[jebartle]

Love love love the Ornamental Cabbages...Salvia is also a good winter plant!

Originally Posted by Uptown Girl

We've only been here for two winters so far- I am told that they have both been considered mild ones- Central Florida has experienced colder winters from time to time, so I would think you give things a try and hope for the best.

Ornamental Cabbages are colorful and can take some light frost, but they won't be in the garden centers for about a month- it is too warm to plant them yet.
There is a newer hybrid of petunia called Cool Wave that is promised to perform well in winter here- they should be available about the same time.
Dusty Miller is a tough plant too, a silvery white plant, if you like that.

Although the Croton shrubs are not supposed to be hardy below 50 degrees, I have seen some around that are years old and they are thriving- perhaps they are located just right. Those are very colorful!
I have seen Firecracker Plant (shrub) and white African Iris clumps bloom throughout the winter too.
There are more you could try with a bit of protection, I am sure.

They recommend 'spring planting' of flowers anytime after March 15th.
If you are interested in attending, there are numerous free garden lectures offered in TV, posted in the Daily Sun.

Online, I found U of Florida extension (horticulture) website to be very helpful. Good seasonal annual/perennial charts to follow- especially for us novices.

Have fun planting!