Deer-ResistantPlants
Plants that deer tend to avoid, perfect for gardens near wooded areas in Northeast Florida.
ShrubAbelia
Abelia grandiflora
Glossy Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora) is a semi-evergreen shrub of garden origin, prized for its graceful arching branches, glossy dark green foliage that bronzes in cool weather, and an abundance of small funnel-shaped white to blush-pink flowers from summer through fall. It is a classic landscape shrub and pollinator magnet.
From $12.95
ShrubAdam's Needle
Yucca filamentosa
Adam's Needle (Yucca filamentosa) is a native southeastern US evergreen perennial forming a bold, low rosette of stiff, sword-like leaves with curly white filaments along the margins. In summer, mature plants send up dramatic 4–8-foot spikes of nodding, creamy-white bell-shaped flowers pollinated by yucca moths. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in NE Florida's sandy soils make it an ideal accent plant for xeriscape and coastal gardens.
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PerennialAfrican Iris
Dietes iridioides
African Iris (Dietes iridioides) is a clump-forming perennial from eastern Africa in the iris family, bearing fans of strap-like, evergreen leaves and delicate white flowers with yellow and purple markings that repeat throughout the year. It forms spreading rhizomatous clumps and is a durable, drought-tolerant ornamental for tropical and subtropical gardens.
From $6.95
SucculentAgave
Agave
Agave (Agave spp.) is a diverse genus of bold succulent plants native to the Americas, forming striking symmetrical rosettes of thick, spine-tipped leaves that range from compact to massive depending on species. Hardy and Florida-Friendly in zone 9b, agaves thrive in full sun and NE Florida's sandy soils with minimal irrigation, making them ideal drought-tolerant specimen plants for xeriscape and coastal landscapes.
From $9.95
PerennialAlocasia
Alocasia
Alocasia hybrids are bold tropical perennials grown for their dramatic, oversized arrow- or shield-shaped leaves in colors from deep green to nearly black, often with contrasting veins or metallic sheens. In Northeast Florida they are root-hardy in-ground, dying back after frost and re-sprouting vigorously each spring, and make stunning accent plants for shaded garden beds and large containers.
From $12.95
AnnualAngelonia
Angelonia angustifolia
Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia), called Summer Snapdragon, is a heat-loving plant from Mexico bearing spikes of small orchid-like flowers in purple, pink, white, and bicolors throughout the warm season. In NE Florida zone 9b it behaves as a tender perennial that may overwinter in mild years, thriving in full sun and making it one of the top-performing summer bloomers for the region.
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TreeAutograph Tree
Clusia rosea
Autograph Tree (Clusia rosea) is a robust tropical evergreen tree native to the Caribbean and South Florida, with thick leathery leaves, pink-and-white flowers, and excellent salt tolerance. It is reliably hardy only in zones 10–12; in NE Florida's zone 9b it sustains significant freeze damage at temperatures near 30°F and is not recommended for permanent landscape planting.
From $14.95
HerbBasil
Ocimum basilicum
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an aromatic annual herb native to tropical Asia and Africa, grown worldwide for its intensely fragrant leaves used fresh or dried in cooking. Dozens of cultivars offer foliage ranging from large-leafed Genovese types to compact globe forms and purple-leaved varieties.
From $1.89
HerbBay Laurel
Laurus nobilis
Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub native to the Mediterranean, with leathery, lance-shaped leaves used as a classic culinary herb. Small yellow flowers give way to dark berries in fall, and the plant is often trained as a formal topiary or standard.
From $24.95
ShrubBeautyberry
Callicarpa americana
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a native deciduous shrub from the southeastern United States, spectacular in fall when its arching branches are lined with dense clusters of vivid magenta-purple berries. The berries are highly attractive to birds and other wildlife, making it a top choice for native habitat gardens.
From $7.95
GroundcoverBlue Daze
Evolvulus glomeratus
Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomeratus) is a low-spreading perennial native to Brazil in the morning glory family, producing abundant sky-blue flowers against soft, silvery-green leaves throughout the warm season. Rated hardy to USDA zone 9b by UF/IFAS, it is an excellent Florida-friendly groundcover and container plant that blooms reliably from spring through fall in NE Florida.
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TreeBottlebrush
Callistemon
Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.) is an Australian evergreen shrub or small tree producing distinctive bright red, brush-like flower spikes that attract hummingbirds and pollinators. Note: avoid the weeping form Melaleuca viminalis, which is considered potentially invasive in Florida; Callistemon citrinus (Red Bottlebrush) is the recommended species for NE Florida landscapes, hardy in zones 9a–11.
From $12.95
VineBougainvillea
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a vigorous thorny tropical vine from South America, celebrated for its spectacular display of papery bracts in colors ranging from magenta and purple to orange, red, white, and salmon. The true flowers are small and white, surrounded by the vivid bracts that give the plant its ornamental appeal.
From $24.95
ShrubBoxwood
Buxus sempervirens
Common Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is a slow-growing, dense evergreen shrub prized for hedging and topiary, with small, glossy dark green leaves. In NE Florida's zone 9b, it is marginally suitable — sandy soils, summer heat, nematodes, and boxwood leafminer are significant challenges; provide rich amended soil, consistent irrigation, afternoon shade, and consider heat-tolerant alternatives such as Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon Holly) or Schaefferia frutescens (Florida Boxwood).
From $14.95
SucculentBulbine Lily
Bulbine
Bulbine (Bulbine frutescens) is a drought-tolerant South African succulent perennial that performs exceptionally well in NE Florida, producing cheerful yellow or orange flower spikes on slender stalks above clumps of fleshy, grass-like foliage nearly year-round. Hardy to zone 9b, it is a UF/IFAS-recommended low-maintenance ground cover and border plant, beloved by bees.
From $6.95
ShrubBush Daisy
Euryops pectinatus
Bush Daisy (Euryops pectinatus) is a compact, evergreen shrub from South Africa that produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers almost year-round in NE Florida above finely cut, gray-green foliage. Hardy to zone 9b, it is a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ recommended plant — drought tolerant once established and excellent for sunny borders, mass plantings, and containers.
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ShrubButterfly Bush
Buddleja davidii
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) is a fast-growing, evergreen-in-Florida shrub bearing long, fragrant panicles of purple, pink, white, or yellow flowers that draw butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds from summer through fall. In NE Florida (zone 9b) it stays evergreen and can reach 6–12 ft if unpruned — regular hard pruning keeps it tidy and maximizes bloom; choose sterile cultivars to prevent invasive spread.
From $9.95
PerennialCanna Lily
Canna generalis
Canna lily (Canna x generalis) is a bold tropical hybrid perennial producing large, paddle-shaped leaves in green, bronze, or variegated patterns alongside showy flowers in red, orange, yellow, and pink. Native ancestors originate from tropical and subtropical Americas. A dramatic specimen plant for borders, water features, and containers.
From $7.95
AnnualCleome
Cleome hassleriana
Cleome (Cleome hassleriana), or Spider Flower, is a tall, stately South American annual bearing large, airy heads of pink, purple, or white flowers with long, spidery stamens atop branching stems that can reach 4–5 feet. It self-seeds freely and adds dramatic vertical interest to informal borders and cottage gardens.
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AnnualCosmos
Cosmos
Sulphur Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus) is a Mexican annual bearing semi-double, daisy-like flowers in vivid orange, red, and yellow on upright, feathery-leaved stems. Exceptionally heat-tolerant and fast-growing, it thrives in full sun and poor soils, blooming prolifically from spring through fall in NE Florida and attracting butterflies and bees throughout the season.
From $2.29
AnnualCucumber
Cucumis sativus
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a warm-season vining annual in the gourd family, originating in South Asia and grown for its elongated, crisp green fruits used fresh or pickled. It produces yellow flowers on vigorous climbing vines that are commonly trained on trellises or allowed to sprawl in the vegetable garden.
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AnnualDianthus
Dianthus
Dianthus (Pinks) is a cool-season annual in NE Florida, producing fragrant, fringed blooms in shades of red, pink, white, and bicolor from fall through late spring. Plant in October for a full season of color; it declines when summer heat arrives.
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HouseplantDracaena
Dracaena
Song of India (Dracaena reflexa) is a tropical shrub from Madagascar and the Indian Ocean islands with spirally arranged, narrow leaves typically edged in bright yellow or cream. Its sculptural form makes it a popular specimen plant in tropical landscapes and interior settings.
From $14.95
HouseplantDumb Cane
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is a genus of robust tropical foliage plants from Central and South America, featuring large, boldly patterned leaves in combinations of dark green, cream, and yellow. A classic houseplant and interior landscaping staple, the genus contains numerous species and cultivars prized for their dramatic, variegated foliage.
From $29.95
ShrubGolden Dewdrop
Duranta erecta
Duranta (Duranta erecta) is a fast-growing tropical shrub from the Caribbean and Central America bearing trailing clusters of lavender-blue or white flowers followed by chains of golden-yellow berries. It is widely used as a hedge or specimen in warm-climate gardens and is highly attractive to butterflies.
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HouseplantHeartleaf Philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum
Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is a vining tropical plant native to Central America and the Caribbean, valued as a houseplant for its heart-shaped, glossy, deep green leaves on slender, freely trailing or climbing stems. One of the most adaptable and forgiving houseplants, it thrives in a wide range of indoor conditions.
From $4.95
ShrubIndian Hawthorn
Rhaphiolepis indica
Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is a compact, mounding evergreen shrub from southern China with leathery dark green leaves, clusters of pink or white flowers in spring, and small blue-black berries. It is a popular landscape shrub prized for heat, drought, and salt tolerance.
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ShrubJatropha
Jatropha integerrima
Peregrina or spicy jatropha (Jatropha integerrima) is a fast-growing tropical evergreen shrub or small tree from Cuba and Hispaniola, blooming nearly year-round with vivid clusters of star-shaped red to coral-pink flowers beloved by butterflies and hummingbirds. It is drought tolerant and thrives in NE Florida's heat and sun; protect from hard freezes as plants are marginal in zone 9b.
From $14.95
GroundcoverLamb's Ear
Stachys byzantina
Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina) is a spreading perennial from the Middle East and Central Asia, grown primarily for its large, densely woolly silver-white leaves that are remarkably soft to the touch. Tall spikes of small pink-purple flowers appear in summer, and it is widely used as an edging or foliage accent plant.
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PerennialLanceleaf Coreopsis
Coreopsis lanceolata
Lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) is a cheerful North American native perennial bearing bright golden-yellow daisy-like flowers with slightly notched petals atop slender stems. It forms low clumps of narrow, lance-shaped leaves and blooms prolifically in late spring and early summer. A tough, drought-tolerant wildflower suited to sunny borders, meadows, and naturalistic plantings.
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PerennialLavender
Lavandula
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a fragrant, drought-tolerant Mediterranean subshrub with silvery foliage and aromatic flower spikes that attract bees and butterflies. English lavender (L. angustifolia) struggles in NE Florida's heat and humidity; heat-tolerant species such as French lavender (L. dentata), Sweet lavender (L. heterophylla), or the hybrid 'Phenomenal' perform best in zone 9b.
From $2.49
PerennialLeopard Plant
Farfugium japonicum
Farfugium (Farfugium japonicum) is a bold-textured Asian perennial from Japan and China, grown primarily for its large, round to kidney-shaped, glossy leaves that can be solid green, spotted ('Leopard Plant'), or wavy-edged. Bright yellow daisy-like flowers appear in fall and winter. An outstanding shade-tolerant foliage plant for tropical and subtropical gardens.
From $19.95
ShrubLigustrum
Ligustrum
Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is a vigorous evergreen shrub or small tree from Japan and Korea, producing glossy dark green leaves, fragrant white flower panicles in spring, and clusters of blue-black berries. Widely used for hedges and screens in NE Florida; note that UF/IFAS rates it high invasive risk statewide — site responsibly and remove volunteer seedlings.
From $14.95
PerennialLobster Claw
Heliconia rostrata
Hanging Lobster Claw Heliconia (Heliconia rostrata) is a dramatic tropical perennial native to South America, prized for its pendant, waxy bracts in brilliant red, yellow, and green. The large paddle-shaped leaves and architectural pendulous inflorescences make it one of the most striking plants in the Heliconia family. Widely used in tropical landscaping and the cut-flower trade, it is a nectar source for hummingbirds.
From $24.95
ShrubLoropetalum
Loropetalum chinense
Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense) is an evergreen shrub native to China and Japan, prized for its striking burgundy-purple foliage and clusters of fringe-like pink or white flowers in late winter to spring. It grows in a mounding or arching habit and is widely used as a specimen plant, hedge, or foundation planting in warm climates.
From $14.95
VineMandevilla
Mandevilla sanderi
Mandevilla (Mandevilla sanderi) is a tropical twining vine from Brazil, prized for its large, glossy leaves and a profusion of funnel-shaped flowers in shades of rose-pink, red, or white with a yellow throat. A vigorous warm-season grower, it climbs readily on trellises and fences and blooms prolifically from spring through fall.
From $9.95
AnnualMarigold
Tagetes
Marigold (Tagetes spp.) is a fast-growing warm-season annual used for borders, containers, and vegetable gardens throughout Florida. In NE Florida, it is most reliably grown as a fall-through-spring flower, as summer heat and humidity can stress plants, though French marigold types tolerate heat best. Bonus: marigold roots release compounds that help suppress plant-parasitic nematodes — a key benefit in Florida's sandy soils.
From $2.29
HerbMarjoram
Origanum majorana
Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) is a tender Mediterranean herb with soft, velvety gray-green leaves and a sweeter, more delicate flavor than oregano. In NE Florida's zone 9b, it grows as a true perennial lasting 3–4 years — a longer-lived kitchen herb than in northern gardens — thriving in full sun and well-drained sandy soil.
From $3.50
GrassMat Rush
Lomandra longifolia
Lomandra (Lomandra longifolia) is a tough, clumping, strap-leafed perennial native to eastern Australia, forming fountains of stiff, arching yellow-green foliage. It is widely used in low-maintenance landscapes for its exceptional drought tolerance, architectural form, and fragrant cream flower spikes.
From $12.95
HerbMint
Mentha
Mint (Mentha spp.) encompasses dozens of aromatic perennial herbs including spearmint, peppermint, and apple mint, all thriving year-round in NE Florida's warm climate. Extremely easy to grow, it spreads vigorously by underground runners — plant in containers to keep it from overrunning garden beds. Leaves and flowers are used fresh or dried in teas, cocktails, and cooking.
From $2.50
ShrubNandina
Nandina domestica
Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) is an upright evergreen shrub with attractive compound foliage that flushes red in spring and fall, and white spring flower panicles. CAUTION: Listed as a Category I invasive in Florida; berries containing cyanogenic compounds can be lethal to birds. Choose non-fruiting sterile cultivars for Florida landscapes.
From $14.95
HerbOregano
Origanum
Oregano (Origanum spp.) is a drought-tolerant, sun-loving perennial herb that grows reliably year-round in NE Florida. Many species and cultivars thrive here, including common oregano (O. vulgare), Greek oregano, and the highly aromatic Syrian oregano (O. syriacum/za'atar), all prized for culinary use and small pollinator-friendly summer blooms.
From $2.29
ShrubOregon Grape Holly
Mahonia aquifolium
Oregon grape holly (Mahonia aquifolium) is a western North American evergreen shrub with holly-like leaves, bright yellow spring flowers, and blue-black berries. It is not well-adapted to NE Florida's summer heat and humidity and performs poorly in zone 9b — heat-tolerant alternatives such as native Florida holly (Ilex) are strongly preferred for this region.
From $29.95
GroundcoverPerennial Peanut
Arachis glabrata
Perennial Peanut (Arachis glabrata) is a low-growing, nitrogen-fixing groundcover native to South America, producing cheerful bright yellow peanut-like flowers nearly year-round in warm climates. It forms a dense, attractive turf-like mat and is widely promoted in Florida as a low-maintenance, no-mow lawn alternative.
From $6.95
GroundcoverPeriwinkle
Vinca
Periwinkle (Vinca spp.) is a fast-spreading evergreen groundcover producing pinwheel-shaped flowers in lavender-blue, pink, or white from spring through fall. It performs well in NE Florida zone 9b as a groundcover for borders and shaded areas. Note: Vinca major, the large-leaved species, has invasive potential — site carefully to prevent escape into natural areas, and consider heat-tolerant Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle) as an alternative annual for full-sun beds.
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Fruit TreePineapple Guava
Acca sellowiana
Pineapple guava (Acca sellowiana) is a dense evergreen shrub or small tree native to southern South America, bearing edible oval fruits with sweet, aromatic flesh and showy red-and-white flowers with fleshy petals. The silvery-green foliage and ornamental value make it a popular landscape and fruiting plant.
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ShrubPlumbago
Plumbago auriculata
Cape plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) is a fast-growing, sprawling evergreen shrub from South Africa, prized in Northeast Florida for its nearly year-round display of sky-blue flowers. Drought-tolerant, heat-loving, and butterfly-friendly, it excels as a flowering hedge, bank cover, or cascading accent; prune hard in late winter to keep it tidy and flowering abundantly.
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TreePlumeria
Plumeria rubra
Plumeria (Plumeria rubra) is a small, deciduous tropical tree native to Mexico, Central America, and Venezuela, celebrated for its intensely fragrant, waxy flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red — the classic blooms used in Hawaiian leis. The thick, succulent branches hold large, glossy leaves clustered at the tips, giving the tree a bold, sculptural form. It is widely grown in tropical and subtropical gardens as a specimen tree or in containers.
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TreePodocarpus
Podocarpus macrophyllus
Podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophyllus) is a slow-growing evergreen conifer native to Japan and China, bearing long, flat, yew-like needles of deep glossy green and a dense, columnar to oval form. Female plants produce fleshy, berry-like, purplish-blue seed receptacles on mature trees. Highly versatile in the landscape, it is widely used as a formal hedge, privacy screen, topiary subject, or specimen tree in warm climates.
From $14.95
VinePothos
Epipremnum pinnatum
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a vigorous tropical vine from the Solomon Islands, prized as a houseplant and shaded patio container plant for its heart-shaped, waxy leaves splashed with gold or white variegation. In NE Florida zone 9b it is not frost-hardy and must be grown in containers that can be moved indoors during cold weather. Note: it is invasive if introduced into outdoor tropical habitats.
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HerbRosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is an aromatic, evergreen shrubby herb native to the Mediterranean basin, bearing narrow, needle-like leaves with a resinous fragrance. Small pale blue flowers appear seasonally, and the plant is widely used in culinary, ornamental, and aromatic applications.
From $2.50
AnnualSalvia
Salvia
Salvia (Salvia spp.) is a large genus of annuals and perennials producing spikes of tubular flowers in red, pink, purple, blue, and white that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. In NE Florida, heat-tolerant species such as Salvia coccinea thrive in full sun with well-drained soil, blooming spring through fall and often self-seeding in warm winters.
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SucculentSedum
Sedum
Sedum (Sedum sp.) is a diverse genus of succulent perennials found across the Northern Hemisphere, ranging from low, mat-forming ground covers to upright border plants, with fleshy leaves in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and colors. Many species produce dense, flat-topped clusters of small star-shaped flowers in pink, red, yellow, or white that are highly attractive to butterflies and bees. Many former sedum species are now reclassified under Hylotelephium or Phedimus, but Sedum remains the widely used trade name.
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TreeShumard Oak
Quercus shumardii
Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii) is a large, fast-growing deciduous oak native to the southeastern and south-central United States, prized for its deeply lobed, pointed leaves that turn brilliant red to orange-red in autumn. It produces small acorns that are an important food source for wildlife including deer and wild turkeys. Its sturdy form, attractive fall color, and adaptability to a range of soils make it a valued shade tree.
From $59.95
ShrubSimpson's Stopper
Myrcianthes fragrans
Simpson's stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) is a Florida native evergreen shrub or small tree rated for zones 9b–11, making it an excellent choice for NE Florida landscapes. It features aromatic glossy leaves, exfoliating cinnamon bark, fragrant white spring flowers, and orange-red berries that attract birds and wildlife. Drought and salt tolerant once established, it serves well as a specimen, hedge, or screening plant.
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PerennialSociety Garlic
Tulbaghia violacea
Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is a clumping perennial from South Africa with slender, strap-like foliage and airy clusters of small lavender-pink tubular flowers held above the leaves. The foliage carries a mild garlic scent and the plant is prized for its nearly year-round bloom in warm climates.
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HouseplantSpider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a clump-forming perennial native to tropical and southern Africa, producing arching, strap-like leaves in solid green or with a central or marginal cream stripe. It readily sends out long stolons tipped with plantlets — the 'spiderettes' that give it its common name — making it one of the most easily propagated houseplants.
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PerennialSpotted Bee Balm
Monarda punctata
Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata) is a native perennial of eastern North America, producing stacked tiers of small, spotted yellow and purple tubular flowers surrounded by showy pink to lavender bracts along upright stems. It is a highly attractive nectar plant for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and is at home in dry, sandy native plant gardens.
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ShrubTexas Sage
Leucophyllum frutescens
Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens), also called Cenizo or Purple Sage, is a drought-tolerant evergreen shrub native to the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas and Mexico. It is covered in silvery-gray foliage and produces a flush of lavender-purple tubular blooms triggered by high humidity or rainfall. Widely planted in xeriscape and Southwestern-style landscapes for its silvery texture and striking bloom displays.
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PerennialYarrow
Achillea millefolium
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a drought-tolerant perennial with feathery aromatic foliage and flat-topped flower clusters in white, yellow, pink, or red, blooming from spring through summer. It performs best in full sun with excellent drainage in NE Florida; choose heat-tolerant cultivars for best persistence through zone 9b's humid summers.
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AnnualZinnia
Zinnia violacea
Zinnia elegans is a fast-growing Mexican annual bearing bold, daisy-like flower heads in an exceptionally wide range of colors, from white and yellow to deep red and purple. One of the easiest annuals to grow for cutting gardens and borders, it is a major attractor of butterflies and hummingbirds.
From $6.95