| I would like suggestions on flowering shrubs and plants that will do well in a north/south exposure with shade from a tree and roof overhang. I need plants that can tolerate south florida weather and torrential downpours. |
| Here are a few suggestions: Aglaonema; Small, herbaceous perennial with fleshy stems, branching from the base, and slender-stalked leaves up to about 12 in long. Flowering stems have narrow, pale green spathe enclosing small white spadix. Scarlet milkweed; Erect, evergreen, perennial with narrow, elliptical leaves and terminal clusters of scarlet and orange flowers?spring to fall. Attracts butterflies. Can tolerate wet soil. Spiral ginger; Tall spiral ginger with attractive roundish jade green leaves with fuzzy underside, and long, hard, waxy 8" to 12" red bracts with small, yellow flowers that peek out as bracts open from bottom up. Long lasting flower; excellent cut flower. Fortnight lily; Drought tolerant perennial, though extra water needed when in bloom. Easy to grow. Attractive white flowers with blue and brown shading appear in spring. Forms spreading clumps. Also available with yellow flowers. Moss verbena; Freely branching, sprawling perennial with 3-lobed, finely dissected, aromatic leaves and clusters of pink, lilac, purple or white flowers. Requires well-drained soil. Attracts butterflies. Rain lilies; Flowers yellow, pink, red or white?produced spring/summer after rain. Goes dormant in cool season, requiring very little water. Flowers best when crowded. Daylilies; Clump-forming perennial with grass-like leaves and lily-like flowers from late spring to fall, depending on variety. Available in yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and near-white. Only certain varieties succeed in south Florida (Evergreen, Semis). Shrimp plant; Perennial or shrub with stems topped with 6? spikes of red, rusty brown, yellow, or green brachts containing small, white, shrimp-like flowers. Unique, adaptable, easily grown plant. Plumbago; Attractive light blue flowers in terminal spikes. Drought tolerant once well established. Prone to root and stem rots. Freely draining soil and good air circulation. Society garlic; Clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with narrow, grayish leaves and large clusters of lavender flowers. Related to garlic. Hope these suggestions are helpful! |
