Shrubs for Our Area

[barebones1191]

I am looking for shrubs that will tolerate our climate, some freezes, some drought, some hot weather and low maintenance with lots of flowers. What would be your 4 picks and why? Thanks for your help.

[laceylady]

You should contact the county extension office for the county you live in. These people are fantastic. You will get so much information.

[Carla B]

We've had mega trouble with shrubs, but the following seem to hold up well:

Walter's Viburnem
Yaupon or Shillings Holly
Indian Hawthorne
Encore Azaleas

Basically what the builder planted, except for the azaleas. All these seem to be bug and disease resistant, take heat and cold, and tolerate drought. Then there are the ubiquitos boxwoods that seem to grow anywhere.
The biggest disappointment in our yard was loropetalum. This was supposed to be a shrub that nothing could destroy...wrong!. Ours got spider mites and were wiped out.

[Uptown Girl]

You can also check online with "Florida Friendly Shrubs"
University of Florida/ IFAS extension- will also have much info online.
We in TV are considered to be somewhere in the 8b-9 growing area of Central Florida.

There aren't a big variety of 'shrubs' that bloom constantly. Most are seasonal bloomers, then are green the rest of the year. A few look sad when not in season, or during winter dormancy.
In addition to all the things you mentioned wanting in a shrub, there is also size (at maturity) to consider as well as light requirements. Some shrubs will get 3 ft. tall, but 6 ft. around. Some will get up to 30 ft. tall. Some need abundant light (minimum 5-6 hours a day) others need shade more than sun.
Almost everything will require some maintenance, pruning or grooming sooner or later. Do you want formal and tidy, or free form and natural?
It would be hard to recommend anything unless all these things are known.



You might begin by finding things that appeal to you, then research to see if they will fit and thrive in the spot you have in mind. It can be a challenge, but you can make it a fun adventure!
Be sure to keep us posted. Lots of us LOVE this stuff :)

[jimbo2012]

You should contact the county extension office for the county you live in. These people are fantastic. You will get so much information.

Go there on rt 466 and get a 110 page color book for free every fl friendly plant with details.

there R about 20 pages of shrubs in there, can't have all but most here.

get the book