Florida’s sub-tropical climate doesn’t always allow us to experience the change of the seasons in the same way as the majority of the U.S. For instance, people flock here in the winter months to take advantage of some time spent in warmer temperatures. Another example, the oppressive humidity of the summer months is too much for many to bear. What about fall though?
In answer, there are areas of the state that proudly herald the fall season, but we thought we would put the focus on your yard. Is it leaving a bit to be desired?
If your answer was yes let’s talk color.
The shades of color seen in the fall actually vary from year to year. Several factors come into play to determine the outcome. Overall, rainfall over the preceding summer and fall plays a big part though. Sunlight, nutrient levels found in the soil, and day and nighttime temperatures influence color change as well.
What brings natural color changes?
When the temperature starts to decrease and the days grow shorter, it indicates to plant life that winter is near. When that happens, physiological changes begin to occur. One of those changes is that chlorophyll—a pigment found in leaves that captures sunlight, produces energy, and causes plants to be green—stops being produced. This allows other pigments present, namely carotenoids and anthocyanin, to reveal their colors, such as yellows, browns, oranges, purples, and reds.
There are several different blooming plants that display beautiful fall colors. And, because our climate never gets extremely cold, they should flourish!
Perennials come back every year
Lots of us like to let nature take its course where our landscaping is concerned. Are we right? Perennials are wonderful additions to your landscape because you can count on them to just show up year after year! If you feel the same, we’d be throwing you some fistbumps on that one if we were in the same room. That falls under the “work smart, not hard” category as far as we’re concerned!
Let’s look at a few perennials that thrive in Florida.
Firespike
This plant adds a beautiful pop of red to your landscaping layout. It’s known botanically as Odontonema cuspidatum and grows to be four to six feet tall. The plant produces clusters of tubular red flowers that are approximately 3 inches long. The blooms attract hummingbirds and several different species of butterflies.
You can plant firespike year around here in Florida. It tolerates the variety of soil conditions found in the state which vary from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. And, of course, we mustn’t forget about the sandy sections of the state! Allowing the plant to receive full sun will cause the best blooming. If the plant grows too tall for your liking, prune it back a few times a season.
Salvia
Salvia is another tall plant, reaching heights of between eighteen inches and five feet. The flowers are approximately as long as those of the firespike, but are fuller. Some believe that makes them stand out more.
Salvia blooms in a range of colors which include:
- Red
- Blue
- Purple
- Pink
- White
Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies love them. At the same time, its leaves give off a distinctive—and rather pungent—odor that repels garden pests. Deers and rabbits, however, not so much.
Chrysanthemum
Mums, as chrysanthemums are otherwise known, are hardy perennials. It’s best to plant them in the spring. Potted chrysanthemums will do very well out on the lanai though. If your lanai is enclosed, place the pots in full sunlight. The plants do best when they receive at least six hours of sunlight each day.
However, we’ll note that if you have lights nearby that are on all night, such as the glow of a street light, your flowers will be slow to bloom. It’s a good idea to move them to a different vicinity. As we stated above, chrysanthemums should be planted in the spring. It’s recommended, though, that seedlings be started indoors and transplanted after about six to eight weeks.
The giant blooms consist of tiny flowers called florets. The plants generally grow to be about 3 feet tall.
These flowers bloom in a wide array of colors which include:
- Yellow
- Lavender
- Pink
- Purple
- Red
- Bronze
- Orange
- White
Annuals get planted each year
Using annual flowers in your landscaping theme is your second option. And, for those who love to garden, the planting experience involved with incorporating annuals into the landscaping design is considered therapeutic—albeit, hard work in some cases. While there are many annuals that will thrive in Florida during the fall months, some add the pop of fall color that you may be looking for.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are actually in the perennial category, however, they are very short-lived so most consider them when looking for annual flowers to incorporate into the landscaping theme. The name is derived from the shape of the individual flower heads because they resemble the snout of a dragon. The flowers open and close in a snapping motion when pollinators try to invade. As a result, pollinating is often left to bumblebees because honeybees are too small to open the flower’s “jaws.”
Snapdragons grow to be anywhere from a few inches tall to about 4 feet. Colors come in hues of white, yellow, pink, red, orange, and purple.
Petunias
Petunias pack a powerful punch in the eye candy department. These spunky plants grow from spring through fall and love direct sunlight. They thrive when receiving between six to eight hours a day. The plants reach heights of about 12 inches and provide an abundance of color. Shades of blue, pink, purple, red, yellow, and white dot foliage of either green or a blueish color that captures the eye.
Petunias are deer-resistant and provide solid ground cover. They attract a variety of birds, have a lovely aroma, and are considered very low maintenance.
Pansies
Whether in the ground or in planters, it’s okay to plant pansies in the fall. They’re the perfect choice for beginning gardeners because they are hearty and bloom all season long. Color combinations provide striking fall color scheme choices. Moreover, they are virtually pest-free—with the exception of slugs. You can purchase traps or bait to deal with those slimy creatures though.
Plant your pansies in a spot that receives full morning sun, but shades them from the harsher afternoon rays. It takes 10-12 weeks from seed to plant, but they are plentiful in home improvement stores and nurseries.
Pansies have one of the widest ranges of colors of any annual plant including:
- Red
- Purple
- Blue
- Bronze
- Pink
- Black
- Yellow
- White
- Orange
- Apricot
- Lavender
- Mahogany
Flowers may be of a solid color or a mix of two or, even, three. The plants grow to not more than nine inches.
Create a collage of color
Fall is knocking at the door. Set the stage by adding plants to your landscape that allow you to utilize vibrant fall colors. Deep dark reds, oranges, and browns appeal to many people, thereby, creating a sense of peacefulness. They make the perfect backdrop for autumn gatherings no matter what you’ve got going on.
Whether or not you decide to make changes to your landscaping this fall, another summer is in the books. We hope yours was the best!