Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_21.gif)
Friday - May 10, 2013
From: Panama City, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Ferns, Grasses or Grass-like, Shrubs, Wildflowers
Title: Native plants for a garden in Panama City, FL
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I live in zone 9 in Florida. We are looking for plants which will be attractive all year long for the front of our house's landscaping which faces north. I need a specimen bush which doesn't get over 6' or so, or is easy to prune, and shorter, foundation plants. I would like some plants which flower throughout the spring and summer, but still look attractive in the fall/winter months.ANSWER:
Hmm. According to the Florida Native Plant Society Bay County, Florida is in zone 8. Panama City itself is in zone 8B. You can visit the Florida Native Plant Society page for Bay County and enter information for your site (e.g., light range, soil type, etc.) that will generate a list of plants that will do well there. Since I don't know those criteria I will have to guess at what will do the best there. You should read the GROWING CONDITIONS on each species page in our Native Plant Database and on the Florida Native Plant Society species page.
POTENTIAL SPECIMEN SHRUBS
Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry) can be pruned pruned severely right before new growth begins in the spring. Here is more information from the Florida Native Plant Society.
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf hydrangea) can be pruned. See the information on HydrangeasHydrangeas.com. Here is more information from the Florida Native Plant Society.
Kalmia latifolia (Mountain laurel) is evergreen and can be pruned according the European Kalmia Society and there are dwarf varieties available. Here is more information from the Florida Native Plant Society.
Rhododendron austrinum (Orange azalea) can be pruned according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension Service. Here is more information from the Florida Native Plant Society.
POSSIBLE FOUNDATION PLANTS
Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle) [synonym = Myrica cerifera] is evergreen, can be pruned and there are dwarf cultivars. Here is more information from Florida Native Plant Society and from the Chesapeake Region Native Plant Center.
Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon fern) needs moist soil. Here is more information from the Florida Native Plant Society.
ORNAMENTAL GRASSES (possible foundation plants)
Eragrostis spectabilis (Purple lovegrass) is a perennial grass that produces the appearance of a purple haze on the ground when it blooms in the fall. Here is more information from the Florida Native Plant Society.
Sporobolus junceus (Pineywoods dropseed) is an evergreen perennial bunch grass. Here is more information from Natives for your Neighborhood.
Tripsacum dactyloides (Eastern gamagrass) is also an evergreen perennial bunch grass. Here is more information from the Florida Native Plant Society.
FLOWERS
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed) is a perennial that blooms May through September with spectacular orange flowers and dies back in the winter. It is a larval host for monarchs and other butterflies. Here is more information from the Florida Native Plant Society.
Coreopsis basalis (Coreopsis), if your area is dry or Coreopsis leavenworthii (Common tickseed), if your site is moist. You can find both of these on the list for Bay County under "Flowers" on the Florida Native Plant Society page.
Here are a few other flowers from the Florida Native Plant Society page that can add color. Most of them are perennials that die back in winter. Trimming them should keep your area looking tidy during the dieback time.
Gaillardia pulchella (Firewheel) blooms May through August, but may bloom longer with adequate rains.
Liatris spicata (Dense blazing star) blooms July through September.
Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower) can bloom May through October.
Salvia azurea (Pitcher sage) blooms September through November.
Solidago sempervirens (Seaside goldenrod) has evergreen basal leaves and blooms August through October.
Stokesia laevis (Stokes aster) blooms May through September.
You can see more possibilities on the Florida Native Plant Society for Bay County.
From the Image Gallery
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Creating a wildflower meadow
May 18, 2013 - I have an area 1-6 acres worth that is currently grass that I would like to overseed with wildflower seed. The local native plant nursery says that would be a waste. I don't really want to kill gra...
view the full question and answer
Plants for October wedding in Texas Hill Country
October 16, 2009 - I am planning an October wedding at a Texas Hill Country vineyard. I would like to incorporate some local, seasonal plants in the floral design. Can you recommend some hill country plants, flowers, ...
view the full question and answer
Plants for steep slope in Pittsburgh PA
April 25, 2013 - I have a similar question to one from SC. I live in Pittsburgh, PA. We have a steep slope behind a newly built in pool. What type of plants can I put on the hillside to hold the soil. It gets a ...
view the full question and answer
Dying non-native St. Augustine grass from Austin
May 02, 2013 - Although we all know St. Augustine grass is not a good thing, I am stuck with it and am trying to save areas that appear to have take-all fungus. I have done much reading online and have tried peat m...
view the full question and answer
Native Grasses for Houston, TX
April 06, 2015 - What native grasses can I use for my lawn in Houston, TX? It appears that Habiturf is not recommended for our climate. Is there another variety of seed available yet that I can use to start a small ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |