Summer Wildflowers for Central Florida Yards

Many homeowners in Central Florida turn to native wildflowers as an option for seasonal color in their landscapes. Summer-blooming wildflowers are colorful, eye-catching, and a great way to enhance your summer landscape. With proper selection and placement, summer wildflowers can thrive in your Central Florida yard.

Native wildflowers are well-adapted to the sandy soils, high humidity, and frequent rainfall associated with summers in central Florida. Many native species are drought-tolerant once established and require little maintenance, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Native wildflowers contribute to ecosystem health by supporting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while also offering habitat and food sources for beneficial insects and birds.

SELECTING THE RIGHT WILDFLOWER FOR THE RIGHT PLACE

When selecting wildflowers for your yard, it’s important to follow the right plant, right place principle of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™. This means selecting a plant based on the conditions of your landscape. Consider sun exposure, soil moisture, available space, and desired bloom times. Summerblooming varieties can fill in gaps left by spring flowers and provide color throughout the hottest months.

WILDFLOWERS FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA:

There are many native wildflowers that thrive in central Florida. Utilize local plant nurseries, plant lists, and the UF/ IFAS Extension Service for information on local plants. Here are a few that grow well in most central Florida yards:

• Coreopsis spp. (Tickseed): Florida’s state wildflower, Coreopsis, is a cheerful and prolific bloomer. Species like Coreopsis lanceolata and Coreopsis leavenworthii produce small, yellow, daisy-like flowers that attract butterflies and bees. They thrive in full sun and tolerate drought once established. These happy summer-bloomers will pop up and spread in the landscape.

• Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage): This wildflower produces bright red tubular flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds. Scarlet Sage can grow in both sun and partial shade and readily reseed, making them easy pass-along plants for friends interested in starting wildflowers in their own yards.

• Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan): With its yellow petals and dark centers, Black-eyed Susan offers a classic look. It does well in full sun and tolerates a range of soil conditions. For maximum impact, plant in masses.

• Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed): A native milkweed with vibrant orange flowers, this is the milkweed that we promote for anyone interested in attracting monarch butterflies to their yards. It is one of the most popular native milkweed species and is attractive to many types of pollinators.

ESTABLISHING WILDFLOWERS IN THE LANDSCAPE

Site preparation is key to the successful establishment of wildflowers—particularly if you are starting from seed. While some wildflowers can be started from transplants, many species are readily available as seed. Sow seeds for summer wildflowers in October or November for summer blooms.

Water new plantings regularly until established. After establishment, most native wildflowers will not need supplemental irrigation (in fact, some may not thrive with additional irrigation). Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides in or near wildflowers, as these can harm pollinators. If pest control is needed, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Service for management options.

MAINTENANCE AND LONG-TERM CARE

Once established, wildflowers require less maintenance. Occasional deadheading or trimming can encourage additional blooms and prevent aggressive reseeding by certain species. Mulch should be maintained at 2-3 inches in landscape beds, with mulch pulled away from the base of the plants. For a natural look, group wildflowers with other native perennials, ornamental grasses, and groundcovers. This layered approach mimics Florida’s native ecosystems and fosters greater habitat diversity. Additionally, you can just substitute any colorful perennial or annual plant for native wildflowers for a colorful impact in the landscape. With so many bloom colors and plant sizes, there are sure to be wildflowers to fit your landscape aesthetic.

For more information on summer wildflowers, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk. The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. If you are not in Polk County, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic..

To learn more about gardening and landscaping in central Florida, listen to the “Your Central Florida Yard” podcast. The June episode is all about summer wildflowers. Find more information here: centralfloridayard.substack.com.

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Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/ IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.ed