Flowers That Grow Well in Florida

According to the USDA, Florida has four hardiness zones--8 in the north, 9 in the central part of the state, 10 in the south and 11 in the Florida Keys. Plants that grow well in one zone may not be viable in another, but gardeners in all of the zones have their choice of flowers that are not found in the colder zones to the north.

Angelonia

Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) is a member of the figwort family. The plant is an evergreen that grows from 12 to 18 inches tall with a spread of about 12 inches. The plant produces narrow leaves that grow from 2 to 3 inches long and lilac, violet or blue 1-inch wide flowers that grow in narrow, 8-inch long clusters over the summer and sometimes longer. Plant angelonia in full sun and in a moist soil that is allowed to go dry between waterings. The flowers do well in a mass planting, as edgings, in containers and in cut flower arrangements. The plant is hardy in Florida zones 9, 10 and 11, which includes Central and South Florida and the Florida Keys.

Tubeflower

Tubeflower (Clerodendrum indicum) is also known as Turk's turban and skyrocket. The plant grows from 6 to 9 feet tall with leaves that are 6 to 8 inches long. White flowers that grow up to 4 inches long in clusters up to 2 feet long appear at the tips of the branches. The flowers bloom in August and give way to small blue fruits. Plant tubeflower in full sun or partial shade and in a soil that is moist and well-drained. The plant looks best when planted in groups with other tall plants and is hardy in all of Florida including the Florida Keys.

Oxeye Sunflower

Oxeye sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) is also knows as false sunflower, rough heliopsis, hardy zinnia and orange sunflower. The plant grows up to 5 feet tall with thin, dark green oval leaves that grow from 3 to 6 inches long. The yellow flowers resemble daisies and bloom from midsummer through fall. Plant oxeye sunflower in full sun and a moist soil. The flowers are a favorite of butterflies and are hardy in North and Central Florida.

Florida Mountainmint

Florida mountainmint (Pycnanthemum floridanum) is also known as Florida horsemint and grows up to 4 feet tall. The plant produces leaves that are about 2 inches long and small lavender flowers that grow in clusters at the tips of the branches. Plant Florida mountainmint in full sun or partial shade and in a soil that is dry to moist. The flowers are a favorite of butterflies and are hardy in North and Central Florida.