Florida has a number of Phlox species, almost all found in forested settings. The common roadside species (Phlox drummondii) is not a Florida native (Texas) -- it is a North American native and not believed to be harmful to the ecology of Florida as it spreads almost exclusively in disturbed, sunny areas (old fields, roadsides). Phlox can be either annual or perennial depending on species. Most grow as annuals. We encourage you to use species found naturally in your area.  Some phlox are annuals; some are perennial. Wildflower garden, typically q shade garden.

Fragrant flowers and crushed foliage smells like limes. Dioecious: male and female flowers are on separate plants. Hedge, buffer or screen plant where its thorns will be an asset. Foliage is aromatic.  This author has one growing as a specimen plant and loves its shape and the shiny green rather lacey foliage.

Invasive in many parts of the world.  It is either a blessing or a pest in Florida depending on where it is. Good addition to a freedom lawn.

In a wildflower garden or meadow, because it's noticeable only when flowering.

Specimen plant, thicket, or natural background plantings.

Weeping branches. Specimen tree, hedge, or screen.

Lacy specimen plant in wet settings. Useful in fern gardens or beside a shady water feature. Useful around drainage ponds.

Wildflower garden.

Plant in moist to wet areas where it can be grown in large clumps.

Wildflower garden especially in sunny moist areas.

Grow as an emergent along pond or lake edges or in aquatic gardens.

While this tree has a limited native distribution in Florida, it also occurs as far west as Texas in similar types of settings. Shade tree. Can be used as a street tree. Yellow fall color.

In nature, this grows in habitats with frequent fire.  In the garden, it will grow best if you remove built-up thatch (or burn it once every few years if you can). Bunching grass in a wildflower garden. Border of walkways. This is a low plant, so best used near the front of a group planting.

Shade tree. It is known for its smooth light gray bark. Its leaves turn yellow and then light brown remaining on the tree until nearly spring and providing interest to the winter landscape. If you are privileged to have this tree in the landscape, retain and protect it.

Salt water is not required. This species is cold sensitive near the northern ends of its range and may die back during extreme freezes. Mangroves are protected and you may not trim or remove them. See this Florida DEP web page for the latest information: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/central/Home/SLERP/Mangroves/mangroves.htm Very good for coastal stabilization. Can act as a specimen plant in coastal areas. This tree is noted for its prop roots.

It's paint-chip white and brown-green bark provides winter interest. The natural range is from  north Florida into southern Canada.  This species has been planted well south of its range and is occasionally collected from places (such as the median of I-75, near old homesites,  and near mine reclaimation areas) where it likely got there due to man's activities.  It has also been widely planted in mined areas. Frequently used as a yard tree or as a shade tree in parks. Best used where its large size won't overwhelm the surroundings.

Wildflower in moist garden, edge of water garden, understory plant in wet woods or stream edges

Foliage when crushed smells like citrus. This small tree has an elegant appearance that makes it suited to use as a specimen plant. The glossy evergreen foliage makes this small tree also make it effective as a screen or barrier plant.

Pitchers (leaves) are mostly green with red coloration near the upper parts. Bog gardens.

The blue tubular flower opens into 5 petal-like lobes with a white center. Several blossoms grow in a loose cluster. Narrow seed pods and dark yellow fall color make this an attractive garden plant. Wildflower garden. Blooms late spring. Fall foliage color is orange-yellow.

This is a Florida endemic listed by the USFWS and the State of Florida as Endangered.  Please acquire only from reputable sources that have the proper permits. Groundcover in dry coastal settings.