Lots of people assume Florida is a tropical paradise where flowers bloom all winter in a dazzling spectacle of perfect perky petals.
Not exactly. Well, maybe on the tourism websites.
What flowers bloom in winter in Florida?
“Winter flowers are pretty rare,” says Eric Frisch, landscape designer at Ground Source. “Everything wants to go dormant.”
Flowers, by design, lead up to the summer growing season, Frisch says, when they turn into fruit or seeds to grow the next generation of plants.
“Not much will bloom here in the winter,” Frisch says, adding you might get a few random flowers on plants like hibiscus, roses, gardenias, and ixoras — if the cold doesn't get to them.
Your best bet for Central Florida winter flowers? Pass up flowering perennials, Frisch suggests, and opt for annuals or intriguing foliage plants instead.
Need some winter wow? Try these Frisch-approved favorites:
Best Winter Flowers for Florida: Annuals
Pretty annuals are great for winter color, but consider them a temporary burst of blooms, Frisch says — don’t expect them to last past spring.
A few Frisch favorites:
1. Mums
Mums form impressive rounded mounds that, when in bloom, are bursting with color.
Mums are great for mass plantings and cut flowers. As a bonus, the flowers attract butterflies.
Pop them into pots or add them to beds with your shrubs and other plants for stunning Florida flowers for winter color.
2. Begonias
Wax begonias are the most popular variety, with pink, red or white flowers. They thrive in sun or shade and will add winter interest in landscape beds or containers.
Begonias are pretty low maintenance but love water and fertilizer so stay on top of those needs. They’re among the best flowers to grow in Florida in winter.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds are a favorite, no-fuss annual that bring the color of sunshine to your yard all winter long — and butterflies, bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects, too. Give them full sun and some well-drained soil and sit back for the cheerful show.
4. Coleus
One of the best plants to grow in Florida in winter has no flowers at all— and you won’t even care.
A stunning foliage plant, coleus doesn’t flower, but with these gorgeous leaves, who needs ‘em?
Coleus are the queens of stunning foliage—in combinations of green, yellow, pink, red, maroon, and more. You’ll find a variety of leaf sizes and shapes, too.
Speaking of Fun Foliage…
Frisch favors foliage plants for year-round interest that doesn’t depend on flowers.
Try these Frisch faves:
5. Schefflera ‘Trinette’
This showy, versatile, easy-care variegated shrub with cheerful green and yellow leaves thrives in sun or shade, looks great just about anywhere, and requires little care.
6. Crotons
Spectacular tropical plants, crotons are a Florida favorite. They thrive in the heat, add stunning tropical color, and grow an impressive six feet tall, making them among the best plants to grow in Florida in winter.
7. Ti Plants
Craving winter color? This is your plant.
Ti plant is a tropical woody evergreen with colorful palm-like leaves that thrives as a potted plant.
Loved for its colorful, fast-growing, and long-lasting foliage, choose a ti plant in your favorite color — pink, green, purple, red, and stunning variegated varieties.
The smooth, flexible sword-shaped leaves are an impressive 1 to 2 feet long and about 4 inches wide on most varieties.
You’ll forget you ever cared about flowers.
Need Central Florida Winter Flowers? Trust Ground Source
Picking the right plants for the right spot for the right time of year is tricky.
Professional landscape designers are your knowledgeable partners, making your yard dreams come true with plants that are in perfect scale, offer year-round interest, and fit your lifestyle, so you don’t waste time and money.
Let us help you figure it all out. We have lots of ideas.
We’re landscape experts, but our skills don’t stop there. We’re with you every step of the way as you plan your perfect outdoor space.
Sod, irrigation, landscape design: Let us transform your yard from an embarrassing eyesore to a place you spend every spare minute.
Are you ready to enjoy the vibrant, impressive yard you've always wanted? Request a quote today! We’ll help you review your options and then transform your property.
Image Source: mums, begonia, margiold, coleus, Schefflera Trinette, Croton, Ti plant
