Perennials are the backbone of a thriving Florida landscape. Why? Because in Southwest Florida (SWFL), we garden year-round. With our unique subtropical climate, long growing season, and bursts of heavy rain followed by intense sunshine, we need plants that can keep up. That’s where perennials shine. Once planted, they return season after season—bringing color, texture, and life to your landscape with less maintenance than annuals.
At Sanjuan Family Nursery in Bonita Springs, we love helping local gardeners, snowbirds, and professional landscapers find the right perennials that thrive in our heat, sandy soils, and sometimes unpredictable weather. This guide will walk you through some of our favorite choices, plus offer practical tips to make sure your perennials don’t just survive—they thrive.
Why Perennials Are Perfect for SWFL
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, coming back each season from their root system. That means less planting and replanting, and more time enjoying your yard. But not all perennials are created equal—especially here.
In Southwest Florida, we deal with:
- Sandy, fast-draining soils
- Long periods of heat and humidity
- Occasional frost (yes, it happens)
- Heavy seasonal rains
Choosing the right perennials means finding varieties that don’t just tolerate these conditions, but actually prefer them. Here are some of our top picks.
Top Perennials for SWFL Gardens
1. Firebush (Hamelia patens)
This Florida native bursts with tubular red-orange flowers and thrives in full sun. Firebush is a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies. It grows quickly, tolerates drought, and handles our sandy soil like a champ.
2. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Want to help save the monarch butterflies? Plant milkweed. It’s the sole host plant for monarch caterpillars, and it thrives in full sun. We recommend the native species, like Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed).
3. Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea)
This fragrant, drought-tolerant perennial has edible flowers and grassy foliage that adds texture. Its purple blooms appear nearly year-round and it handles neglect better than most.
4. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
A low-growing, colorful groundcover that thrives in hot, dry conditions. These daisy-like flowers bloom from spring through fall, and self-seed to create more color next season.
5. Coontie (Zamia integrifolia)
A native cycad that looks like a small palm, Coontie is incredibly hardy and low maintenance. Bonus: it’s a host plant for the rare Atala butterfly.
6. Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomeratus)
Vibrant sky-blue flowers and silver foliage make this a customer favorite at the nursery. It’s great as a border or groundcover and doesn’t mind our summer rains.
7. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a powerhouse. It flowers constantly, even in poor soils, and attracts pollinators of all kinds. Choose sterile or native varieties to avoid aggressive spreading.
8. Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)
Another butterfly favorite! These upright bloomers love sun and heat, making them ideal for front-of-bed planting or containers.
9. Dune Sunflower (Helianthus debilis)
A fast-spreading native groundcover with cheerful yellow blooms. It’s a great solution for erosion-prone or sandy areas.
Tips for Success with Perennials
- Soil Prep Matters: Our sandy soils benefit from compost or topsoil. This helps retain moisture and nutrients.
- Mulch Wisely: A 2-3″ layer of mulch keeps roots cool and suppresses weeds. Just don’t pile it against the plant base.
- Group by Water Needs: Put drought-tolerant plants together, and keep thirstier ones in separate beds or containers.
- Cut Back, Don’t Rip Out: Many perennials go dormant or look scraggly after blooming. A quick trim will encourage new growth.
- Feed Gently: Use slow-release, organic fertilizers suited for Florida gardens. Too much nitrogen encourages leggy growth.
When to Plant Perennials in SWFL
Spring and fall are prime planting seasons. You want to give plants time to establish roots before the extremes of summer or occasional chills of winter. If you’re planting in summer, just keep them well-watered for the first few weeks.
Shop Local, Plants Smart
When you visit Sanjuan Family Nursery, we’ll help you choose the right perennials for your space, soil, and sunlight. Because we grow and source plants right here in Florida, our stock is built for our environment.
We also carry the compost, mulch, and organic fertilizers to set your garden up for long-term success. Looking for delivery or installation help? We’ve got that too.
FAQ: Florida Perennials
Q. Do Perennials Bloom Year-Round in Florida?
A: Some do! While most bloom in cycles, many perennials in SWFL (like Firebush, Lantana, and Pentas) flower nearly year-round with proper care.
Q. Do I Need to Cut Them Back in Winter?
In most cases, a light pruning is all that’s needed to remove spent blooms and encourage new growth. Some may go semi-dormant but bounce back in spring.
Q. Can I Mix Perennials with Annuals?
A: Absolutely. Perennials give you consistency while annuals let you mix in seasonal color. It’s a great combo for a dynamic garden.
Q. Are All Perennials Low Maintenance?
A: Not necessarily. Some need more water, trimming, or pest management. But overall, they’re less work than replanting annuals every season.
Q. Do I Need to Fertilize Often?
A: Not really. Twice a year with a balanced slow-release fertilizer should do the trick—more if you’re dealing with poor soil or high-demand plants.
Get Your Perennials from Sanjuan Family Nursery
Want to learn more or see these beauties in person? Come visit Sanjuan Family Nursery in Bonita Springs. Our team will help you plant smarter and grow happier. See you in the garden!
