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We know picking the perfect plant for your Florida landscape can be challenging. That’s why we’re here, to help you put the right plants in the right places so you can have the landscape of your dreams!

From our friendly, knowledgable staff, to our wide selection of high quality plants, to our great prices and service, we’re ready to make your landscape journey a joy.

That said, if you have questions, we’re happy to give you the best answers we have! Since we get a lot of them, we decided to put a few of the most common ones below.

Enjoy, and when you’re ready to come on in and check out what we have for you, book your free consultation below!

How do I know what kind of plants will work best for my yard?

If you’re in Southwest Florida, we have a selection of “Quick Picks” that you can use to plan your perfect landscape quickly. This includes several plants that grow great year-round, and also look great together! If you want a more custom solution, that’s easy, too! Just click the “Get Your Consultation” button to schedule a free consultation with one of our Plant Specialists at our location. We’ll work with you personally to plan the perfect set of options for your home or business.

If you’re watering your plants regularly, good job! It’s important to give your plants what they need to thrive. However, if your plants still aren’t doing well, there’s a chance you might be either A) watering them TOO much, or B) not giving them enough sunlight or nutrients in the soil. To fix this, you can search online for your specific plant instructions, or for an even easier solution, schedule a complimentary consultation at our location with one of our Plant Specialists. They will help you identify the likely causes of the problem, and find a great solution.

Great question! While part of the answer will depend on the community in which you live (i.e. HOA rules, if you have any), a great way to think about balancing native and non-native plants is this. Everything in moderation.  Something that works for us is  no invasive species. Native plants 60% and non native 40%. This includes all plantable items.

While every person’s tastes, yard size, and budget are different, here’s a few things to keep in mind when planning how much you will invest in your front yard landscaping. First, remember that Over planting will be expensive and time consuming……..  Second, keep in mind that Underplanting will probably not give you the look you desire.……. And third, …Balance, with knowing the plant growth and expectations of them, you will be a well informed gardener. Using less plants and knowing how to properly prune is a great start.along with proper maintenance so you can get the most from your landscape.……

Peonies are a cooler climate plant. They need a period of winter chill to bloom well and Florida is a much warmer zone. For Peonies to bloom, they need about 25-30 days of temperatures in the mid 20’s. However, if you are determined  to make them work, you could plant them in pots and have a little refrigerator for temperature control. Just don’t forget the light!

There are three main reasons planting in Florida is different during winter than in summer: lower temperatures, less daylight, and reduced humidity. Of course we also carry plants that are great for all year round! The Florida-native plants and true tested plants are best if you want plants that work great in all seasons. Of course annuals are also a nice addition to add a little splash of color to your landscape.

Limey green leaves can be a sign of nutrient deficiency, watering issues, and/or lack of sunlight. New communities have an high amount of “fill dirt” which is of virtually no value to plants. That’s why fertilizing properly is so important in Florida!

Additionally, Ixora are an acid-loving plant, which is another reason good fertilizing is crucial. Like all plants, correct watering and sufficient sunlight is important as well. Ixora need 4-6 hours of sunlight a day and deep and thorough watering.

Also, check your soil; if the first 2-3 inches are dry then water, and make sure the area is draining well.

Finally, a light dusting of mulch will help with moisture in the dry seasons.

Good news! Florida-native plants have adapted over time to thrive in just about any conditions our local climate throws at us, so if you don’t have irrigation, Florida-native plants are the way to go. Keep in mind that all plants have an adjustment period that will usually require about 6-8 months of extra care. That means using your garden hose to water them and providing the right kind of fertilizer will be needed to get them off to a good start. And don’t forget that when we we have a low-water winter, even your Florida-native plants will need a little extra water and love.

The Plant Professor Blog

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