Flowers and Ornamentals
With the HOA Police around the corner, it's always a good idea to brighten up the front of house with some new flowering plants!
Acalypha - Louisiana Red
Acalypha - Louisiana Red is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Bold copperleaf shrub with deep burgundy foliage for year-round color. Thrives in sun and heat; great for tropical borders and hedges.
- Harvest Season: Year-round color; peak flush in warm months
- Tree Size: 3–6 ft shrub (can be kept smaller with pruning)
- Uses: Hedges, borders, color massing, containers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental foliage)
- Chill Hours: None (tropical/subtropical)
Agapanthus
Agapanthus is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Strappy evergreen clumps topped with blue or white globes in summer. Tough, drought-tolerant accent for beds and borders.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom late spring–summer
- Tree Size: 1.5–3 ft tall clumps
- Uses: Edging, borders, mass plantings, cut flowers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (warm-climate perennial)
Aimee Gardenia
Aimee Gardenia is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Large, fragrant white blooms on glossy evergreen foliage. Prefers acidic soil and morning sun with afternoon shade.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom late spring–summer; sporadic rebloom
- Tree Size: 4–8 ft shrub (variety and pruning dependent)
- Uses: Foundation plantings, fragrance gardens, cut flowers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (prefers mild winters, acidic soil)
Alamanda
Alamanda is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Vigorous tropical vine/shrub with bright yellow trumpets. Loves heat and sun; excellent for trellises and warm walls.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–fall in warm climates
- Tree Size: 4–10 ft (trainable as vine or shrub)
- Uses: Trellises, fences, sunny screens, containers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (protect from frost)
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Succulent rosettes valued for their soothing gel and drought tolerance. Best in fast-draining soil and bright light.
- Harvest Season: Flower spikes late winter–spring (foliage year-round)
- Tree Size: 1–2 ft rosettes (clumps expand over time)
- Uses: Medicinal gel (topical), xeriscape accents, containers
- Pollination: N/A (grown for foliage/gel)
- Chill Hours: None (avoid frost/freezing)
Blue Agave
Blue Agave is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Architectural succulent with blue-gray leaves and dramatic form. Extremely drought tolerant; needs sharp drainage.
- Harvest Season: Blooms once at maturity; foliage interest year-round
- Tree Size: 3–6 ft tall/wide rosette (variety dependent)
- Uses: Specimen plant, rock gardens, xeriscape, containers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental foliage)
- Chill Hours: None (protect from hard frost)
Blue Daze
Blue Daze is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Low, spreading perennial with nonstop sky-blue flowers. Sun-loving groundcover for borders, rock gardens, and containers.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–fall
- Tree Size: 6–12 in. tall, 2–3 ft spread
- Uses: Groundcover, edging, spilling from pots/walls
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (tender to frost)
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Intensely colorful bracts on a sun-loving vine. Drought tolerant once established; perfect for arbors and fences.
- Harvest Season: Heaviest color fall–spring; flushes year-round in warm sites
- Tree Size: 6–20+ ft vine (trainable; prune to size)
- Uses: Arbors, fences, espaliers, vivid color walls
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental bracts)
- Chill Hours: None (very frost sensitive)
Cape Honeysuckle
Cape Honeysuckle is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Bright orange trumpets attract hummingbirds. Train as a vine or prune as a shrub; blooms heaviest in cooler months.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom fall–winter; intermittent spring–summer
- Tree Size: 4–10 ft (vine/shrub form)
- Uses: Hedges, trellises, wildlife gardens (hummingbirds)
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (protect from hard freezes)
Confederate Jasmine
Confederate Jasmine is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Evergreen vine with glossy leaves and intensely fragrant starry blooms. Excellent for trellises, railings, and pergolas.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–early summer; occasional rebloom
- Tree Size: 6–20 ft vine (trainable)
- Uses: Fragrant arbors/rails, privacy screens, espaliers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental fragrance)
- Chill Hours: None (handles light frosts)
Coral Creeper
Coral Creeper is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Fast-growing groundcover with coral-pink clusters and bronze new growth. Great for slopes, walls, and warm edges.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–fall
- Tree Size: 1–2 ft tall, 3–6+ ft spread
- Uses: Groundcover, erosion control on slopes, wall spillers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (warm-season performer)
Crape Jasmine
Crape Jasmine is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Pinwheel-shaped white flowers on a glossy evergreen shrub. Blooms in warm weather; prefers sun to part shade.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–fall
- Tree Size: 3–8 ft shrub
- Uses: Foundation plant, hedges, tropical borders
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (protect from hard frost)
Downy Jasmine
Downy Jasmine is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Soft, downy foliage with clusters of small white blooms. Versatile as a hedge, shrub, or trained on supports.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–fall
- Tree Size: 3–6 ft shrub (trainable)
- Uses: Hedges, informal screens, trellised accents
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (warm-climate shrub)
Duranta Gold Mound
Duranta Gold Mound is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Chartreuse-gold foliage provides bright contrast all year. Compact, sun-loving shrub for borders and mass plantings.
- Harvest Season: Foliage color year-round; small blooms summer
- Tree Size: 2–4 ft compact shrub
- Uses: Color accents, low hedges, massing, containers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental foliage)
- Chill Hours: None (heat-loving)
Duranta Purple Sapphire Showers
Duranta Purple Sapphire Showers is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Cascading clusters of violet blossoms with white edges. Attracts butterflies; great for hedges and specimen pruning.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–fall; ornamental berries after flowers
- Tree Size: 4–8 ft shrub (trainable)
- Uses: Flowering hedges, specimens, pollinator gardens
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers/berries)
- Chill Hours: None (protect from frost)
Firebush
Firebush is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Florida favorite with tubular orange-red blooms that draw pollinators. Heat-loving, drought tolerant, and low maintenance.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–fall
- Tree Size: 4–10 ft shrub
- Uses: Pollinator gardens, hedges, wildlife plantings
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers; attracts hummingbirds & butterflies)
- Chill Hours: None (dies back in freezes, rebounds)
Golden Beach Creeper
Golden Beach Creeper is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Sun-loving groundcover with golden foliage and dense habit. Ideal for coastal plantings, medians, and hot, dry spots.
- Harvest Season: Foliage color year-round; occasional small blooms
- Tree Size: 1–2 ft tall, 3–5 ft spread
- Uses: Groundcover, coastal landscapes, medians, heat islands
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental foliage)
- Chill Hours: None (very heat/salt tolerant)
Java White Copperleaf
Java White Copperleaf is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Cream-variegated copperleaf for bright texture in sun gardens. Fast grower; responds well to pruning for shape.
- Harvest Season: Foliage interest year-round
- Tree Size: 3–6 ft shrub
- Uses: Color accents, mixed borders, containers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental foliage)
- Chill Hours: None (warm-climate plant)
Jasmine
Jasmine is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Classic jasmine fragrance with abundant starry white blooms. Train as a vine or use as a sprawling shrub in warm sites.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–summer (variety dependent)
- Tree Size: 3–10+ ft (vine/shrub habits across varieties)
- Uses: Fragrance gardens, trellises, informal hedges
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental fragrance)
- Chill Hours: None (protect from hard freezes)
Jasmine Minima
Jasmine Minima is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Dense, low groundcover jasmine for paths and underplanting. Tough, tidy, and easy to maintain once established.
- Harvest Season: Foliage interest year-round; small flowers spring–summer
- Tree Size: 6–12 in. tall, 2–4 ft spread
- Uses: Groundcover, weed suppression, between pavers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental groundcover)
- Chill Hours: None (handles light frost)
Juniper
Juniper is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Evergreen conifer for groundcover or low hedging. Sun-loving, salt-tolerant, and very low water needs after establishment.
- Harvest Season: Evergreen foliage year-round; berries seasonal (ornamental)
- Tree Size: 1–3 ft tall groundcovers; varies by cultivar
- Uses: Groundcovers, slopes, coastal landscapes, low hedges
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental evergreen)
- Chill Hours: None (generally hardy; choose coastal-tolerant forms)
Lantana - Assorted Colors
Lantana - Assorted Colors is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Butterfly magnet with clusters of vibrant flowers. Thrives in heat and sun; excellent for beds, borders, and containers.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–frost
- Tree Size: 1–4 ft shrub/mound
- Uses: Pollinator beds, color massing, containers, hot spots
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental; attracts butterflies)
- Chill Hours: None (dies back in freezes; rebounds)
Lemon Grass
Lemon Grass is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Fragrant culinary grass with citrusy leaves. Fast-growing clumps for edible gardens, borders, and pest-wise plantings.
- Harvest Season: Foliage harvest year-round in warm areas
- Tree Size: 3–5 ft clumps
- Uses: Culinary stalks/leaves, teas, companion planting
- Pollination: N/A (grown for foliage)
- Chill Hours: None (protect from hard freezes)
Milkweed
Milkweed is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Tropical statement plant with dramatic split leaves. Likes bright, filtered light and humidity; great indoor/outdoor accent.
- Harvest Season: Flowers/fruit rarely in landscape; foliage year-round
- Tree Size: 6–15+ ft vine/climber (support recommended)
- Uses: Tropical accent, indoor/outdoor containers, privacy
- Pollination: N/A (grown for foliage)
- Chill Hours: None (avoid cold/wind)
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Tropical statement plant with dramatic split leaves. Likes bright, filtered light and humidity; great indoor/outdoor accent.
- Harvest Season: Flowers/fruit rarely in landscape; foliage year-round
- Tree Size: 6–15+ ft vine/climber (support recommended)
- Uses: Tropical accent, indoor/outdoor containers, privacy
- Pollination: N/A (grown for foliage)
- Chill Hours: None (avoid cold/wind)
Oleander
Oleander is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Sun-loving evergreen shrub with long bloom season. Salt- and drought-tolerant; ideal for screens and coastal sites.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–fall
- Tree Size: 6–12+ ft shrub (prune to size)
- Uses: Screens, coastal hedges, median plantings
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (heat/salt tolerant)
Oleander Pink
Oleander Pink is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Classic pink oleander flowers on a tough landscape shrub. Great for mass plantings, hedges, and sunny foundations.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–fall
- Tree Size: 6–12+ ft shrub
- Uses: Hedges, mass color, coastal screens
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (heat/salt tolerant)
Pinwheel Jasmine
Pinwheel Jasmine is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Showy, double “pinwheel” flowers on a compact shrub. Lush, tropical look with repeat blooms in warm weather.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–fall
- Tree Size: 3–6 ft shrub
- Uses: Foundation plantings, hedges, tropical borders
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (warm-climate shrub)
Purple Heart
Purple Heart is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Deep purple trailing foliage for bold color contrast. Sun to part shade; easy groundcover or spiller for pots and walls.
- Harvest Season: Foliage color year-round; small blooms summer
- Tree Size: 6–12 in. tall, trailing habit
- Uses: Groundcover, containers, wall/pot spillers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental foliage)
- Chill Hours: None (tender to frost)
Purple Showers
Purple Showers is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Ruellia selection with large purple blooms from spring to frost. Heat-tolerant and low-care; great for mass plantings.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–frost
- Tree Size: 2–4 ft clumps
- Uses: Mass plantings, borders, pollinator strips
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (warm-season perennial)
Sambac
Sambac is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Arabian jasmine with intensely fragrant white blossoms used in teas and leis. Loves heat and humidity; perfect in containers.
- Harvest Season: Long bloom season spring–fall; often year-round in frost-free zones
- Tree Size: 3–6 ft shrub/viney habit
- Uses: Fragrant patios, container specimens, cut flowers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental fragrance)
- Chill Hours: None (frost sensitive)
Song of India
Song of India is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Striped, lime-and-green foliage on a handsome upright plant. Bright, indirect light; great indoor/outdoor tropical accent.
- Harvest Season: Foliage interest year-round
- Tree Size: 3–8 ft upright canes (container-friendly)
- Uses: Indoor/outdoor tropical accent, modern containers
- Pollination: N/A (grown for foliage)
- Chill Hours: None (avoid cold drafts/frost)
Star Jasmine
Star Jasmine is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Twining evergreen vine with profuse, fragrant star-shaped blooms. Ideal for arbors, railings, and fences in sun to part shade.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–early summer; occasional rebloom
- Tree Size: 6–20 ft vine (trainable)
- Uses: Fragrant trellises, privacy screens, espaliers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental fragrance)
- Chill Hours: None (handles light frost)
Sunset Jasmine
Sunset Jasmine is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Colorful groundcover jasmine selection with bronze-tinged new growth. Durable, weed-smothering cover for sunny edges.
- Harvest Season: Foliage interest year-round; small blooms spring–summer
- Tree Size: 6–12 in. tall, 2–4+ ft spread
- Uses: Groundcover, edging, slopes, between stones
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental groundcover)
- Chill Hours: None (heat-tough)
Variegated Jasmine
Variegated Jasmine is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Cream-edged foliage adds light and texture; sweetly scented white blooms. Good choice to brighten partial shade areas.
- Harvest Season: Foliage color year-round; flowers spring–summer
- Tree Size: 2–4 ft mounded shrub or trained groundcover
- Uses: Accent for shade, borders, containers, groundcover
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental foliage/flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (light-frost tolerant)
Variegated Minima Jasmine
Variegated Minima Jasmine is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Compact groundcover jasmine with creamy variegation. Tough and tidy; ideal for borders, beds, and underplanting.
- Harvest Season: Foliage interest year-round; small flowers spring–summer
- Tree Size: 6–10 in. tall, 2–3+ ft spread
- Uses: Groundcover, edging, between pavers, underplanting
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental groundcover)
- Chill Hours: None (handles light frost)
Orange Bird of Paradise
Orange Bird of Paradise is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Iconic orange and blue “bird” blooms above banana-like leaves. Full sun, well-drained soil; striking specimen or poolside plant.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–summer; sporadic in warm fall
- Tree Size: 4–6 ft clumps
- Uses: Specimen plant, poolside, cut flowers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (protect from frost)
White Bird of Paradise
White Bird of Paradise is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Tall, tropical accent with huge leaves and striking white “bird” flowers. Great for privacy and lush backdrops.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–summer (mature clumps)
- Tree Size: 8–20 ft clumps (architectural)
- Uses: Privacy screens, tropical backdrops, large containers
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (protect from frost/wind)
White Shower
White Shower is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Ruellia selection with clean white blooms. Sun-loving, heat-tolerant, and a strong performer in mass plantings.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–frost
- Tree Size: 2–4 ft clumps
- Uses: Mass plantings, borders, pollinator gardens
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental flowers)
- Chill Hours: None (warm-season perennial)
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Fragrant blooms open purple, fade to lavender, then white. Evergreen shrub for part shade and rich, well-drained soil.
- Harvest Season: Peak bloom spring–early summer; sporadic in fall
- Tree Size: 4–8 ft shrub
- Uses: Fragrance/shade gardens, foundation plantings
- Pollination: N/A (ornamental fragrance)
- Chill Hours: None (protect from cold snaps)
