Summer Planting

            Hi everybody and welcome! If there were three words that could describe the summers in Florida it would be rain, sun and humidity. These conditions can make summer planting a real challenge and can really put a damper on your gardening for the summer months. There are, however, plants that will do well during the hot summer months and with only minimal care. If you want your planting to be as carefree as possible, it is probably wise to avoid planting a lot of annuals during this time of year. Many of your favorites such as petunia, impatiens, vinca and sometimes-even marigolds can be a real chore to maintain during our hottest months. You have more luck if you plant hardy varieties such as Firecracker plant, Panama rose, and Fire bush. Even Hibiscus will do well if you water it at least a couple times of week. Roses will also do well if you have them in well-drained soil and spray them regularly with Orthene or Orthenex for disease control and to control black spot. If you want a great and fast growing climbing vine for say an arbor or maybe a large trellis, try Brown-Eyed Susan or even Mandeville. The Brown-Eyed Susan is a super fast grower and will overtake your arbor in about a season of growing. Mine even survived two hurricanes and came back with flying colors. If you want some lower growing color, try lantana. This is just the tip of the iceberg for ideas on plants that will do well during the summer. Next we will talk a little about some of these varieties in a little more detail.

            One of my favorite plants to utilize during the hot summer months is the Firecracker bush. This fern-like plant grows in a weeping pattern. The branches initially start to grow upward but the weight of the branch soon makes it cascade in a weeping pattern. This feature makes the plant very unique. The plant will produce radiant clusters of bright red flowers that resemble firecrackers. The flowers are about one inch long and can really add a splash of color to your yard. You can also put these plants in hanging baskets. The plants do well in full sun or will even tolerate some partial shade. The plant likes a well-drained soil but also likes to be watered on a regular basis. The plant will require more water if planted in a container then if it is planted in the ground. The Firecracker plant can grow as tall as 3 feet but I have seen some older plants that have even been a bit larger. Cuttings can be easily propagated into new plants.

            Another interesting and colorful plant is a plant called Panama Rose. This plant produces vibrant reddish-pink flowers that grow in clusters that resemble a rose, hence the name. The plant is actually a tender plant that does well during the warm months but cannot tolerate cold temperatures during the winter months. The plant will attract butterflies and also produces a fragrant scent after the sun sets in the evening. The plant enjoys well-drained soil but does not like to be completely dry for long periods of time. You should put this plant where it well get some protection from the hot afternoon sun.

            Another tropical plant is a woody perennial called the Fire Bush. It is a fast growing plant with elliptic shaped leaves and produces a red flower that looks similar to the Firecracker plant. The plant can get quite large and grow up to 12 feet high. The plant is a great attractant for butterflies and humming birds and also produces small fruit clusters. The plant contains anti-bacterial chemicals and can be used topically to treat insect bites and stings. The plant will do well in sun or partial shade and needs well drained but moist soil. The plant can be used successfully as a hedge or as a colorful accent plant. It can be a great addition to your flower collection!

            That all for this weeks column, next week I will continue with more great planting ideas you can use during the hot summer months in Florida. See you then.