Ornamental and Shade trees
Need to add some shade to the yard or create some privacy with the abundance of nature? You're in the right place.
Eastern Redbud
Eastern Redbud is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Native small tree noted for brilliant pink spring blossoms on bare branches; heart-shaped leaves follow. Great understory accent for North Florida.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~−20°F
- Mature size: 15–25' H × 15–25' W
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Bloom (FL): February–March (pink)
- Uses: Specimen, understory, pollinator attraction
Maple (Red Maple)
Maple (Red Maple) is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. A reliable Florida-native shade tree with quick growth, showy red winged seeds, and good fall color in North Florida.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~−30°F
- Mature size: 40–60' H × 25–40' W
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Bloom (FL): January–February (red; inconspicuous)
- Uses: Shade, street tree (with space), rain garden edges
Muskogee Crape Myrtle
Muskogee Crape Myrtle is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Lavender blooms with excellent mildew resistance; forms a medium tree with smooth, exfoliating bark.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~0°F
- Mature size: 20–25' H × 15–20' W
- Light: Full sun
- Bloom (FL): May–September (lavender)
- Uses: Street tree, specimen, hot/dry sites once established
Natchez Crape Myrtle
Natchez Crape Myrtle is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Classic white-flowering crape myrtle with cinnamon bark and an upright, arching habit.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~0°F
- Mature size: 25–30' H × 15–20' W
- Light: Full sun
- Bloom (FL): May–September (white)
- Uses: Avenue plantings, specimen, four-season interest
Red Rocket Crape Myrtle
Red Rocket Crape Myrtle is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Brilliant cherry-red panicles on a fast-growing, upright tree—great color pop in summer landscapes.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~0°F
- Mature size: 20–30' H × 12–20' W
- Light: Full sun
- Bloom (FL): May–September (red)
- Uses: Specimen, screens, summer color
Chinese Fringe Tree
Chinese Fringe Tree is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Graceful small tree with clouds of fragrant, white “fringe” flowers in spring; tidy foliage turns yellow in fall.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~−10°F
- Mature size: 15–25' H × 15–25' W
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Bloom (FL): March–April (white, fragrant)
- Uses: Specimen, near patios/entries, wildlife-friendly (berries on female plants)
Taiwan Cherry Blossom
Taiwan Cherry Blossom is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Hot-pink bell-shaped cherry blossoms in late winter; a favorite for early-season color in warmer FL zones.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~15–20°F
- Mature size: 15–25' H × 10–20' W
- Light: Full sun to light shade
- Bloom (FL): January–February (magenta-pink)
- Uses: Specimen, early-season pollinator support, coastal-friendly with care
Powderpuff
Powderpuff is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Tropical small tree with showy pink “puff” blooms loved by hummingbirds. Evergreen in frost-free sites.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~28–30°F
- Mature size: 8–15' H × 8–15' W
- Light: Full sun
- Bloom (FL): Spring–fall (pink), heaviest in warm months
- Uses: Tropical accent, pollinator gardens, container (protect from freezes)
Bottlebrush
Bottlebrush is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Iconic red “brush” flowers attract bees and hummingbirds; drought and salt tolerant once established.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~20–25°F
- Mature size: 10–15' H × 8–12' W (varies by cultivar)
- Light: Full sun
- Bloom (FL): Spring–fall (red)
- Uses: Coastal landscapes, hedges, pollinator magnet
Live Oak
Live Oak is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Iconic Southern evergreen oak with massive, spreading canopy and exceptional wind tolerance—ideal long-lived shade tree.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~10°F
- Mature size: 40–80' H × 60–100'+ W
- Light: Full sun
- Bloom (FL): March–April (inconspicuous; catkins)
- Uses: Major shade, habitat/wildlife, coastal/wind-prone sites
Little Gem Magnolia
Little Gem Magnolia is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Compact selection of Southern magnolia with glossy evergreen leaves and frequent, fragrant white blooms.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~10°F
- Mature size: 15–25' H × 7–12' W
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Bloom (FL): Late spring–summer; sporadic through fall
- Uses: Foundation specimen, screens, smaller yards
Southern Magnolia
Southern Magnolia is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Classic evergreen magnolia with huge, fragrant white flowers and bold foliage; a premier Southern shade tree.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~10°F
- Mature size: 40–70' H × 25–40' W
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Bloom (FL): Late spring–summer
- Uses: Major shade, specimen, evergreen screen (with space)