Fall Colors in Florida
When fall arrives in central Florida its time to add color to your landscape. With sunny, cooler weather it is time to get out in the yard and finish end of the year details like trimming, fertilizing, and planting flowers, both annuals (living only one season) and perennials (living for several seasons). My favorite time to plant is the first of November since the heat is gone and the holidays are right around the corner.
There are many annuals to choose from: sweet alyssum, geranium, pansy, begonia, petunia, snap dragon and salvia. These are the more popular annuals. Popular perennials include crown of thorns, penta, lantana and blue daze. Personally, I prefer perennials in the summer months and annuals in the winter. Annuals are generally planted from October thru May so take advantage of them during these months. Impatiens are also very popular in Florida. The two varieties we grow in Florida are Sunpatiens and New Guinea.
Before selecting your favorite flowers keep a few things in mind. First, what colors do I want to use and how do I want to use them in the overall design in the landscape? Colors are grouped into two groups: the cooler lighter colors, white, pink and blue, and the warner and more vivid colors, red, purple and orange.
Layer your flowers with a shorter flower in front, like sweet alyssum, and a taller plant in back, like geranium. This layering effect can be very dramatic.
Second, the area should be prepped with a light fertilizer and good potting soil. The ground may need to be loosened as well. A granular fertilizer can also be used every eight weeks to keep the flowers looking their best. I typically will mulch before planting if using smaller flowers since mulching after is difficult. Be sure to space the flowers correctly and do not be afraid to use a lot of plants.
Next, remember to use the right flowers in the right place. Is the area wet or dry? Are the flowers in full sun or shade or somewhere in between? Each type of flower has a preference.
If you follow these few steps, you’ll enjoy many months of beautiful flowers from fall and beyond.
