas of Florida, where the winters are cold enough to release the flower buds from dormancy and allow for fuller blossoming. They should not be planted in an area that gets a lot of early morning sun because this increases their susceptibility to damage from the cold.

Wax Myrtle

• Wax myrtle is especially plentiful in Florida and can be grown all over the state. In the northern parts of the state, it is best to plant it during the warmer months; further south, it can be transplanted any time of year. This shrub does best as a free-standing plant; pruning it into a manicured hedge can cause the plants to die out.

Florida Privet

• If you’re looking for a good hedge shrub, however, Florida privet makes a great choice. The privet, which belongs to the olive family, is also highly tolerant of frost, and adapts easily to Florida’s climatic challenges. It can also survive salt spray and high alkaline soils.