9. Chaste Tree, Vitex agnus-castus - Do you miss the deep purple of lilac trees blooming? Would you like a specimen tree or large ornamental for your front yard or patio? The chaste tree might be what you are looking for since this spectacular flowering tree not only explodes with deep violet to purplish white flowers throughout the early summer and late fall - it is low maintenance, drought-tolerant, can thrive in sun or shade, and grows quickly to 10' to 20'. What more could you ask for? It is also deciduous but not dirty, attracts hummingbirds and bees, and not only are the flowers fragrant but the leaves have a sage scent to them. The chaste tree is a wonderfully aromatic border shrub, tolerant of salt spray for coastal residents, growing in Zone 6 to 10 with relatively few pest problems.
10. Blue Eyed Grass, Sysinrinchium augustifolia - A native groundcover with real blue flowers that seems Oz-like, but this member of the Iris family is perfect for Florida yards. Growing to a height of 1' to 2', this plant is comfortable in Zones 8 through 11, prefers wet soils, and can be found growing wild in prairies. Did I mention no maintenance? This pretty flower has two blooming seasons in Florida, winter and summer, and prefers sunny locations. Looks at home in rock and water gardens.
11. Montbretia, Crocosmia 'Lucifer', Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora - I first saw these fiery red beauties three years ago during a trip home to Scotland and fell in love with them. Another under-utilized member of the Iris family, this spike-leafed perennial grows in Zones 6 to 9b and adds unique interest in mid-summer with its tropical red blooms that drape and wave handsomely in the balmy breezes. Drought tolerant once established, crocosmias can grow in sun or partial shade, and reaches heights of 3' to 4'. Self-seeds readily and has few pest problems.
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Teresa Watkins's Florida Gardens topic, please visit the Discussions page.