Gardening in Central and Southwest Florida can be incredibly rewarding when choosing the right plants. With intense heat, high humidity and sandy soils, many common garden plants suitable for other regions struggle to survive. Fortunately, there are plenty of heat-tolerant plants that not only survive but thrive in Florida’s tropical and subtropical climate. Whether you’re planning a colorful flower bed, a low-maintenance landscape or an edible garden, selecting the right full sun plants for Florida makes all the difference.
Colorful Flowering Plants That Love Florida’s Heat
You’ll definitely want to add some color to your landscaping and flower beds! Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), a vibrant tropical shrub flourishes in Florida’s sunny climate and offers near continuous blooms throughout the year. These tropical shrubs produce large, colorful blooms, especially in full sun. Hibiscus plants prefer well-drained soil, regular watering and are ideal for adding a burst of tropical vibes to your yard. Another standout is Bougainvillea, a drought-tolerant flowering vine or shrub that offers brilliant color in hot, dry conditions. It’s perfect for fences, walls, or container gardens and truly thrives in Florida’s intense sun.
For native plant lovers, Firebush (Hamelia patens) is a must-have. This Florida native produces orange-red tubular flowers that attract pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies. And Firebush thrives under Florida’s harshest conditions, tolerating both drought conditionals and poor soils.
Other options include Lantana (Lantana camara), Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) and Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.), all sure to offer beautiful color to your gardens and landscaping.
Foliage Plants for Hot, Humid Conditions
If you’re looking to add visual interest with foliage, consider the bold and colorful Croton (Codiaeum variegatum). This plant loves heat and sunlight, and its brightly variegated leaves add long-lasting color to any garden. Crotons do best in full sun to partial shade and require consistently moist soil. Importantly, there are multiple varieties available, each offering its own color show. Another excellent heat-tolerant foliage plant is Coontie (Zamia integrifolia), a native cycad that thrives in sandy, dry soil and hot conditions. Coontie is a great choice for xeriscapes (i.e., limited irrigation landscapes) and is also a host plant for the endangered Atala Butterfly, making it both beautiful and ecologically beneficial.
You may also consider Cordyline (Ti Plant), Silver Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens), Philodendron Xanadu and Alocasia (Elephant Ear) for beautiful foliage.
Edible Plants That Thrive in Florida’s Heat
If you’re interested in growing food in your Florida garden, there are several heat-loving vegetables that perform especially well in Central and Southwest Florida. Okra is a classic Southern crop that grows quickly in hot weather and produces tender pods throughout the summer. It needs full sun and rich, well-drained soil to produce at its best.
Another excellent choice is the sweet potato, which loves hot soil and spreads easily as a ground cover. Sweet potatoes not only produce nutritious underground tubers but also serve as attractive ground cover, thanks to their dense, fast-growing vines. Finally, many hot pepper varieties — such as cayenne, jalapeño, and habanero — flourish in Florida’s full sun and humid conditions. These peppers are easy to grow, relatively pest-resistant, and highly productive in the heat.
And don’t forget the Herbs! Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and Garlic Chives (Allimum tuberosum) are just a few suitable for our area.
Low-Maintenance Landscaping Plants for Full Sun
If you’re focused on low-maintenance landscaping, there are several drought-tolerant plants for Florida that handle full sun and sandy soil with ease. Agave is a sculptural, water-wise plant that’s ideal for rock gardens and xeriscapes. It requires excellent drainage and full sun to thrive but requires little care once established.
Another option — and a local favorite — is Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), a native ornamental grass that produces stunning pink-purple plumes in the fall. Muhly grass adds visual drama to landscapes with its feathery plumes, requiring minimal maintenance even in dry Florida soils. It’s also a great option for homeowners looking to incorporate native plants into their Florida-Friendly landscape design.
Sunshine Mimosa (Mimoas strigillosa) and Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis) are equally attractive alternatives as well.
Gardening Tips for Success in Hot Florida Climates
To grow a successful garden in Central and Southwest Florida, proper care is just as important as plant selection. Always group plants by similar water and light requirements and apply 2-3” of mulch to help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation, and choose Florida native plants or well-adapted tropical species for long-term success. Regular pruning and soil amendments can also help keep your garden thriving through Florida’s hottest months.
Final Thoughts on Heat-Tolerant Plants for Florida Gardens
Choosing the right heat-tolerant plants for Central and Southwest Florida can turn your garden into a lush, vibrant and low-maintenance outdoor space. From blooming Hibiscus and native Firebush to practical edibles like Sweet Potatoes and Okra, these plants are perfectly suited to Florida’s climate. Whether you’re landscaping a sunny backyard, starting a pollinator garden, or growing vegetables in raised beds, embracing the heat with the right plant choices will help your Florida garden flourish year-round.