The Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) announced the Florida Garden Select Plants for 2012. A jury of growers, horticulturists, retailers, landscape professionals and University of Florida faculty members select these plants each year, which are deemed superior for Florida’s environment. Note that some of the plants are listed for zones south of our area. Okaloosa County is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8.
Beach Sunflower, Helianthus debilis, is a native groundcover that grows in Hardiness zones 8-11. It’s best used in coastal landscapes. It’s drought- and salt-tolerant and thrives in full sun. This spreading perennial produces small yellow sunflower-like blooms much of the year. Here in North Florida, the plants usually die back in winter and regrow in spring.
Drift Series Rose, Rosa x ‘Drift’ series, will grow in Hardiness zones 5-10. This miniature shrub rose grows 18-20 inches in height with a 2-3 foot spread. Used as a groundcover or in containers, this series is disease- and drought-tolerant and produces small flowers repeatedly.
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