The weather of most zone 9 regions is one of its most valuable advantages regarding its natural resources. Florida, for instance, also known as the “Sunshine State,” has a tropical climate throughout most of the south and a humid tropical climate in the north and center.

23 Plants for Zone 9b Gardens for Gardeners

Even better, because they developed with the state’s natural fauna, the plants can support and foster the biodiversity there, including significant pollinators essential to the growth of these areas’ plants and food.

List of 23 Plants for Zone 9b Florida

1. Beautyberry (Callicarpa Americana)

Its most distinctive feature is the stunning purple fruits that form clumps on the stems of the American beautyberry shrub. Many bird species rely on these berries as a major food source, and white-tailed deer prefer the leaves.

Purple Fruits of Beautyberry

 

When cultivated in the ideal soil and moisture conditions, the perennial bushes can grow to nine feet.

2. Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)

The Southern states of the US are the natural habitat of the yellow jessamine. This vine, which has evergreen foliage and lyre yellow flowers with a delicious aroma, grows from February to May.

Yellow Jessamine with Delicious Aroma

The stems, which have a maximum height of 20 feet and can climb over fences and trellises, offer thick covering all year. It is impervious to deer and rabbits. It’s crucial to keep children away from the plants because the sap can irritate skin and all of the plant’s parts are extremely hazardous.

3. Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

These spreading perennials, also known as wild red columbine or small lanterns, can reach two feet and bloom from mid-spring to early summer.

Eastern Red Columbine Plant

Also known as unusual blossoms, these flowers have petals that are fashioned like stars on the rear and spherical on the front. They can be red, yellow, orange, or multicolored and frequently grow in two layers.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
  • Fully exposed to the sun.
  • A well-draining, moderately moist soil is required.

4. Buttonsage (Lantana involucrata)

From the west of Florida to the Keys, Buttonsage plants are recognized for their tightly packed flowers, which have whitish-lavender hues and potent scents.

Buttonsage Flowers in Florida

They are a fantastic addition to pollinator-friendly gardens since various species of butterflies find the nectar alluring.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 8 through 11
  • Sun exposure: moderate shade to full sun.
  • Needs sandy, permeable soil.

5. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)

These biannual wildflowers, which are native to dry prairie settings and are distinguished by their vividly colored petals with black centers that contrast, need little maintenance and can bloom for several weeks at a time.

Black Eyed Susans Wildflowers

August is when black-eyed plants bloom, bringing bright splashes of color to private gardens and wide-open spaces.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9.
  • Fully exposed to the sun.
  • Needs for Soil: pH-neutral and well-draining soil.

6. Firebush (Hamelia patens var. patens)

Scarlet bush or firebush plants produce berries in the fall and continuous bunches of long tubular flowers in the summer. These colorful bushes have a quick growth rate and draw pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. 

The patens var. patens, native to South Florida and distinguishable by its tiny, redder flowers, is one of several variants of this plant.

Scarlet Bush or Firebush Plant

The patens glabra variation, which is not native to Florida, has more yellow flowers. Conservationists advise against growing this kind, also known as African Firebush or Dwarf Firebush, in your Florida garden since it may hybridize with the local shrub.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 8 through 11
  • Sun exposure: moderate shade to full sun.
  • Needs for Soil: Well-draining.

7. Elliott’s Aster (Symphyotrichum elliottii)

Elliott’s asters are herbaceous perennial flowers with late-fall blooms with mixed flowers with soft purple petals and yellow floret cores.

Notorious Elliott’s Aster Plant

It is always a best practice to keep it clipped and regulated because they’re also notorious for encroaching on gardens due to its rapid spread (and ability to grow to four feet high).

  • USDA Growing Zones: 8 through 11.
  • Fully exposed to the sun.
  • Moist, sandy soil is ideal.

8. Powderpuff Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa)

Because they grow quickly, produce a thick root structure that prevents erosion, and are drought tolerant, these plants are frequently utilized as ground cover.

Powderpuff Mimosa Blooms

Their rich green, fern-like foliage that blows up when touched has spherical, puffy flowers that bloom from spring to fall. Some gardeners even choose to utilize these plants instead of turf by keeping them trimmed.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 8–10.
  • Sun exposure: moderate shade to full sun.
  • Needs sandy, permeable soil.

9. Leavenworth’s Tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii)

Small yellow blooms and every other or opposite leaves are features of tickseed plants. These plants mostly bloom in May, June, and July, though some may bloom all year.

Yellow Blooms of Leavenworth’s Tickseed

Florida’s 12 natural Coreopsis species are called the local wildflower. Nearly all of Florida is home to the Leavenworth’s tickseed, sometimes known as common tickseed.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 8 through 11
  • Fully exposed to the sun.
  • Needs for Soil: Well-draining, somewhat damp soil.

10. Swamp Mallow (Hibiscus coccineus)

This hibiscus plant, sometimes called the wild red mallow or the scarlet rosemallow, has glossy petals and split leaves that resemble those of a tiny hibiscus.

Swamp Mallow or Scarlet Rosemallow

The flowers have a width of over 6 inches, emerge late during summer, and last long. Despite being a freshwater plant, it cannot tolerate saltwater.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 6 through 9.
  • Sun exposure: moderate shade to full sun.
  • It needs very moist soil.

11. Bahama Cassia (Senna Mexicana var. chapmanii, Cassia bahamensis)

Rapidly growing Bahama cassias, also known as Chapman’s wild sensitive plant, are manicured into shrubs or trees and blossom typically in July and August to fall in their home state of Florida.

Bahama Cassia Plants in Zone 9b

They have feathery leaves and erect, colorful, showy flowers with a short root system. Due to their great salt tolerance, these plants are frequently found near the coast’s borders of mangrove forests. They draw several kinds of butterflies.

  • USDA Planting Zones 9–11.
  • Sun exposure: moderate shade to full sun.
  • Needs sandy, permeable soil.

12. Coral bean (Erythrina herbacea)

The coral bean, a spiky perennial that may reach heights of 6 feet and is a native of tropical climes, is a pea family member. The stems, which are thorny underside, are covered in leaves.

Coral Bean Plants in Zone 9b

The tubular, sporadic clusters of flowers, which bloom mostly in the spring, develop on the top portion of the stems.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 8 through 11.
  • Sun exposure: moderate shade to full sun.
  • Needs sandy, permeable soil.

13. Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera semperviren)

These vines’ large tubular blossoms and long, pollen-filled stamens make them a popular choice among pollinators. Although they are climbers, they aren’t typically renowned for being particularly aggressive.

Red Berries of Coral Honeysuckle

Their shiny, semi-evergreen foliage sprouts in an oblong form. After the bloom is over, they are succeeded by tiny, vivid red berries.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 11.
  • Fully exposed to the sun.
  • It needs well-draining, medium-moisture soil.

14. White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)

White fringe trees are always either shrubs or small trees that reach a height of 15 to 30 feet. They have clumps of scented, white blooms that dangle about 4 to 6 inches long downwards.

White Fringetree White Blooms

They are among the last trees in Florida to sprout new growth in the spring, contrasting their gray and white trunks with lustrous and dark green.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9.
  • Sun exposure: moderate shade to full sun.
  • Needs for Soil: Well-draining.

15. Florida Anise (Illicium floridanum)

The Florida anise is a perennial shrub or tree that grows quickly and requires little maintenance . It tolerates damp environments and deep shade.

Growth and Maintenance of Florida Anise

These plants, which may reach 15 feet, prefer moist, marshy settings and are forested with acidic soil. However, they can take full sun if kept well-watered.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 7–10.
  • Sun exposure: complete shade to complete sun.
  • Acidic and damp soil is required.

16. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

These quick-growing evergreen plants produce dense clusters of pale orange tubular flowers in late spring, luring butterflies and other pollinators with their nectar.

Butterfly Weed or Asclepias Tuberosa

Since they have a poor tolerance for salty wind or sea spray, they are a part of the milkweed species and often thrive inland.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9.
  • Fully exposed to the sun.
  • Dry, freely draining soil is required.

17. Railroad Vine (Ipomoea pes-caprae)

Since they bloom in the morning and only survive one day, perennial railroad vines are known as beach morning glory.

Railroad Vine Flower in Florida

These flowers have funnel-shaped, purple, or pink blossoms that bloom spontaneously in most coastal counties.

  • USDA Planting Zones 9–12.
  • Fully exposed to the sun.
  • Sandy soil is ideal.

18. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Pyramid-shaped flower clusters of this hydrangeas blossom in the late spring and early summer, gradually changing from a dazzling white to pink or purple as flowers mature.

Leaves of Oakleaf Hydrangea Plant

Their leaves are formed like oak leaves and are big and slightly wooly. The height of these deciduous shrubs ranges from 4 to 8 feet, and their blossoms are particularly renowned for their endurance.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9.
  • Sun exposure: moderate shade to full sun.
  • Rich, freely draining soil is required.

19. Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus)

The buttonwood tree is common to grow as a shielding or security plant in coastal settings since it can withstand salt and drought.

Buttonwood Plant for Security

Despite being native to the whole state of Florida, these trees thrive in the southern regions. They develop comparably to a mangrove tree and can grow up to 40 feet tall.

  • USDA Zones 9 to 11.
  • Sun exposure: moderate shade to full sun.
  • Gravel, sand, and well-draining soil are necessary.

20. Gumbo-limbo Tree (Bursera simaruba)

Tropical parts of the Americas, from southern Florida through Mexico, Brazil, and Venezuela, are home to this tree.It is a 60-foot-tall semi-perennial tree with a supple trunk and copper-colored bark. Despite having a small growing range, they are among the most wind-tolerant trees in the state.

Bark of Gumbo Limbo Tree

Despite having a small growing range, they are among the most wind-tolerant trees in the state.

  • USDA Zones 10 to 11.
  • Sun exposure: moderate shade to full sun.
  • Needs for Soil: Well-draining.

21. Blanket flower (Gaillardia)

Because they can withstand heat, loose soils, and high salt concentrations, these flowers can thrive anywhere in Florida. These flowers have beautiful summer blooms in shades of orange, yellow, red, and reddish purple that grow in a spreading mound that can serve as a ground cover.

Blanket Flower or Gaillardia

Your plant may grow up to 12 to 18 inches tall. To encourage more blooming, remove any dead flowers.

  • USDA Zones: 3a through 10b
  • Full sunlight
  • Any well-draining soil is ideal

22. Blazing star (Liatris)

More than 13 native kinds of blazing star, sometimes known as gayfeather or colic root, are found in Florida. This flower is hardy enough to withstand even the most clumsy gardeners. Fall is when the blazing star’s colorful, bottlebrush-shaped flowers bloom, luring pollinators like butterflies and bees.

Blazing Star Bottlebrush

Fall is when the blazing star’s colorful, bottlebrush-shaped flowers bloom, luring pollinators like butterflies and bees. A perennial plant that can achieve heights of up to 5 feet tall

To prevent leaf spots, mold, and other issues, ensure plants receive enough air circulation and water consistently during the growing season.

  • Hardiness zones: 8a to 10b
  • Full sunlight
  • Any well-draining soil

23. Passionflower (Passiflora)

The popular and very spectacular purple passion flower (Passiflora incarnate), which blooms with flowers with a gorgeous fringe around its lavender petals and an intriguing pattern in the center, is one of five species of passion flowers that are endemic to Florida.

Passionflower with A Gorgeous Fringe

The passion flower blooms in the summer or the first few weeks of the fall and is a vine that is useful for climbing up structures.

  • Hardiness zones: 6a through 10b
  • Full sun and some partial shade.
  • Soils that are rich, wet, and well-draining

These perennial plants can grow to 30 feet or more in height (climbing). Throughout dry spells during the growing season, water twice a week, and in the winter, protect against frost.

5/5 - (18 votes)