Choosing Plants for Water Conservation
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Mulch beds with organic matter to suppress weeds and help retain moisture. Use drip irrigation when possible, and water early or late in the day particularly when using sprinklers or watering wands to minimize evaporation. more ideas on how to make your garden more water efficient, check out these water wise articles. Think of ways to cool off your yard. Plants are nature’s own air conditioner; areas under trees can be up to 20 degrees cooler than adjacent sunny spots.
Place a fountain, pool or small portable water feature near your patio for a cooling evaporation effect, and the soothing sound of moving water. Build an arbor and plant quick-growing vines at the base, or install a shade cloth.
How to Care for Flowers Throughout The Year
Florida’s warm, tropical-to-subtropical climate allows for year-round gardening—but knowing what your flowers need each season is key to keeping them vibrant and healthy. At Harris Garden Center, we’re all about helping you grow with confidence. Here’s a season-by-season guide to caring for your flowers, using Florida-friendly plants that thrive in our sunshine state.
Spring (March–May): Time to Bloom
Spring is Florida’s floral awakening! This is prime time for planting colorful annuals like impatiens, petunias, marigolds, and salvia. The soil begins to warm, and longer days mean faster growth.
Tips:
Water in the mornings to avoid fungal issues.
Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.
Mulch around new plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Local Picks: Caladiums, Coreopsis (Florida’s state wildflower), and hibiscus.
Summer (June–August): Beat the Heat
Florida summers are hot, humid, and intense. Not all flowers can handle the heat, so focus on heat-tolerant varieties like vinca, lantana, zinnias, and blue daze.
Tips:
Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong roots.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Watch for pests like aphids and spider mites—common in summer humidity.
Local Picks: Gaillardia (blanket flower), Pentas, and ornamental grasses for color and texture.
Fall (September–November): Second Spring
In Florida, fall often feels like a softer second spring. With cooler mornings and less intense sun, this is a great time to replant annuals and freshen up flower beds.
Tips:
Replace heat-stressed summer annuals with fresh fall flowers.
Add compost to recharge soil.
Continue regular watering and fertilizing as needed.
Local Picks: Chrysanthemums, snapdragons, pansies, and celosia.
Winter (December–February): Subtle and Strong
Winters in Central Florida are mild, but occasional cold snaps happen. Stick with cold-hardy flowers that enjoy the cooler air and shorter days.
Tips:
Cover sensitive plants during frost warnings.
Cut back dormant perennials to encourage fresh spring growth.
Water sparingly—plants use less water in winter.
Local Picks: Petunias, dusty miller, violas, and alyssum.
Dig local. Grow happy at Harris Garden Center
Year-Round Flower Care Tips from Harris Garden Center
Choose native and well-adapted plants for easier maintenance and stronger blooms.
Enrich your soil with organic matter regularly.
Keep an eye on rainfall—adjust watering based on seasonal conditions.
Visit us often! We rotate our flower inventory based on what’s in season and thriving locally.
At Harris Garden Center, we’re proud to be your local source for beautiful blooms, expert advice, and a little slice of botanical bliss in the heart of Orlando. Swing by anytime to browse our latest selection or chat with our team about what’s blooming best in your neighborhood.
“Plants love spring. It’s the start of the growing season and your plants will come alive, especially after a long winter.”
– Harris Garden Center
