When I first moved to Miami from the Midwest, I had to re-learn some of the gardening rules. Some of my favorite houseplants double as landscape shrubs. Some of my favorite annuals became perennials (I love having 365 days of coleus!). And I had to learn a different planting timetable. If you’re not sure how to celebrate spring in South Florida, here are five favorites. 

Cosmos

This was one of my favorite summer wildflowers. I love cosmos' lacy look and charming daisy-like flowers. Plus it’s fabulous for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to the yard. Here in South Florida, it’s not a fan of our summers, but it’s an ideal annual for early spring.

Geranium

One of my biggest gardening surprises was that geraniums (Pelargonium) fizzle out by summer. It was always such a stalwart summer performer. Now I enjoy its fuzzy foliage and beautiful blooms in late winter and spring, and replace it with more heat-loving plants in May. 

Marigold

While marigolds (Tagetes) aren’t necessarily one of my favorite flowers, I do appreciate their appeal. They’re easy to grow and have a cottage-garden appeal. Plus, the rusty-red, hot orange, and bold yellow colors add a zesty look to spring beds, borders, and container gardens. 

SunPatiens 

In South Florida, we can enjoy SunPatiens all year long, but they’re great for getting a lush look in spring. Unlike a lot of annuals, I find they’re actually a bit easier to grow in summer, when we have more frequent rains. If you don’t mind watering, SunPatiens are a surefire way to add a lot of color to your outdoor spaces.

Zinnia

Zinnias are a natural combination to grow with cosmos. They both add cottage charm and attract a variety of pollinators to your yard. Zinnias typically last a little longer than cosmos, especially if you select award-winning All-America Selections like the Profusion series.  Get tips for making a butterfly garden.  Plan a perfect cottage garden!  Dig deeper with our South Florida Gardening Guide! 

Written by Justin Hancock