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john_gitlin76

Looking for Plant Recommendations in Zone 9.

5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

I am looking for recommendations for a low shrub or tall groundcover that I can plant around 2 white and 2 orange birds of paradise that are located along the North fence line of my back yard. The area is about 20' wide and gets filtered sunlight under canopy of live oaks for zone 9 in Neptune Beach, Florida. There is also a large split leaf philodendron to the left / west of the area. It is right behind my recently installed raised garden beds as well, so being attractive to pollinators would be a big plus.

I need to leave some room for a mulch buffer so I can work the beds as well, so have about 5-6' to work with.

The agaves to the right / east will go eventually, just haven't found another home for them yet.

here are some photos of the area, the St. Augustine grass is beat up from building the beds but it will come back:





Comments (11)

  • 5 years ago

    The gravel paths around the new raised beds look too narrow and are not likely to be comfortable to walk and work on. Give them a test run before you settle on the lawn and groundcover edges.

    Blue Daze, Evolvulus glomeratus is a low blooming groundcover that might suit your needs.

    John Gitlin thanked Christopher CNC
  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Cuphea hyssopifolia.


    John Gitlin thanked four (9B near 9A)
  • 5 years ago

    @ Christopher - I think you are right, although I am in denial as it was a lot of work to get the edging and river rock in place and I'm not looking forward to moving it! I think I probably need to come out another foot on the long sides. I learned some lessons on the first go round so it will be easier this time.


    I have some Blue Daze elsewhere on my property, that is a good call.

  • 5 years ago

    Your garden is beautiful. Are you following the Square Foot Gardening plan?

    I recommend visiting a native plant nursery, The owner will likely be able to give you recommendations on specific plants.

    John Gitlin thanked sonni1
  • 5 years ago

    I am attempting square foot gardening, first go at it so we'll see how it goes.

  • 5 years ago

    In ten years, those BOPs are going to be pushing that fence down and you'll need a back hoe to dig them out. I'd move them at least 4 feet away from the fence. Seriously, they get HUGE and have massive, hard to dig root balls.

    John Gitlin thanked dirtygardener
  • 5 years ago

    I was planning to keep the BOP's trimmed to manage the size of the clump but I'm not married to them being in that spot if that is not realistic and would love to hear some alternative suggestions.


    I'd like to plant something along the fence that will grow 8-10' tall to cover the fence and give some visual interest and privacy. The area is pretty shady and the sun that it does get is filtered through some oak trees and the palm that you can see. I have Podocarpus along the back fence line of my property and would like to do something different. In front of that, I'd like a shorter shrub form that will add color and attract pollinators (milkweed? ironweed? black eyed susan?) and perhaps some groundcover, like Mondo Grass, as a front border to the space if I have room.

  • 5 years ago

    I don't think there is an easy answer to your question. It's likely that anything growing 8 - 10 ft tall will also be too wide for that space. It is very easy to underestimate how large a plant will grow here in Florida. If that spot is shady, will your veggies get enough sunlight? The wildflowers may be a good idea. The non native milkweed will likely grow well, but it reseeds everywhere. Blackeyed Susan and the native gaillardia as well as coreopsis put on a nice display. they too will likely reseed into the garden but less so. The non native gaillardia gets so big it falls over and gets quite messy.Maybe consider Elliot's love grass rather than the mondo? perhaps native lantana , marlberry , cassia?

    John Gitlin thanked sonni1
  • 5 years ago

    It does look shady in the photo. Are you going for a tropical look? Do you want color? What about shrimp plant? Floridata.com says it can take partial shade:

    https://floridata.com/plant/1208

    https://floridata.com/plant/13

    Brazilian plume has pretty flowers & tolerates shade:

    https://floridata.com/plant/190

  • 5 years ago

    @sonni1


    Thanks for your feedback! It is shady, although does get a couple hours of afternoon sun(at least at this time of year). I'm focusing on mostly shade tolerant plants like leafy greens and herbs in the raised beds. Over time, I am sure that I will find things that work and it is a fun activity to do with my 2 daughters.


    I will research the recommendations.


    @carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10 - Thanks for your feedback! I would love a tropical look. I have a giant split leaf philodendron, a loquat and a couple of tall cabbage palms in the corner of my yard next to this space so it would flow logically. I will check out the plants you recommended ASAP.