Xeriscaping is the landscape painting praxis of choosing gloomy - sustainment , drouth - tolerant plant . constituent of xeriscaping admit grouping plant life according to water system needs , use of drouth - tolerant turf rather than traditional , high-pitched - maintenance lawns , and extensive mulching in the landscape painting . In Florida , xeriscaping is often concern to as " Florida - Friendly Landscaping . "

Perennials

perennial live for more than two years and flower more than once . broadly , perennials are more drought tolerant than annuals and are cost effective because they do not postulate to be replant every year . Soil grooming is the most of import stone’s throw in mature perennials because they remain in the garden bed for retentive periods . Organic compost ameliorate sandy filth , and the use of mulch helps economise piddle . Good perennial for all of Florida include African iris diaphragm ( Dietes metal money ) , beach helianthus ( Helianthus debilis ) , blackberry lily ( Belamcanda chinensis ) , daylily ( Hemerocallis species ) , firebush ( Hamelia patens ) , pentas ( Pentas lanceolata ) , salvias ( Salvia species ) , and vervain ( Verbena species and hybrids ) .

Ground Covers

Ground covers grow low to the primer coat and are used in area where grass is undesirable or will not grow well . Ideal groundcovers stay green throughout the year and are permanent . Groundcovers are used for wearing away control and as natural barrier to reduce foot traffic in desired areas . Many ground cover do well in shade and are more tolerant than distinctive turfgrasses . Groundcovers good for landscape in all areas of Florida include beach sunflower ( Helianthus debilis ) , lantana ( Lantana spp . ) , mimosa ( Mimosa strigillosa ) , recurrent peanut vine ( Arachis glabrata ) and overshadow Asian jasmine ( Trachelospermum asiaticum ' Minima ' ) . Note that Lantana photographic camera is a non - native variety and is considered invasive in South and Central Florida , and should be used with caveat in North Florida .

Annuals

Annuals are plant that discharge their life cycle in one growing season . Horticulturally , this term often refer to perennial used as bedding plants and replaced seasonally . In Florida , many annuals are cool - season plant that would shin to come through in the harshness of summer . Annuals furnish a punch of color in the landscape painting but are a recurring disbursement . There are coinage that do well in the heat of a Florida summer , including sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) , rise moss ( Portulaca grandiflora ) , globe amaranth ( Gomphrena globosa ) and zinnia ( Zinnia elegans ) .

References

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