by Beth Bolles | Jun 20, 2025
Shade is a wonderful feature in the landscape as we move into our summer months. It can also offer an opportunity to include a different palette of beautiful plants the bring color and brighteness to some filtered shade or full shade locations.
Here are a few plants to consider for those low light areas of the yard.
The native oakleaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia will do well in dappled shade spots. The leaves are attractive on their own but the addition of large flowers make it very showy. This native hydrangea will like a little moisture but soils should be well drained. A little morning sun is fine but afternoon shade is very helpful as the summer months progress.
The old standard Japanese aucuba, Acuba japonica, is a favorite with it’s green leaves speckled with yellow. New growth is damaged by sun so this evergreen shrub is best with a good amount of shade. Be sure to place in a spot with good air circulation to make the environment less conducive to some plant pests.
Each Aucuba leaf has a unique pattern. Photo by Beth Bolles, UF IFAS Extension Escambia County.
One of the shrimp plants that really needs shade is the White shrimp plant, Justicia betonica. Although this can be damaged in freezing weather, it is worth replanting every spring in a small grouping. Plants are easily started from cuttings and sometimes they will return from roots in the protected shade areas.
White bracts with pink flowers of White shrimp plant. Photo by Beth Bolles, UF IFAS Extension Escambia County.
An annual that is very showy for shade is related to the shrimp plant. Persian shield, Strobilanthes dyerianus is grown for it’s iridescent purple and silver foliage. It thrives in our heat with a little water when rainfall is lacking. It grows well either planted in the ground or in a container to provide bright color amongst the green foliage plants of your shady spot.
A bit of dappled morning sunlight on the Persian shield leaves. Photo by Beth Bolles, UF IFAS Extension Escambia County.
Most people know the Cast iron plant, Aspidistra elatior, which is a full shade plant. Plants that receive too much sunlight with have scalding spots. Although green foliage is attractive in summer, consider one of the cultivars with various types of variegation. You may choose a selection with white or yellow stripes through leaves or a plant with lots of white spots throughout green leaves.
by Donna Arnold | Apr 10, 2025
Snapdragon in bloom: Photo credit Donna Arnold FAMU Extension.
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) add vibrant color to fall and winter gardens in North Florida with their wide range of hues. Colors include red, orange, yellow, and maroon. Their growth varies; tall varieties reach 2–3 feet, intermediates 1–2 feet, bedding types 6–15 inches, and rock garden hybrids about 6 inches. Dark-colored flowers often have reddish stems, while pale blooms grow on light green stems. Snapdragons’ warm-colored flowers stand out in garden beds, especially when paired with white flowers, enhancing their red, orange, and maroon tones. Their fine-textured foliage contrasts nicely with large-leaved plants and compact shrubs.
Though not native to North America, they are widely cultivated and are not considered invasive. Snapdragons are versatile and ideal for mass plantings, containers, cut flowers, and edging. They are generally available within their hardiness range, making them a popular gardener choice.
Cultivars
Dwarf: ‘Floral Carpet,’ ‘Floral Showers,’ ‘Kolibri,’ ‘Royal Carpet,’ ‘Tahiti’
Intermediate: ‘Princess,’ ‘Liberty,’ ‘Sonnet,’ ‘Pixie,’ ‘Sprite,’ ‘Cinderella’
Tall: ‘Panorama,’ ‘Burpee’s Topper,’ ‘Spring Giant,’ ‘Rocket’
Photo credit: Donna Arnold FAMU Extension.
Care and Management
Caring for Snapdragons requires minimal work. They thrive in slightly acidic garden soil but struggle in unamended clay. Therefore, ensuring the soil remains acidic is key to their survival. They require full sun and moist soil. After the first bloom, cutting plants back to five or six nodes encourages a second flowering. Also, fertilizing at bud formation improves growth.
You can increase numbers through propagation. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. Seeds germinate in 10–14 days at 70°F and should not be covered with soil. Prechilled seeds germinate best. Pinch seedlings with two to three leaf sets, except for dwarf varieties. Plant in fall for winter blooms in zones 9–11. In zone 8b and south, snapdragons may survive mild winters. Space plants 6–10 inches apart.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids: Feed on young growth, weakening plants.
Greenhouse leaf tier: Chews and webs leave; pesticides are ineffective once leaves roll.
Mites: Cause bronzed, stippled foliage, especially in hot weather.
Common Diseases
Rust: Brown pustules with yellowed leaf tissue; use proper spacing and resistant varieties.
Anthracnose: Causes sunken spots on stems and yellowing leaves; destroys infected plants.
Gray mold: Leads to wilting and stem browning; worsens in wet conditions. Remove infected stalks.
Stem rot: Cottony growth near soil line; infected plants should be removed.
Snapdragons offer rich color, versatility, and seasonal interest in gardens, making them a valuable addition for novice and experienced gardeners.
For more information contact your local extension office or click on the following links.
FPS-44/FP044: Antirrhinum majus Snapdragon
ENH1285/EP549: Planting and Propagation of Snapdragons in Florida
by Donna Arnold | Feb 19, 2025
Growing pansies in North Florida is a rewarding experience, as these resilient flowers thrive in cooler temperatures. As I walked up to our front office after the ice had melted away, I was amazed to see their vibrant blooms still standing strong, displaying their cheerful faces despite the harsh conditions of the January 2025 winter storm. Their endurance is a testament to their hardiness, making them a perfect choice for winter gardens. Here’s a guide to help you successfully cultivate pansies in our region.
Best Planting Time
Pansies thrive in cooler weather, making fall (October–November) the ideal time to plant them. Once established, they will provide stunning blooms throughout the winter and into early spring. While they can tolerate mild frosts, Florida’s summer heat is too intense for them, so they are best treated as a seasonal flower.
Choosing the Right Variety
Not all pansies are well-suited for Florida’s fluctuating temperatures. To ensure a successful and long-lasting display, select heat-tolerant varieties such as Majestic Giants, Matrix, or Delta Series, which are known for their resilience and vibrant blooms.
Delta Series – A popular choice for its bold yellow, purple, and blue flowers. This variety is highly valued for its disease resistance, vigorous growth, and ability to withstand both cold and mild heat.
Majestic Giants – A classic pansy cultivar known for its large, eye-catching blooms in a variety of colors and patterns. These compact plants thrive in both container gardens and mass plantings.
Matrix Series – This variety produces dense, bushy plants with large flowers, making it an excellent choice for creating colorful, impactful displays in both garden beds and containers.
By choosing the right variety, you can ensure your pansies thrive throughout the cooler months, bringing beauty and color to your landscape.
Sun and Soil Requirements
For the healthiest plants, provide full sun to partial shade, with at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Pansies prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–6.5). Improve your soil’s structure by adding compost or peat moss, which enhances both drainage and nutrient content.
Watering & Care
Maintaining proper moisture levels is key to keeping pansies healthy. Water them 2–3 times a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. A layer of mulch will help retain moisture and reduce weed growth. To encourage continuous blooms, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every few weeks and remove spent flowers (deadheading) to keep plants looking fresh and vibrant.
Common Challenges & Solutions
Despite their hardiness, pansies can face a few challenges:
Heat Sensitivity: If temperatures rise unexpectedly, pansies may wilt. Providing afternoon shade can help them cope.
Pests: Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and caterpillars. Use insecticidal soap or remove pests by hand to prevent damage.
Fungal Diseases: Avoid overhead watering to prevent root rot and mildew. Ensuring good air circulation will also help reduce disease risks.
Spring Transition
As spring temperatures climb, pansies will naturally begin to decline. To maintain a colorful garden, consider replacing them with heat-tolerant flowers such as zinnias, marigolds, or vincas, which can handle Florida’s warm and humid conditions.
Their cheerful, expressive blooms make them a wonderful choice for adding color and charm to your landscape. Happy planting!
For more information contact your local extension office.
by Matt Lollar | Jan 30, 2025
Planting annuals is a great way to add color and texture to the landscape. Annuals can provide an added visual component to the garden regardless of if they’re planted in the ground or in containers, or even better—both. An annual plant completes its life cycle (growing, flowering, seed set, and death) in a single growing season. Annuals can stay in good health and last longer if they are pruned back when they get leggy and by pinching off any fading flowers (deadheading). To help plan your garden beds and container plantings please click below to enlarge the image of the handy “North Florida Annual Planting Guide”. Please note the suggested planted dates in this guide are based on average monthly temperatures, but every year is different. Some years we may have a late frost around Easter, other years we won’t have a cold front after February.
by Abbey Smith | May 23, 2024
Florida’s diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of native plants that provide resources for local pollinators. Native flowers are not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our environment. Planting native species supports the delicate balance of local ecosystems and promotes the survival of native pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Here are some native Florida flowers that are perfect for attracting and sustaining native pollinators.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
October 2008 IFAS Extension Calendar Photo. Corey Yellow Coreopsis, flower. UF/IFAS Photo: Thomas Wright.
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is Florida’s state wildflower. These bright, yellow flowers are a favorite among native bees and butterflies. Coreopsis blooms from spring through fall, providing a long-lasting nectar source. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for gardens and landscapes across the state.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Rudbeckia hirta Photo Credit: Danielle Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Gadsden County
Black-eyed Susans are easily recognizable by their bright yellow petals and dark brown centers. These hardy perennials attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. They are drought-tolerant and prefer full sun, making them a resilient addition to any garden.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
Photo Credit: Beth Bolles, UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County
Blanket Flower, also known as Firewheel, can be found throughout Florida in dry, sandy soils and sunny conditions. It is also a hardy perennial and is known for its long blooming period from spring to fall. The red and yellow blooms are a perfect pollinator attractant, particularly bees and butterflies.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Flowers and insects at the student gardens on the University of Florida campus. Pollinating bee. UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.
Purple coneflowers are not only striking with their large, purple petals and spiky centers but are also magnets for bees and butterflies. The nectar of this flower will attract a variation of bees, butterflies, and some hummingbirds, but the seeds that the coneflower produces can be eaten by wildlife. The purple coneflower is considered an endangered native Florida wildflower and can only be found naturally in Gadsden County.
American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
While this is not a “traditional” wildflower, the beautyberry is an important native pollinator plant and food source for wildlife. The flowers are small in size and vary from light pink to lavender in color. The blooms open in late spring/early summer and produce a purple berry that can be an additional food source for birds and other animals.
By choosing to plant native wildflowers, you can create a vibrant and thriving garden or landscape bed that supports Florida’s native pollinators. For more information on Florida’s native wildflowers please visit:
https://www.flawildflowers.org/
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP297
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/wildflowers
