learn about different trees suited to the florida climate

Native to the Southeastern United States, the Southern Live Oak is an evergreen oak tree. It is called live oak because it does not lose its leaves in the fall. They can grow as tall as 70 feet with limbs spreading up to 90 feet. Leaves are usually stiff and leathery and they usually drop in spring when new leaves are ready to come in. Expect your live oak to grow approximately 3 feet / year.

Known for it’s vivid lavender flowers and blooms that last much longer than most crape myrtles, 120 days, or 4-5 months of beautiful color. These trees are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They can be planted almost any time of year in the Southeast. Full sun is preferred, but they tolerate some shade. Pine bark or pine straw mulch is ideal for these trees. A fast grower, this tree grows up to 5 feet / year and at maturity will reach between 25-30 feet with a spread of approximately 20 feet.

‘Natchez’ Japanese Crape Myrtle

(Lagerstroemia fauriei)

Flowers on the Natchez Japanese Crape Myrtle are a stunning white clusters that bloom from late spring into summer. Flowers can be 6-12” long and have ruffled crinkled petals. This tree is hardy, pest and disease resistant. The vibrant green leaves transition into fiery orange-red in the fall. Smooth cinnamon colored bark peels in the summer to reveal a fresh taupe bark underneath. This tree is also drought tolerant and deer resistant. Best of all, no need to prune for it to maintain its shape.

You can plant almost any time of year. This tree requires minimal maintenance and is established after about three months. They prefer full-sun but tolerate some shade. They adapt to moist soil, the key is good drainage. Mulch with pine bark or pine straw, but be careful not to let the bark touch the tree trunk because it increases chances of disease and pests. Varieties vary. You can choose one that only grows to 5 feet tall or over 30 feet tall. All grow to about 20 feet wide.

‘Florida Flame’ Red Maple

(Acer rubrum)

Also known as “Florida Flame” If you long for some fall color living in a warm state, this maple will provide stunning red foliage in the fall and fiery red blooms in the spring and summer. The Florida Flame grows to a height of 40 to 60 feet with a dome spread of 30 to 40 feet, giving you ample shade. This tree has a medium growth rate with a 2-to-3-inch diameter growth annually.

‘Eagleston’ Holly

(Ilex x attenuata)

This variety of holly grows into a “tree form” with a defined trunk and leaves that do not go all the way to the ground. Thick dark green leaves form a cone shape and produce bright red berries in the fall and winter. Both drought and cold tolerant this tree prefers full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. It grows approximately 1 foot annually.

Wax Leaf Ligustrum

(Ligustrum japonicum, Japanese Privet)

Native to central and southern Japan and Korea, this plant is naturalized in the southeastern United States, including Florida. Considered an evergreen shrub, this small tree grows up to 10 to 15 feet tall with glossy dark green leaves with vibrant white, four-lobed flowers. Perfect for sunny or semi-shaded gardens. Although invasive, it is highly valued as a beautiful ornamental.

‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’, Southern Magnolia

(Magnolia grandiflora)

This tree is one of the faster growing varieties of magnolia. It can grow 2 feet a year ultimately reaching 50 feet. Glossy green leaves with a brown back, exceptionally visible in spring. Enjoy 4-inch white fragrant blooms from late spring into early summer (generally May through July). This beauty prefers rich well drained soil, but once established it is drought tolerant and is generally left alone by deer, disease and other pests. No trimming required. Plant and let it grow.

‘D. D. Blanchard’, Southern Magnolia

(Magnolia grandiflora)

This variety of magnolia is not as prolific a bloomer as other magnolias, but it is the tallest with the biggest leaves. This tree can reach 75 to 80 feet tall with a 35 to 40 foot canopy. Flowers bloom in late spring and can be as large as 8 inches in width. It’s leaves are a magnificent rich green with brown backs and makes an impact in any landscape.

Bald Cypress

(Taxodium distichum)

Called a bald cypress because they are deciduous confiers that shed their needlelike leaves in early fall. Native to the southeastern United States, this tree is hardy, adapting to a variety of soil types wet, salty, dry or swampy. A fast grower gaining 1 to 2 feet annually maturing at approximately 60 to 70 feet, but some grow as tall as 100 feet.

‘Drake’, Chinese Elm ‘Drake’®, Lacebark Elm

(Ulmus parvifolia)

Consistent in size and shape, this tree is a proven performer. It is consistent in size and shape and a great provider of shade. The ‘Drake’ Chinese Elm gracefully forms into a rounded canopy clothes with 2 to 3 inch dark green shiny leathery leaves. It has a moderately fast growth rate and nearly evergreen foliage. This tree grows to approximately 40 to 50 feet. Easy to grow but adequate watering is essential.

Sweet Viburnum

(Viburnum odoratissimum)

The classic hedge shrub with hardy attractive foliage. Once established it is drought tolerant preferring moist, well-draining soil. Ideal for screening and hedging with its dense growth pattern. Fragrant clusters of tiny white flowers bloom in late spring to early summer producing small red berries that are attractive. The berries are great for attracting birds for food, but not appealing to deer. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade with slightly acidic to neutral pH.