Florida has a great wealth of native plant material ranging from tropical to temperate species, but many gardens tend to be comprised largely of exotic, non-native species.
It might pay to learn more about native plant options for the success and ease of maintenance they will impart in the landscape.
Native plants have become adapted to local conditions over thousands of years. These adapted plants are able to survive and even thrive with the soil, climate and pest pressures present in their area.
Native plants do best when located in an environment that mirrors the ecosystem to which they are adapted. Just because the term ‘native’ is applied to a plant does not mean it will thrive or even survive in every location in the home landscapes.
Always match the plant with the conditions in the landscape. The rule of thumb “Right Plant; Right Place!” is key.
Native plants such as this Southern pinxter azalea (Rhododendron canescens) add beauty and color to the Florida landscape. They also support a wide assortment of pollinators which are a critical linchpin in the environment.
An important feature of native plants is they are adapted to the average rainfall occurring in an area or region. Many have adapted by developing deeper or more extensive root systems which are very efficient in taking in water.
This will reduce the water bill and help preserve the yard if water restrictions are put in place.
Native plants are considered water-use efficient because they are accustomed to the region’s precipitation patterns. They survive on the area’s typical rainfall.
This does not mean they will not need occasional applications of water. Droughts and periods of unusually low rainfall can necessitate the use of supplemental irrigation.
Another feature is native plants are adapted to a region’s soil and the levels of essential plant nutrients the soil contains. In practical terms, this means less fertilizer will have to be applied to the plants and, importantly, less money will be spent.
It also means that by applying less fertilizer, there will be a reduced chance of fertilizer runoff contaminating surface water like lakes and rivers and less fertilizer making its way into the groundwater.
In recent years Floridians have become increasingly aware of the environmental damage done by the indiscriminate overuse of fertilizers. Today, the state requires all commercial applicators of fertilizers to have a certificate issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
This Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) certificate is acquired by attending a program run by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF-IFAS). Classes are available throughout the state.
Unfortunately, the soil in many urban gardens has been altered. Topsoil is often removed during construction and is replaced by fill dirt brought in from other locations.
It is in a gardener’s best interest to have the garden soil tested. An informed gardener is likely to be a good gardener.
Native plants typically show a high degree of resistance to pests and diseases. Constant exposure and contact to these organisms removed the weak.
Reduced pest pressures can reduce or even eliminate the use of pesticides, thereby reducing the potential negative impact on the environment. This is beneficial to local wildlife and beneficial insect populations.
A healthy ecosystem is dependent on pollinators and beneficial insects.
Unfortunately, Florida is host to numerous exotic, non-native pests, with more being introduced into the state. Florida’s native plants often do not have immunity or resistance to these new pests.
In addition, insects and pathogens such as fungi, bacteria and viruses are constantly changing. They are developing new ways to attack plants.
Just because native plants are currently resistant to a pest does not mean they will stay that way in the future.
Native plants attract wildlife by providing diverse food sources including nuts, fruits, seeds and habitats. Many gardeners express the desire for wildlife in their gardens.
Native plants provide the right conditions to promote and support healthy wildlife habitats. Flowering native plants also will support local pollinators, so the entire ecosystem will benefit.
The use of native plants in a landscape saves time, effort and money and protects the environment. By promoting biodiversity, the use of native plants in the landscape helps preserve Florida’s unique ecosystems and leaves a beneficial legacy for future generations.
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