Five Full Sun Shrubs for Florida

If you live in Florida, you know that the heat and humidity can really do a number on some of your favorite landscape plants. Plants that are going to go in that type of situation need to be hardy. They should be designed for that area. If you are wanting to see what kind of shrubs that are going to work in your full sun yard in Florida, these selections are going to be a good place to start.

Florida Hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa)

This perennial shrub grows up to 12 feet high with evergreen leaves and clusters of flowers. Blooms are pale-yellow to red and three-winged fruits are red or purple. Bloom season is between August and November. It lives in full sun and dry soils. A plus for any Florida shrubs, it is tolerant of wind and salt spray.

Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria)

A perennial shrub that will grow up to 25 feet on average but may reach as tall as 45 feet, the yaupon has dark green leaves and pale gray bark. There are tons of red berries that are on this shrub. It does well in any lighting or soil and has both heat and cold tolerance. It can do well in poor draining soil and in drought. The twigs and young leaves contain caffeine, interestingly enough.

Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

An evergreen perennial shrub, the wax myrtle grows 6 to 12 feet high with olive-green leaves, pale blue berries, and gray bark. The shrub has a nice spicy scent to it. It works in full sun or partial shade with a moist or wet acidic soils. Once the plant has established itself in the yard, it is flood and drought tolerant. The berries, once boiled, can make a type of candle wax.

Possumhaw (Viburnum nudum)

A dense perennial shrub, the possumhaw grows 12 to 20 feet tall. There are clusters of white flowers, smooth green leaves, and fruits that go from red, to blue, to black. Fall color is nice with this one, too. It works in any lighting, with a moist or wet acidic soil. It has a disease and insect tolerance, as well as tolerance to cold and flooding.

Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa)

A perennial deciduous shrub, the indigo bush grows 6 to 12 feet high. It has fine-textured green leaves, purple or dark blue flowers, and small fruits. The flowers have yellow stamens and are in spike-like clusters. It grows in full sun or partial shade with a moist soil. It is cold tolerant and pH adaptable.

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Source: NPIN