Florida Evergreen Shrubs

If you want a beautiful garden that looks good every month of the year, Florida evergreen shrubs are the perfect solution. These reliable plants provide the backbone for year-round garden color, even during our mild winters.

You don’t need a complicated plan. By choosing the right shrubs, you can have a landscape full of texture, blooms, and interest without constant replanting. This guide will help you pick the best ones for your specific yard and care for them properly.

This category includes a huge range of plants that keep their leaves all year. They offer more than just green foliage. Many produce stunning flowers, colorful berries, or uniquely shaped leaves. They add structure to your design and privacy to your space.

Top Picks for Reliable Color

Here are some of the best performers across the state. Consider your sun exposure and space before buying.

Ixora: A superstar for constant blooms. It loves full sun and offers clusters of red, pink, orange, or yellow flowers almost non-stop.
Croton: Grown for its wildly colorful leaves. You’ll see a mix of red, orange, yellow, and green on a single plant. It needs protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Simpson’s Stopper: A fantastic native choice. It has fragrant white flowers, attractive red berries that birds love, and pretty, peeling bark.
Ligustrum (Privet): A tough, fast-growing option often used for hedges. It has glossy green leaves and produces white flower spikes in spring.
Plumbago: This shrub spills over with sky-blue or white flowers. It’s very drought-tolerant once established and blooms heaviest in full sun.
Coontie (Zamia integrifolia): This isn’t a typical shrub but a Florida native cycad. Its palm-like, dark green fronds add excellent texture and it’s incredibly low-maintenance.

Planning Your Shrub Placement

Where you put your shrubs is just as important as which ones you choose. A little planning prevents headaches later.

Sun vs. Shade

Always match the plant to your light conditions. Check your yard at different times of day. Full sun means at least 6 hours of direct light. Partial sun or shade means dappled light or only morning sun.

Full Sun Lovers: Ixora, Plumbago, Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Silver Buttonwood.
Shade Tolerant: Florida Anise, Azalea, some varieties of Viburnum.

Considering Size at Maturity

This is a common mistake. That cute little shrub from the nursery can grow much wider and taller than the tag says. Planting too close to your house or walkway means constant pruning or removal later. Give them room to reach their natural size.

Planting and Care Steps

Doing it right from the start gives your shrubs a healthy head start. Follow these simple steps.

Dig the Hole: Make it two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. The top of the root ball should be slightly above the soil line.
Amend the Soil: Mix some compost with the native soil you removed. Florida sand drains too fast, and clay can hold to much water.
Place and Backfill: Set the shrub in the hole. Fill in around it with your soil mix, gently firming it to remove air pockets.
Water Deeply: Create a small berm around the base to hold water. Soak the area thoroughly to settle the soil.
Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch (like pine bark) around the plant. Keep it a few inches away from the main stem to prevent rot.

Maintenance for Health and Beauty

Evergreen doesn’t mean no-care. A little regular attention keeps them thriving.

Watering Wisely

Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep roots. New shrubs need more frequent water for the first few months. Once established, many are quite drought-tolerant. Always check the soil moisture before watering.

Pruning the Right Way

Prune to shape your shrubs or remove dead branches. The best time is usually after a flush of blooms has faded. Avoid shearing plants into tight shapes; it’s better to make selective cuts to maintain a natural form. This also allows light and air into the center of the plant.

Fertilizing Basics

Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for Florida landscapes. A good schedule is typically in early spring and again in late summer. Always follow the label instructions—more is not better and can harm the plant and our waterways.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with good care, problems can pop up. Here’s how to handle a few.

Yellow Leaves: Often a sign of to much water or poor drainage. Check your soil. It can also indicate a nutrient deficiency.
No Flowers: Usually due to insufficient sunlight. Over-fertilizing with a high-nitrogen fertilizer can also promote leaves at the expense of blooms.
Pests: Scale, aphids, and mites can be issues. Spray with a strong stream of water or use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap as a first treatment.

FAQ: Florida Evergreen Shrubs

What are the best low-maintenance evergreen shrubs for Florida?
Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Simpson’s Stopper, Coontie, and Ligustrum are all very tough and require minimal care once they are settled in.

Can I have flowering shrubs in the shade?
Yes! Azaleas, Florida Anise, and some varieties of Hydrangea can produce nice flowers in partial shade conditions.

How often should I water my newly planted shrubs?
For the first 4-8 weeks, water every other day or so, depending on rain. Then, you can gradually extend the time between waterings to encourage deep root growth.

What’s a good fast-growing evergreen for privacy?
Wax Myrtle, Clusia, and various Viburnum species grow relatively quickly and can form a dense, private screen. Just be sure you have the space for their mature size.

When is the best time to plant shrubs in Florida?
Fall is ideal. The cooler weather gives the roots time to establish without the stress of summer heat. Early spring is also a good second choice.

Adding these plants to your landscape creates a framework that always looks good. You can then add seasonal flowers for extra pops of color. With the right selections and simple care, your garden will be a source of joy throughout the entire year.