1. home and garden

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
Plant List for Polk County
Ground Covers
Arachis glabrata
Perennial Peanut
‘Ecoturf,’ ‘needlepoint’ and ‘waxy leaf’ are drought-tolerant varieties. Perennial
peanut grows in full sun four to six inches high. It will spread and take over the
area where it is growing. The buttery yellow flowers are attractive and prolific all
summer. It makes an excellent ground cover for sunny, dry locations. It can be
plugged into existing ground cover or turf or installed as sod. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow to see it
growing.
Mimosa strigillosa
Sunshine Mimosa
Sunshine mimosa is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant ground cover that does best
in full sun. It will grow up to six inches high and spreads eight feet or more. This
native plant can withstand a variety of soil types. It does very well in poor, sandy
soil. The small pink powder-puff flowers make it a very attractive ground cover.
Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow or
the FFL demonstration garden at Mackay Gardens in Lake Alfred to see it
growing.
Helianthus debilis
Beach Sunflower
Beach sunflower is a drought-tolerant, fast-growing native ground cover. It grows
to two feet high and can spread six feet or more. Give it plenty of space. It
prefers dry, sandy soils and has a sunflower bloom that is prolific year-round. It
will readily seed itself in the garden and can become a nuisance if it is not
managed. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service
in Bartow or the FFL demonstration garden at Mackay Gardens in Lake Alfred to
see it growing.
Aloe sp.
Aloe
Aloe is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, spreading ground cover. It can be
grown in the sun or the shade and will spread by “pups.” It has thick, succulent
leaves and small spines along each leaf. It can grow in sandy, gravelly soil as
well as in containers. Aloe vera has medicinal uses.
Ipomoea spp.
Sweet Potato Vine
Sweet potato vine is low-growing ground cover that will grow six inches high and
spread up to ten feet. It can be grown in full sun or shade, and it is droughttolerant. The vine will die back in cold weather but will come back in the spring
due to the large tuberous underground roots (sweet potatoes). There are many
varieties and colors available.
Trachelospermum asiaticum
Asiatic Jasmine
Asiatic jasmine is a dense evergreen ground cover that will grow six inches tall
and will spread up to ten feet. It will grow in the sun or shade and is easily
maintained with an edger. It is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ground cover
and works well in shady situations where turfgrass will not grow. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow to see it
growing.
Liriope muscari
Liriope
Liriope is a clumping, grass-like plant that can be grown in the sun or the shade. It
grows to about 10–18 inches tall (depending on variety) and has purple flower
spikes in the summer. It is low- maintenance and drought-tolerant. Use liriope as
a ground cover, an edging plant or in a mass planting. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow to see it
growing.
Flowering Plants
Dietes iridioides
African Iris
African iris is an evergreen perennial that will grow in the sun or shade. It is a
clumping, grasslike plant that grows two feet tall and wide. It produces white
flowers all summer. It is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance and can be grown
easily in most landscapes. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS
Extension Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Lantana montevidensis
Purple Lantana
Purple lantana is a low-growing perennial that attracts butterflies and other
pollinators. It will grow two feet tall and spreads up to six feet wide. It is lowmaintenance, drought-tolerant and produces purple flowers year-round. Visit
the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow to
see it growing.
Gaillardia pulchella
Blanket Flower
Blanket flower is a native perennial that blooms all summer. The blooms range
in color from yellow, orange, red or multicolored depending on variety. It is
drought- tolerant, low-maintenance and salt-tolerant. It grows in full sun. It will
grow two feet high and wide and will die back in the winter. Collect the seeds or
let it self-sow. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension
Polk County Service in Bartow, the FFL demonstration garden at Mackay
Gardens & Lakeside Preserve in Lake Alfred, or the FFL demonstration garden
at the Polk Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see it growing. .
Salvia coccinea
Scarlet Sage
Scarlet sage is a red-flowering perennial that readily self-seeds. It will grow to
three feet tall and wide. Scarlet sage is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance
native plant. It is easy to grow and attracts butterflies. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow or the FFL
demonstration garden at the Polk Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see
it growing.
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis
Purple Porterweed
This native purple porterweed is a low-growing perennial that will grow 6 inches
tall and 24-36 inches wide. Its purple flowers attract butterflies and
hummingbirds. It is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and can be grown in the
sun or the shade. Stachytarpheta frantzii is the non-native purple porterweed. It
grows up to 3 feet tall and wide with the same bloom and leaf characteristics.
Both will self-seed throughout the landscape. Visit the FFL demonstration
garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow to see both plants growing.
Tulbaghia violacea
Society Garlic
Society garlic is a clumping, grass-like perennial that will grow two feet tall and
wide. The attractive lavender flowers are prolific all summer. It is a droughttolerant and low-maintenance plant. It has a slight garlic odor so plant
accordingly. It grows well in full sun and looks attractive in mass plantings. Visit
the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in
Bartow to see it growing.
Crossandra infundibuliformis
Firecracker Flower
Crossandra is a shade-loving perennial that has attractive orange flowers and
glossy green foliage. It will grow 6 inches to three feet tall depending on variety
(there are many cultivars available). Crossandra is drought-tolerant and lowmaintenance. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension
Polk County Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Dianella tasmanica
Flax Lily
Flax lily is a clumping, grass-like perennial. It can have green or variegated
foliage depending on variety. Flax lily can be grown in the sun or the shade and
grows two feet tall and wide. Its delicate blue flowers are borne on stalks. This
perennial is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and looks best in mass plantings.
Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Bulbine frutescens
Bulbine
Bulbine is a clumping perennial with succulent grass-like foliage. It will grow up
to two feet tall and wide. Flowers range in color from yellow to orange and are
prolific year-round. It is a drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plant. It works
well in mass plantings. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS
Extension Service in Bartow or the FFL demonstration garden at the Polk
Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see it growing.
Gaura lindheimeri
Whirling Butterflies
Whirling butterflies is a drought-tolerant flowering perennial. It produces pink or
white flowers all summer long. Grow whirling butterflies in full sun. It will grow
up to two feet tall and wide. It will die back in the winter, but it will come back in
the spring. It attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow, the FFL
demonstration garden at Mackay Gardens & Lakeside Preserve or the FFL
demonstration garden at the Polk Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see
it growing
Shrubs
Zamia pumila
Coontie Cycad
Coontie cycads are evergreen shrubs (cycads) that will grow four feet tall and
wide. They are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance shrubs that can be grown in
the sun or the shade. The thick, green, fern-like foliage is attractive and makes
a great addition to any landscape. Coontie cycads are native to Florida. Visit
the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow, the
FFL demonstration garden at Mackay Gardens & Lakeside Preserve or the FFL
demonstration garden at the Polk Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see
it growing
Serenoa repens
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmettos are common plants in central Florida. They are native shrubs
that will grow 6-8 feet tall and wide. Their attractive foliage can be green or
silvery blue. Saw palmettos are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance and can be
grown in the sun or the shade. They are often grown in mass plantings and are
important to Florida’s wildlife. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the
UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow or the FFL demonstration garden at the
Polk Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see it growing.
Hamelia patens
Firebush
Firebush is a native shrub that will grow 6-8 feet tall and wide. It grows in the
sun or shade. It has red/orange flowers that attract butterflies and
hummingbirds. Firebush is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance and the foliage
turns purple/red in the winter. It can freeze back in cold weather, but it will come
back in the spring. Use as a specimen or in a grouping or hedge planting. Visit
the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in
Bartow to see it growing.
Forestiera segregata
Florida Privet
Florida privet is a large evergreen shrub that will grow ten feet tall and wide. It
is a Florida native that grows well in the sun or shade. It responds well to
pruning, and the small flowers attract pollinators. Use as a specimen or as a
hedge. Florida privet is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in Bartow
to see it growing.
Ilex vomitoria ‘Schellings Dwarf’
Holly ‘Schellings Dwarf’
‘Schellings Dwarf’ holly is a small, compact, evergreen shrub. This native plant
is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance and can be grown in sun or shade. It
grows to four feet tall and wide and makes a good foundation planting. Use in
mass plantings. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension
Service in Bartow, the FFL demonstration garden at Mackay Gardens &
Lakeside Preserve or the FFL demonstration garden at the Polk Training Center
Nursery in Lake Alfred to see it growing.
Rhaphiolepis indica
Indian Hawthorn
Indian hawthorn is a small, compact, evergreen shrub that can be used for
foundation plantings around the home. It will grow four feet tall and wide and
responds well to pruning. It is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance and can be
grown in the sun or the shade. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the
UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow or the FFL demonstration garden at the
Polk Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see it growing.
Viburnum obovatum
Walter’s Viburnum
Walter’s viburnum is a large evergreen shrub that grows in sun or partial shade.
It grows up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It has white flowers, black berries
and small leaves. This native plant is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Use as a hedge, screening plant or trim into a small tree. There are dwarf
cultivars available (‘Riefler’s Densa’, ‘Withlachoochee’, ‘Mrs. Schiller’s Delight’,
‘Whorled class’, ‘Densa’). . Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS
Extension Service in Bartow, the FFL demonstration garden at Mackay Gardens
& Lakeside Preserve or the FFL demonstration garden at the Polk Training
Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see it growing
Viburnum obovatum ‘Riefler’s Densa’
Walter’s Viburnum
‘Riefler’s Densa’ is a cultivar of the native Walter’s viburnum. It will grow 5-6
feet tall and is dense and compact. Like other Walter’s viburnum, it has white
flowers and black berries. It is drought-tolerant but can handle moist soils.
‘Riefler’s Densa’ is low-maintenance and can be grown in the sun or the shade.
Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Viburnum obovatum ‘Withlacoochee’
Walter’s Viburnum
‘Withlacoochee’ is another dwarf cultivar of the native Walter’s viburnum. It will
grow 10 feet tall and is densely branched and compact. Like other Walter’s
viburnum, it has white flowers and black berries. It is drought-tolerant but can
handle moist soils. ‘Withlacoochee’ is low-maintenance and can be grown in
the sun or the shade. Use as a hedge, screening plant or trim into a small tree.
Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Psychotria nervosa
Wild Coffee
Wild coffee is a large shrub that grows in partial to full shade. It is a native plant
that has glossy evergreen foliage and attractive red berries. The berries attract
birds and the flowers are a nectar source for butterflies. Wild coffee is lowmaintenance and prefers the moist environment found in shady situations. It
grows 6-8 feet tall. ‘Little Psycho’ is a dwarf cultivar that grows to 2 feet tall and
wide. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk
County Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Myrcianthes fragrans
Simpson’s Stopper
Simpson’s stopper is a large shrub that will grow 10-15 feet tall. ‘Compacta’ is
a dwarf variety. It is a native evergreen shrub that is best used for a hedge,
screening plant or trimmed into a small tree. It has red berries and fragrant
white flowers. The berries attract birds. It is a drought-tolerant, lowmaintenance shrub. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS
Extension Service in Bartow or the FFL demonstration garden at the Polk
Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see it growing.
Myrcianthes fragrans ‘Compacta’
Simpson’s Stopper ‘Compacta’
‘Compacta’ is a dwarf cultivar of the Simpson’s stopper, as it grows to only five
feet tall and wide. ‘Compacta’ is a good plant for foundation plantings or small
hedges. It has glossy evergreen leaves, red berries and white flowers. The
berries attract birds. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS
Extension Polk County Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Callicarpa americana
American Beautyberry
Beautyberry is a deciduous native shrub. It will grow in sun or shade and will
grow up to six feet tall and wide. It has a loose habit and can be used as a
specimen, in a small grouping or as a native hedge. The vibrant purple berries
are very showy in the fall. The berries are enjoyed by birds. The small, fragrant
white flowers cover the stems in the spring. It is a drought- tolerant, lowmaintenance shrub. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS
Extension Service in Bartow or the FFL demonstration garden at the Polk
Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see it growing.
Duranta erecta
Golden Dewdrop
Golden dewdrop is a large shrub will grow 15 feet tall. It has purple flowers and
yellow berries. Because of the sprawling habit and the thorns, make sure you
give the golden dewdrop plenty of space to grow. It is a drought- tolerant, lowmaintenance shrub that can be grown in the sun to partial shade. Berries
attract wildlife and the flowers attract butterflies. ‘Gold Mound’ is a dwarf variety
with golden foliage that will grow 3 feet tall and wide.
Plumbago auriculata
Plumbago
Plumbago is a flowering shrub that will grow 3-6 feet tall and wide. Its prolific
purple flowers attract butterflies and it is a good addition to a butterfly garden.
Plumbago is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. It grows in full sun. Visit
the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow or
the FFL demonstration garden at the Polk Training Center Nursery in Lake
Alfred to see it growing.
Russelia equisetiformis
Firecracker Plant
Firecracker plant is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance evergreen shrub. It
grows in full sun and is covered in small red flowers that attract butterflies and
hummingbirds. It is a good addition to a butterfly garden and i’s sprawling habit
lends itself to containers or draped over walls and ledges. It will grow four feet
tall and wide and prefers well-drained soils. Visit the FFL demonstration garden
at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Ornamental Grasses
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Muhly Grass
Muhly grass is an attractive native ornamental grass. It grows in full sun and is
drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. It will grow three feet tall and wide. The
showy purple/pink plumes attract a lot of attention in the fall. Plant them in mass
plantings or small groupings for maximum impact. Visit the FFL demonstration
garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow, the FFL demonstration
garden at Mackay Gardens & Lakeside Preserve or the FFL demonstration
garden at the Polk Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see it growing.
Tripsacum dactyloides
Fakahatchee Grass
Fakahatchee grass is a large ornamental grass that grows six feet tall. It has
thick strap-like leaf blades. Brown seeds are borne on tall stalks in the summer.
It is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance and native to Florida. It grows in full sun
and can tolerate moist or dry soils. Use Fakahatchee grass in small groupings,
along lakefronts or as a specimen. Tripsacum floridanum is a dwarf species that
may be better suited to a small yard. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the
UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow or the FFL demonstration garden at
Mackay Gardens & Lakeside Preserve to see it growing.
Tripsacum floridanum
Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass
Dwarf Fakahatchee grass is easy to distinguish from Fakahatchee grass. It is
also called Florida gama grass. It is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance native
ornamental grass. It has thin blades and will grow two feet tall and wide. Use
as a border, in mass plantings or along the waterfront. Dwarf Fakahatchee
grass can tolerate moist or dry soils. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Spartina bakeri
Sand Cord Grass
Sand cord grass is a native ornamental grass that can be grown in dry, sandy
soils as well as moist soils. It grows in full sun four feet tall and wide. It has
narrow foliage that will turn a sandy color in the fall and winter. Use in mass
plantings, small groupings or along the waterfront. Visit the FFL demonstration
garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in Bartow to see it
growing.
Eragrostis elliottii
Elliott’s Love Grass
Elliott’s love grass is a small native ornamental grass. It will grow 1 ½ feet tall
and wide with a delicate spray of flowers extending above the foliage in the fall.
It has light gray/green foliage and looks attractive in mass plantings. It grows in
full sun, is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Visit the FFL demonstration
garden at the Polk Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see it growing.
Eragrostis spectabilis
Purple Love Grass
Purple love grass is a small native ornamental grass. . It will grow 1 ½ feet tall
and wide with a delicate spray of flowers extending above the foliage in the fall.
It has purple foliage and looks attractive in mass plantings. It grows in full sun,
is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Small Trees
Betula nigra
River Birch
River birch is a fast-growing, deciduous, native tree. It grows up to 50 feet tall
and is known for its attractive white peeling bark. River birch grows well in full
sun, is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. It can tolerate dry or moist soils.
Use as a specimen tree in the landscape or along the waterfront. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in Bartow
to see it growing.
Lagerstroemia indica
Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtles are easy trees to grow in central Florida. They range in size from
5 feet to 40 feet tall depending on variety. Pink, red, purple and white blooming
varieties are available. Crape myrtles are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance
and grow in full sun. Their showy bark is a distinguishing feature and crape
myrtles are often used as a specimen in the landscape. They flower all summer
and pruning spent blooms can encourage more blooming. Do not severely
prune your crape myrtles. Follow University-recommended pruning guidelines.
Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow
or the FFL demonstration garden at the Polk Training Center Nursery in Lake
Alfred to see it growing.
Prunus angustifolia
Chickasaw Plum
Chickasaw plum is a spring flowering tree that bears edible fruit. It is a native
tree that will grow to 20 feet tall. It has attractive white flowers in the early spring
and the fruit attracts birds. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Visit the
FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in
Bartow to see it growing.
Ulmus alata
Winged Elm
Winged elm is a small tree that makes a great addition to the urban landscape.
This deciduous native tree will grow to 30–40 feet tall. It is drought-tolerant, lowmaintenance and will grow in sun to partial shade. Its characteristic winged
branches are very unique. Use this plant in the landscape, along a street or in a
median. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk
County Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Ilex cassine
Dahoon Holly
Dahoon holly is a small evergreen tree that will grow 30 feet tall and 10 feet
wide. It is a native plant. It will produce red berries if male and female plants
are present. It is drought-tolerant but it can grow in dry or moist soils. It is lowmaintenance and can be used for a hedge or a specimen plant. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in Bartow
to see it growing.
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’
Little Gem Magnolia
‘Little Gem’ magnolia is a dwarf variety of the southern magnolia. It will grow 20
feet tall and 6 feet wide. It is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance native plant.
It produces showy white flowers in the spring, and the foliage is thick and glossy
green. It can be used as a hedge, a specimen or for screening. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow or the FFL
demonstration garden at the Polk Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see
it growing.
Cercis canadensis
Redbud
Redbud is a small, deciduous native tree. Its heart-shaped leaves and small
pink flowers make it a beautiful specimen tree. It grows 20–30 feet tall and
grows in partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and low- maintenance. It will
tolerate dry to moist soils.
Tabebuia chrysantha
Golden Tabebuia
Tabebuia is well known for the intense yellow flowers that cover the tree in the
spring before the leaves emerge. It will grow 30 feet tall. Tabebuia is droughttolerant, low-maintenance and grows in full sun. It can be used as a specimen
in any landscape. Pink Tabebuia (Tabebuia heterophylla) is another Tabebuia
species that can be grown in central Florida. It will grow the same size as
Golden Tabebuia with similar characteristics.
Ilex x attenuata
East Palatka Holly
East Palatka holly is a dense evergreen tree that produces red berries (if both
male and female plants are present). It will grow 25 feet tall and 6 feet wide and
can be used as a specimen, hedge or screening plant. This native tree is
drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Ilex vomitoria
Weeping Yaupon Holly
Weeping yaupon holly is a native that will grow to 30 feet tall. It has red berries
that attract birds and can thrive in wet, moist or dry soils — making it very
diverse. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, so it is a good choice for
the home landscape. It can be used for a specimen, in a small grouping or as a
screen. It grows in full sun to partial shade. Visit the FFL demonstration garden
at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Large Trees
Quercus virginiana
Live Oak
Live oaks are large shade trees and should only be planted if you have plenty
of space. They will grow 100 feet tall and wide. They are long-lived and slowgrowing. This native tree thrives in moist to dry soils. Live oaks are droughttolerant and low-maintenance if pruned properly from a young age. Visit the
FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in
Bartow to see it growing.
Magnolia grandiflora
Southern Magnolia
Southern magnolias are large evergreen trees. They are native trees that will
grow 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide. The large white flowers are showy and
present spring through summer. Southern Magnolias are drought-tolerant and
low-maintenance. It is very important to prune all large trees properly from a
young age. ‘Little Gem’ is a dwarf variety of the Southern Magnolia. Visit the
FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in
Bartow to see it growing.
Acer rubrum
Red Maple
Red maples are deciduous native trees that will grow to 50 feet tall. They can
grow in wet to dry soils. The red fall color makes them a good choice for any
landscape, and they can be used as a specimen or as a shade tree. They can
also be used along the waterfront. Red maples grow in sun or partial shade.
Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Taxodium distichum
Bald Cypress
Bald cypress is a large deciduous tree that is usually seen around waterfronts.
This native tree will grow 70 feet tall and can tolerate wet to dry soils. It is lowmaintenance and can be planted in groupings or as a specimen. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in
Bartow to see it growing.
Pinus elliotti
Slash Pine
Slash pines are native pines that will grow to 100 feet tall. They have dark
evergreen needles and grow in sun to partial shade. Slash pines can be used
in groupings, for tall hedges and screens, and the fallen pine needles can be
used for mulch. They are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Visit the
FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow or the
FFL demonstration garden at the Polk Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred
to see it growing.
Pinus palustris
Longleaf Pine
Longleaf pines are large native pines that will grow to 100 feet tall. They have
dark evergreen needles and provide habitat for the red-cockaded woodpecker.
They produce large cones and can tolerate moist to dry soils. Plant longleaf
pines in groupings and use their fallen needles for mulch. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Service in
Bartow to see it growing.
Juniperus virginiana
Southern Red Cedar
Southern red cedar is a large evergreen tree. It will grow to 50 feet tall and
has fragrant foliage and blue berries (like most junipers). Southern red cedar
is a drought-tolerant and low-maintenance native tree. Use it as a specimen,
a hedge or screen. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS
Extension Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Palms
Rhapidophyllum hystrix
Needle Palm
The needle palm is a small native palm that will grow six feet tall and wide. It
will grow in full sun or full shade. It has palmate fronds (like a saw palmetto)
and is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. It is slow-growing and coldtolerant. Use the needle palm in groupings or as a specimen. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow to see it
growing.
Sabal palmetto
Cabbage Palm
The cabbage palm is Florida’s state tree. It is a native palm that will grow 50
feet tall. It has palmate fronds (like a saw palmetto) and flowers in the spring.
The flowers of the cabbage palm are a nectar source for butterflies, and the
fruit provide food for wildlife. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. It
can be grown in groupings or as a specimen. Visit the FFL demonstration
garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow, the FFL demonstration
garden at Mackay Gardens & Lakeside Preserve or the FFL demonstration
garden at the Polk Training Center Nursery in Lake Alfred to see it growing.
Butia capitata
Pindo Palm
Pindo palm is a small palm that will grow to 15 feet tall. It has blue/green
fronds and orange fruit that attract wildlife. It is drought-tolerant and lowmaintenance. The pindo palm is cold-hardy and can be used as a specimen
plant, grown in a container or used as a street tree. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow to see it
growing.
Acoelorrhaphe wrightii
Paurotis Palm
Paurotis palm is a spreading palm that will grow 30 feet tall. It is droughttolerant and low-maintenance. The palmate fronds (like a saw palmetto) of
this native are green and the palm is cold-hardy. This spreading palm can be
used as a hedge, a screen or a specimen plant. Plant in full sun to partial
shade.
Chamaerops humilis cerifera
Silver European Fan Palm
The European fan palm is a cold-tolerant palm that will grow to 15 feet tall. It
is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance and fast growing. Grow it in sun to
partial shade. The silver fronds make this palm attractive if grown in a
container or as a specimen. Chamaerops humilis is a variety of the European
fan palm with green fronds. Visit the FFL demonstration garden at the
UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Livistona chinensis
Chinese Fan Palm
Chinese fan palms are commonly used in central Florida because they are
cold-tolerant. They can be grown in a container, grown indoors or grown in
the ground as a specimen or in a grouping. Chinese fan palms will grow to 25
feet tall (can get up to 50). They are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
and are able to tolerate dry to moist soils. Visit the FFL demonstration garden
at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow to see it growing.
Phoenix sylvestris
Indian Date Palm
Indian date palms are tall, cold-hardy palms that will grow 50 feet tall. The
green arching fronds and purple fruit make it an attractive specimen plant in
the landscape. They are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Visit the FFL
demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow to see it
growing.
For more information on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
1702 Highway 17/98 South, Bartow, FL 33831
Phone: 863.519.1047
Web: http://polkfyn.com
Search for plants online by
scanning the image below with your smart phone.