Florida’s spring isn’t just a season—it’s a transformation. As the days grow warmer and the sunshine lingers longer, gardens across Naples, Bonita Springs, and the rest of Southwest Florida come alive with vibrant color. If you want a stunning garden full of spring bloomers, selecting the right flowering plants is essential.
At Sanjuan Family Nursery, we understand that not all flowers thrive in Florida’s unique climate. The heat, humidity, and sandy soil can be challenging, but the right plants will bloom beautifully with minimal effort. Whether you’re designing a tropical retreat or a pollinator-friendly paradise, these must-have spring bloomers will keep your landscape vibrant all season long.
The Best Flowering Plants for Spring in Florida
Spring in Southwest Florida is the perfect time to plant long-lasting, heat-tolerant flowers. These selections provide brilliant color, resilience, and easy maintenance—ideal for homeowners, gardeners, and professional landscapers alike.
1. Pentas
Pentas are a favorite among Florida gardeners because of their ability to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Their vibrant clusters of red, pink, purple, and white flowers bloom continuously through spring and summer.
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Perfect for pollinator-friendly gardens
2. Lantana
This hardy perennial is known for its brilliant blooms and ability to thrive in Florida’s hot, humid conditions. Lantana comes in shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, and pink, making it a standout in any landscape.
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil
- Highly salt-tolerant, making it great for coastal gardens
- Attracts pollinators while deterring pests
3. Blue Daze
For a low-maintenance ground cover that provides eye-catching color, Blue Daze is a top choice. With its sky-blue flowers and silvery-green foliage, it thrives in Florida’s sandy soil and blooms from spring through fall.
- Loves full sun but tolerates partial shade
- Resistant to drought and salt spray
- Excellent for edging, borders, or container gardens
4. Panama Rose
This shrub produces clusters of bright pink flowers that are both long-lasting and fragrant. Its continuous blooms make it an excellent choice for adding year-round color to Florida landscapes.
- Flourishes in full sun to partial shade
- Works well as a flowering hedge or accent plant
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
5. Sunpatiens
If you love impatiens but need something more heat-resistant, Sunpatiens are the solution. These sun-loving plants bloom in a variety of bright colors and thrive in Florida’s humidity.
- Can tolerate full sun and partial shade
- Requires consistent watering but is generally low-maintenance
- Perfect for garden beds and containers
6. Begonias
Begonias are a reliable choice for adding both foliage and floral interest to a Florida garden. Their bright, showy blooms last throughout spring and beyond, making them a great option for landscaping.
- Tolerates shade and sun, depending on the variety
- Low maintenance and drought-tolerant
- Great for hanging baskets, flower beds, or borders
7. Jasmine
Jasmine vines and shrubs bloom in early spring, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. Varieties like Confederate Jasmine and Star Jasmine are great for trellises, fences, or ground cover.
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade
- Fast-growing and easy to maintain
- Produces fragrant flowers that enhance outdoor spaces
When to Install Spring Blooming Plants in Florida
In Southwest Florida, timing is key to ensuring successful plant establishment. The best time to install spring bloomers is from late February through early May, depending on the plant’s heat tolerance.
- Late February – Early March: Ideal for early bloomers like Begonias and Jasmine, which establish well before the intense summer heat.
- Mid-March – April: Best for Sunpatiens, Pentas, and Lantana, as warm soil temperatures encourage rapid root growth.
- Late April – Early May: Great for heat-loving plants like Blue Daze and Panama Rose, which can handle rising temperatures with proper watering.
By installing plants during these windows, they’ll have time to establish strong roots before Florida’s extreme summer conditions arrive.
How to Plant and Care for Flowers in Florida
To ensure your plants thrive in Florida’s hot, humid climate, follow these basic planting guidelines:
1. Soil Preparation
Florida’s sandy soil drains quickly, making it difficult for some plants to establish strong root systems.
- Amend the soil with organic compost or nutrient-rich topsoil (available at Sanjuan Family Nursery) to improve water retention and boost nutrients.
- If planting in a container, use a high-quality potting mix rather than garden soil to improve drainage.
2. Planting Depth & Spacing
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the root system.
- Gently loosen roots before placing the plant in the hole to encourage outward growth.
- Space plants appropriately to allow air circulation, reducing disease risk.
3. Watering Guidelines
- Water deeply right after planting to help roots establish.
- Most flowering plants prefer deep, infrequent watering rather than frequent shallow watering.
- Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
4. Sunlight Considerations
- Most spring bloomers love full sun, but Florida’s midday heat can be harsh.
- If plants show signs of leaf scorch, move them to partial shade or install shade cloth.
5. Fertilization for Healthy Blooms
- Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for flowering plants to promote continuous blooms.
- Sanjuan Family Nursery carries high-quality fertilizers designed for Florida landscapes—ask us about the best choice for your plants!
Enhance Your Spring Garden with Sanjuan Family Nursery
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your landscape with vibrant, long-lasting flowers that thrive in Florida’s climate. Whether you want to attract pollinators, add bright pops of color, or create a lush, tropical feel, we have the plants and expertise to help you achieve your vision.
- Shop our nursery in Bonita Springs for the best selection of spring bloomers.
- Need guidance? Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you select the right plants for your space.
- Want convenience? We offer delivery and installation services to make updating your landscape easier than ever.
Visit Sanjuan Family Nursery today and bring the beauty of spring into your garden. Let’s make this season the most colorful one yet!
