​Flowers for Fall in Florida

Brighten up your landscape throughout fall and winter with some Florida-Friendly flower options that are sure to delight all season long.  As other plants and trees begin to lose their leaves or blooms, you can add in new colors and textures that will last through spring.  There are many colors and heights to choose from when you are creating your design but most importantly, you will want to consider the best flowers for the location.  You should check the amount of sunlight the location receives; Is it direct light? Dappled by trees? or Full shade?  Check the moisture level and soil type; Is the soil dry or moist?  Does the soil feel sandy, silty, or loamy?  Is irrigation available at the location?  While Pinellas County is in climate zone 10a the surrounding counties are in zone 9b, which means some locations may be right on the line between the two zones.  Below we will discuss flower options that will be successful in our area and offer a dazzling display through the new year.

Alyssum
This low-growing, sweet-smelling, fall through spring bloomer is a great addition to your garden, hanging baskets or in a container spilling over.  These tiny clusters of flowers come in pink, purple or white and grow in a mounding form reaching about 12 inches high.  This plant will appreciate a well-drained soil that receives lots of sun but has some shade and protection from the late afternoon sun.  This flower is typically pest free and deer resistant.  Water regularly and provide fertilizer as needed for best results.
 
Beach Sunflower
This native groundcover grows on sand dunes in our coastal areas, but it also makes a wonderful option to add bright colors all year long to your landscape.  This fast-spreading plant is extremely drought tolerant and will not do well in consistently wet soil.  Plant in full or partial sun, this plant is extremely low-maintenance and is typically bright yellow but other cultivars come in orange, copper, rose and violet.
 
Begonias
These annual bloomers are easy to maintain if you know how to properly care for the cultivar you choose.  They will typically appreciate a location that is shaded or has indirect sunlight.  Plant in well-drained soil that consists of organic material and water regularly for best results.  Choose from a variety of colors such as white, pink, red, orange, and yellow to enjoy blooms all year long.
 
Chrysanthemums
Mums are a great, low-maintenance option to add autumn colors to your landscape for fall and winter in Florida.  These flowers bloom from fall through spring in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.  Plant in a sunny location in well-draining soil made up of organic material and water regularly for best results.  The Florida summer months can be tough on these flowers, select a location with late afternoon shade for survival through summer.
 
Dianthus
Add an array of colors such as purple, lavender, pink and white with this low-growing flower that does great in front of hedges, planted in containers or baskets.  Wait until October to plant in Florida and enjoy blooms from fall until spring.  These delicate petals have fringe along the sides and can be multiple colors with a sometimes-spicy fragrance.  Select a full sun to partial shade location with well-draining soil in an area that does not receive too much water.
 
Impatiens
In this area of Florida, these flowers should be planted in October to April to enjoy color that will last nearly all year long.  Add a dazzling display of color with hues of orange, pink, white and bright reds that will look incredible as a border or container plant.  This plant enjoys regular watering and a sunny location that provides a break from the sun in the late afternoon.  Check out the different cultivars to select one best for your location.
 
Geraniums
This attractive flower is sure to brighten up your landscape and will bloom from fall until spring.  This flower does best in Florida when planted in early October, in an area that receives a lot of direct sunlight.  This flower will appreciate well-drained soil that consists of a top layer of organic matter such as peat moss or compost.  Choose between red, pink, or white for a colorful addition that will last until spring.
​
Fall in Florida is full of colorful flower options to brighten up your landscape that will last through winter, bringing lasting enjoyment through spring and sometimes summer.  Adding fall flowers is a great way to attract pollinators to your yard, inhibit weeds from taking over spaces and create layers of different hues and textures.  Enjoy spending the best months of Florida in your outdoor spaces surrounded by an array of colorful flowers and plants.  If you want more ideas on other flowers that will add color over fall and winter or need help on a design idea to incorporate more color into your landscape, give us a call and we will schedule a free, onsite consultation to discuss the best options for your location and preferences.