How to Choose the Right Plants & Flowers

🌿 How to Choose the Right Plants & Flowers for Your Florida Landscape
Tips from Byrd's Lawn and Landscape – Serving the Space Coast with Southern Charm & Expert Care

Designing a beautiful, thriving Florida landscape starts with one big decision: choosing the right plants and flowers. Here on the Space Coast, we’ve got a unique subtropical climate, sandy soils, salt breezes, and some of the sunniest skies in the country. That means the plants that thrive in northern gardens might not stand a chance here — and vice versa.

At Byrd’s Lawn and Landscape, we’ve been helping homeowners and businesses across Brevard County create picture-perfect outdoor spaces for years. Whether you're sprucing up your backyard or planning a full landscape overhaul, here are our top tips to help you select the best plants and flowers for your Florida yard:

☀️ 1. Know Your Zone (And Your Yard!)

Florida falls into USDA Hardiness Zones 9b to 10a. That means we can grow a stunning variety of tropical and subtropical plants. But it’s not just about the zone — it’s about your yard. Take a look at:

  • Sun vs. Shade: Full-sun areas need heat-tolerant plants like hibiscus, lantana, or blanket flower. Shadier corners? Think caladiums or ferns.

  • Soil Type: Most of the Space Coast has sandy, well-draining soil. Some plants love it — others may need soil amendments or raised beds.

  • Salt Exposure: If you’re near the coast, pick salt-tolerant varieties like sea grape, coontie, or dune sunflower.

💧 2. Choose Low-Maintenance, Drought-Tolerant Plants

Florida gets heavy rain... and long dry spells. Your best bet? Native and Florida-Friendly plants that are built for this environment. A few favorites:

  • Firebush – A pollinator magnet that loves the sun and thrives on neglect.

  • Muhly Grass – Adds color and texture, and it’s practically maintenance-free.

  • Coreopsis – Florida’s state wildflower! Bright, cheerful, and great for borders.

These plants require less water, fewer chemicals, and less effort overall — meaning more time for you to enjoy your yard (and less time dragging a hose around).

🐝 3. Attract Pollinators with Color and Variety

Want butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees to visit your yard? Plant a mix of flowering species that bloom at different times of the year.

  • Milkweed – A must-have for monarch butterflies.

  • Pentás – Long-lasting blooms and easy to grow.

  • Porterweed – Hummingbirds love it!

More pollinators mean a healthier landscape — and more visual interest, too.

🎨 4. Design with Purpose

Think about your landscape goals: Are you going for privacy? Curb appeal? A relaxing backyard retreat?

  • For privacy: Try clusia, viburnum, or podocarpus.

  • For colorful accents: Add crotons, ti plants, or bougainvillea.

  • For texture and height: Use layered planting with palms, grasses, and flowering shrubs.

Pro tip: Group plants by their water and sunlight needs. It makes care easier and ensures each plant gets exactly what it needs.

🌾 5. Go Native (When You Can)

Native plants are naturally adapted to the Space Coast’s conditions — meaning they typically need less maintenance and are more resistant to local pests and diseases.

Some standout native picks:

  • Simpson’s Stopper

  • Dune Sunflower

  • Beautyberry

  • Silver Buttonwood

You’ll get a lush, eco-friendly yard that fits seamlessly into our Florida landscape.

🌴 6. Ask the Experts (That’s Us!)

Plant selection can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at a sea of options at the nursery. That’s where we come in.

At Byrd’s Lawn and Landscape, we don’t just mow and go — we help you grow. Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing your space, we’ll help you:

  • Pick the right plants for your unique yard

  • Design a custom layout

  • Install everything with professional care

  • Maintain your landscape year-round

💬 Ready to Bring Your Florida Yard to Life?

Let us help you create a vibrant, sustainable, and stunning landscape that works with Florida’s climate — not against it.

📍 Serving the Space Coast from Titusville to Palm Bay
📞 Call us today or message us to schedule a free consultation 321-412-3006
🌐 www.byrdslawnandlandscapefl.com
📸 Follow us on Instagram/Facebook for inspiration & real projects from local yards

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