Florida Home Ownership

What are the best Florida-friendly plants for a Tampa Bay yard?

Answered by Brian S.

Top Florida-friendly plants for Tampa Bay include firebush (attracts butterflies and birds), Simpson's stopper (evergreen hedge), coontie (native cycad, larval host for atala butterfly), sea oats (for sandy areas), and muhly grass (stunning fall pink plumes). For color, porterweed, plumbago, and lantana are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. The University of Florida's IFAS Extension has a searchable database of Florida-friendly plants by zip code and sun exposure.

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With over 23 years of real estate experience, Barrett helps buyers and sellers across Valrico and the Tampa Bay area. Straight talk. Smart strategy.

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