Florida landscaping plants that will channel your inner florist.

Abigail Kemp, Purchasing Coordinator at ArtisTree Landscape, offers a list of florist-worthy Florida plants.

Florida landscaping plants rival almost any flower you can find at a local florist. Even better, you can bypass expensive order and delivery fees by simply grabbing some scissors and strolling through your own yard. Abigail Kemp, Purchasing Coordinator at ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design, uses her past floral-design experience to share tips on creating your very own cut-flower arrangements using Florida landscaping plants. Her first piece of advice? Select whatever pleases you and keep it simple.

“A lot of people think they have to stick with one kind of flower and then cut a bunch of it to fill a big vase,” says Abigail. “Instead, you can clip a nice variety of different plants for a beautiful effect, plus it won’t alter your landscape’s appearance in any noticeable way. It’s not like you’re creating large, ornate arrangements for a wedding reception. Just do what feels good to you.”

Abigail answers three questions from aspiring “florists” who live in Florida residential communities graced with beautifully landscaped yards.

Which Florida landscaping plants work best in a floral arrangement?

There will be some plant cuttings that just won’t last long in a vase, like Hibiscus, Plumeria and Mandevilla vine. But the trick is setting your expectations and knowing they’ll at least add color to your dinner table for an evening meal or dress up your kitchen counter as the coffeemaker’s brewing. Putting together an arrangement on Monday for a Friday-night gathering is iffy and something best done the day of the event. Trial and error works best. You’ll know soon enough how to identify those fast wilters! Some are fast shedders, too – like Foxtail Fern and certain fountain grasses. Be prepared to clean up a little mess if your heart is set on them.

Florida landscaping plants
This simple floral arrangement is created with Liriope, Thyrallis, Plumeria and Firebush.

What do homeowners overlook when selecting flowers?

The fact that it doesn’t have to be just flowers. You can add wonderful greenery to your arrangement by snipping variegated vines, fern fronds, Monstera leaves or a couple of evergreen sprigs plucked off a Southern Red Cedar.  A  single stem of Gold Mound Duranta or a variegated Shell Ginger leaf will add instant brightness. And don’t overlook your flowering shrubs. Sunny Thyrallis, neon-colored Firebush and blue Plumbago are all nice choices as long as you’re aware they have somewhat of a short shelf life. Still, if you’re looking for something to perk up your home for the weekend, they’ll work fine. Just look around and use your imagination.

Florida landscaping plants
Straight from the garden: Cut Bird of Paradise steals the show in this sleek, modern living area.

What about vases?

No rules here! Almost anything that holds water will work. A martini glass for a single fragrant gardenia blossom. A crystal candy dish for bougainvillea bracts. A tall, elegant pitcher for tropical Bird of Paradise. A shot glass to hold one perfect flower. You can even float fallen orchid blooms in a shallow saucer to enjoy them a bit longer.

Florida landscaping plants
Bougainvillea bracts nestled in a candy dish are placed on a kitchen window sill.

If you’re looking for instant loveliness without placing a costly order with a florist, go out in your yard any time of the year and have some fun with your Florida landscaping plants. Let your creativity bloom! Have a bland landscape and can’t get inspired? Contact ArtisTree and let’s bring your vision to life.

ArtisTree HOA landscape maintenance

To get your landscape renovation started now, browse ArtisTree’s portfolio and then call Jenni Lassen at 941.488.8897, ext. 312, to meet with one of our award-winning designers. We proudly serve Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.

ArtisTree also provides complete landscape maintenance services for HOA communities throughout Southwest Florida. Contact Michael Casper at 941.488.8897, ext. 321, for your custom proposal.  

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