South Florida Flowering Trees
- The flowering Southern magnolia grows well in South Florida.magnolia image by Grigoriev Vitalii from Fotolia.com
A variety of flowering trees can be found growing wild in the hot, humid conditions of southern Florida. The climate allows some trees to flower throughout much of the year, making them popular choices for the home garden. In addition to providing year-round interest, these native flowering trees have adapted to the climate and require minimal maintenance. - Southern magnolia, or Magnolia grandiflora, grows wild across much of the southern United States, reaching 60 to 100 feet tall and up to 40 feet wide. Fragrant white flowers, 10 inches wide, bloom from spring through fall. The leathery leaves grow between 4 and 8 inches long. Plant this magnolia in acidic soil and full sun. It tolerates drought and salt spray in coastal areas.
- The bushy evergreen Acacia farnesiana only grows 10 to 12 feet tall. Commonly known as sweet acacia, it has thorny branches and feathery foliage. Fragrant, yellow flowers bloom year-round. It tolerates dry, poor soil but grows best if planted in well-drained soil. Choose a location in full sun for sweet acacia.
- The slow-growing tree known as lignum vitae is native to the Florida Keys, where it often grows in rocky soils along the coast. Lignum vitae, also known as Guaiacum sanctum, reaches up to 20 feet tall. Blue-violet flowers with five petals bloom in the spring and fall. Seed pods form and split open, showing off the red seeds inside. It tolerates drought and poor soil, but will grow faster if provided with water and nutrient-rich soil. Plant lignum vitae in full sun.
- Cordia sebestena, commonly known as geiger tree, reaches heights of 20 to 25 feet. This evergreen, oval-shaped tree grows native in the dry, sandy soils of the Florida Keys. Clusters of orange-red flowers appear amongst the dark green, fuzzy leaves several times per year. Geiger tree performs best when provided with occasional water and well-drained soil but will tolerate drought.
- The white, fragrant flowers of Gordonia lasianthus bloom from mid-summer to mid-spring. Commonly known as loblolly bay, this evergreen tree grows up to 40 feet tall. It features shiny, oval-shaped leaves. Although loblolly bay grows wild in bogs of the southeastern United States, it prefers good drainage in cultivation. Plant loblolly bay in full sun or light shade and water regularly. It grows best when planted in the northern part of south Florida.
- Native to the United States and Guatemala, Tecoma stans, or yellow alder, quickly grows to heights of 10 to 20 feet. It tends to grow shrubby and may require training. Throughout the year, it blooms with clusters of yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. Yellow alder prefers hot temperatures and tolerates drought but benefits from occasional watering.
