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Water-Wise Landscaping

Xeriscaping in Northeast Florida

Design a water-wise, Florida-Friendly landscape for St. Augustine's sandy soil, dry springs, and coastal yards.

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Xeriscaping means designing a landscape that thrives on little supplemental water. In Florida the same idea goes by another name: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, the UF/IFAS program built around putting the right plant in the right place. Done well, a xeriscape here is not rock and cactus. It is a lush, layered Northeast Florida yard that shrugs off our dry springs, sandy soil, and watering restrictions once it is established.

How to Xeriscape in Our Climate

Use these principles to lower irrigation without giving up a full, layered Florida landscape.

Step 1

Right plant, right place.

Match each plant to your light, soil, and salt exposure so it needs little help to thrive.

Step 2

Group by water need (hydrozoning).

Put thirsty plants together and keep low-water plants on their own zone so you never overwater the whole bed to satisfy one plant.

Step 3

Improve our sandy soil.

Northeast Florida soil drains fast and holds few nutrients. Work in compost at planting and top with mulch to hold moisture.

Step 4

Mulch well.

Two to three inches of mulch over the root zone cuts evaporation, blocks weeds, and keeps roots cool. Keep it off the trunk.

Step 5

Water efficiently.

Water deeply but infrequently to push roots down. Micro-irrigation and drip put water where roots are, not on the driveway.

Step 6

Choose low-water plants.

Build the planting from drought-tolerant species (the list below), with extra-tough salt-tolerant picks for coastal yards.

Step 7

Maintain it.

Even drought-tolerant plants need regular water until established, usually the first few months. After that, most coast on rainfall.

St. Johns County Watering Rules

Landscape irrigation in St. Johns County follows St. Johns River Water Management District restrictions. Watering days are assigned by address (odd or even), and watering is never allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During declared water shortages the schedule can tighten to one day a week. Always check the current SJRWMD watering schedule before you set your irrigation timer.

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Xeriscape Plants for Northeast Florida

Filter low-water plants for sunny, sandy St. Augustine beds and build a practical plant list for the nursery.

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Coastal & Salt-Tolerant Xeriscape Plants

For beachfront and Intracoastal yards with salt spray, start with low-water plants that also handle moderate to high salt exposure.

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Bougainvillea, VineVine

Bougainvillea

Light
Full Sun
Water
Low
Size
Dependent on variety × 10-20 feet

Non-toxic to dogs and cats

Frequently Asked Questions

Is xeriscaping just rocks and cactus?+

Not in Florida. A Northeast Florida xeriscape is a full, green landscape built from low-water plants like muhly grass, coontie, blanket flower, and beach sunflower. The goal is less irrigation, not less life.

How often do I water a xeriscape once it is established?+

Most established low-water plants here survive on rainfall, with supplemental water only during extended dry spells. The first few months after planting are the exception, when everything needs regular water to root in.

Do I need to amend our sandy soil?+

Yes. Our sandy soil drains fast and holds little. Mixing compost into the planting hole and keeping a two to three inch mulch layer makes a big difference in how little you have to water.

What are the best low-water plants for St. Augustine?+

Reliable performers include muhly grass, coontie, blanket flower, beach sunflower, lantana, salvia, plumbago, society garlic, and saw palmetto. See the full list below.

I live near the water. Which plants handle salt?+

Coastal yards near the Atlantic or the Intracoastal need salt-tolerant plants. Strong choices include sea oxeye daisy, beach elder, beach bean, saltbush, live oak, southern red cedar, and yaupon holly. See the coastal list below.

When is the best time to plant a xeriscape here?+

Fall and early spring are ideal, so roots establish before summer heat or a dry spell. You can plant most of the year if you water carefully through establishment.

Will a xeriscape lower my water bill?+

Once established, a well-designed xeriscape can cut landscape irrigation dramatically, which is most of a typical Florida water bill in the dry season.

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Build a Water-Wise Florida Yard

Bring your sun exposure, soil conditions, and salt exposure notes to the nursery. We can help you choose plants that fit your yard.

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