Tuesday, April 14, 2009

I live in Florida and it's summer, which flowers can I plant that will actually grow

I live in Florida and it's summer, which flowers can I plant that will actually grow?
I live in Florida right by the beach, my yard is all rocks (ugly) but there are bushes and one big patch of dirt that I'd like to fill with flowers/some sort of pretty bush. What can I plant that will grow when watered/taken care of properly? I've tried before but most always end up dying. Thanks!
Garden & Landscape - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You should try a hibiscus shrub. They are beautiful and are made for warmer climates. I am jealous. I live in Indiana and have to dig mine up every fall and take it inside so it doesn't die over the cold winter. It will be beautiful year round for you. Good luck. http://www.trop-hibiscus.com/
2 :
Living not only in a southern climate, but close to salt water is tough when trying to grow plants (I live in coastal NC, and lived in the FL panhandle a few years ago)...palmetto and sago palms do well, cacti, some jasmine varieties...your best bet would be to go to a local plant nursery and get some advice from them. They will carry and be able to tell you, what plants do well in the soil in your area.
3 :
First of all, you need to properly prepare your bed. Buy some compost/manure from Lowe's or Home Depot and work it into the soil. Rake the area and remove rocks, large stones and debris. At your local grocery store, buy some hamster bedding that is 100% shaved pine. Add this to the bed and work in. Also, buy a small bag of Milorganite from Home Depot to use as fertilizer for right after you plant. Now on to the plants... Annuals from seeds: sunflowers, especially tithonia; zinnias (all kinds); marigolds. Other annuals: begonias, moss roses..... Perennials: Heliconia ( my favorite!)(tall with unusual orange flower on long stems), Japanese iris, small bird of paradise (little blue and orange flower), gardenia tree or hibiscus tree (they will need room, can be pruned back to contain and shape), batik crotons grouped close together for great color!, jatropha (tallish bush with constant blooming hot pink small clusters) , alamanda, beach sunflower (low-growing, spreads).. After planting sprinkle the Milorganite liberally (you cannot use too much, and it won't burn leaves!!). Make sure there is a constant source of water, either hand watering, soaker hose or a sprinkler head with a riser that reaches your bed. And watch the color begin!
4 :
I live in Florida too and am having a lot of luck with my plants this year. Some very easy plants to grow are impatiens, petunias, moss rose (very pretty), roses and many others. I have a few new perrenials that are doing really well and those are phlox, foxglove and columbine. I look forward to seeing them again next year. Some pretty bushes would be gardenia, hydrangea, or jasmine. Good luck.
5 :
hibiscus,roses,jasmine,croton,christmas palms,society garlic,gardeia,mexican heather,eugenia bush,rhonodendrum,red sister,bromelaid,marigolds,bougenveila,impatients,mandevilla,trinet,sago plam,shrimp plant, just a few i have here in fla that do great........