Native plants are gaining momentum in Florida as more gardeners embrace wildlife-friendly landscaping. With the help of Garden for Wildlife®, Florida gardeners have added more than 52,000 square feet of native habitat and 1,000+ wildlife gardens since 2021! Our Florida customers have purchased and planted over 4,180 native plants in 2024, restoring crucial habitat for pollinators and wildlife, and replacing water-intensive lawns with low-maintenance alternatives.
If you're looking to join the movement and enhance your garden's biodiversity, here are the top five native plants to consider for your Florida landscape in 2024:
1. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Swamp milkweed is a must-have for attracting monarch butterflies. This species is a host plant for monarch caterpillars and also provides nectar for adult butterflies.
As the monarch population continues to face challenges due to habitat loss, planting milkweed can help support these iconic pollinators throughout their lifecycle. Additionally, its striking pink flowers add beauty to your garden while requiring minimal maintenance once established.
Swamp milkweed has been rising in popularity and dethroned orange butterfly milkweed this year as the best-selling milkweed plant in Florida.
2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Known for its vibrant red blooms, cardinal flower is a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a fantastic choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Its preference for moist, shady areas makes it an excellent addition to rain gardens or along pond edges. The dramatic, tall spikes of red flowers bring an eye-catching pop of color while providing essential nectar to pollinators.
Cardinal flower is beloved by gardeners and pollinators alike and it's consistently one of our best-sellers. Add a pop of color to your garden with this fan-favorite!
3. Snowy Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica)
Snowy milkweed, with its white flowers, is another valuable monarch host plant that is ideal for rain gardens and partly-shaded moist environments.
Not to be confused with tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), which is a non-native species known for potential risks of monarch parasite build-up, snowy milkweed is one of the native milkweed species that Florida gardeners should prioritize.
Snowy milkweed will enhance your garden's biodiversity, but it will also support the health of monarch populations as they migrate through Florida.
4. Orange Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
This bright orange beauty is a pollinator powerhouse, drawing in butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. orange butterfly milkweed, also known as "butterfly weed," is drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained, sunny spots. It's a great option for adding both visual interest and ecological value to your garden, helping to create habitat for Florida's pollinators.
Orange butterfly milkweed features clusters of vibrant yellow to bright orange flowers, providing a splash of color that attracts monarchs, queen butterflies, and a host of other pollinators. With its compact, shrub-like structure, it's perfect for urban or suburban yards and even large containers.
Nationwide, orange butterfly milkweed is our best-selling native plant with nearly 16,000 plants sold individually and as part of curated collections in 2024.
5. Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)
Scarlet sage is a versatile native plant, offering brilliant red blooms that attract both hummingbirds and bees. Hummingbirds love the red tubular flowers of his showy southern native and will be zinging through your garden with delight!
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and grows well in various soil types, making it an adaptable choice for Florida gardens. As a perennial, scarlet sage will come back year after year, providing continuous support for local wildlife.
Why Native Plants Matter
Florida’s native plants are adapted to the region’s climate and soil, making them a more sustainable choice for gardening. They help conserve water, eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers, and provide essential food and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. By planting native species, you not only create a vibrant, low-maintenance garden but also support Florida’s delicate ecosystems.
Join the Native Plant Movement
Join the growing movement of Florida gardeners who are making a difference by incorporating these native plants into your garden. Planting native means you're part of a large-scale community effort to strengthen wildlife populations, enhance local biodiversity, and beautify your surroundings. Visit the Garden for Wildlife website to shop native plants by zip code and start building your own wildlife-friendly habitat.
Ready to take the next step? Explore the full range of native plant collections for your region and start planting today!