What to Plant and Grow in Tampa Bay in Fall
An example of typical tropical landscaping in Tampa Bay
By Tampa Bay Living Magazine staff
As summer's vibrant colors fade away, gardeners in Tampa Bay eagerly await fall. This season provides the ideal opportunity to revitalize your garden and add natural beauty to your surroundings. By selecting the right plants and shrubs, you can create a stunning landscape that thrives in Tampa Bay's unique climate.
Firebush (Hamelia patens):
With its striking red-orange tubular flowers, the Firebush is a show-stopper in the fall. This native Florida plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, adding life to your garden. Firebush thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for experienced and novice gardeners.
Firebush (Hamelia patens)
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana):
Beautyberry is a gem in the fall garden. Known for its vibrant purple berries, this shrub adds color to any landscape. Not only are these berries aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve as a valuable food source for birds during the cooler months. With its low-maintenance nature and adaptability to various soil types, Beautyberry is an excellent addition to your Tampa Bay garden.
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris):
For those seeking texture and movement in their garden, Muhly Grass is an ideal choice. This ornamental grass showcases stunning pink plumes during the fall, creating a soft and airy ambiance. Whether planted in containers or as borders, Muhly Grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a versatile option for Tampa Bay gardens.
Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
Simpson's Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans):
Simpson's Stopper is a native evergreen shrub that flourishes in the fall. With its glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers, it adds elegance to any garden. The red berries that follow the flowers are not only visually appealing but also serve as a food source for local wildlife. This drought-tolerant shrub is an ideal choice for Tampa Bay gardens and can withstand various soil conditions.
Simpson's Stopper (myrcianthes fragrans)
Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana):
The Queen Palm is a popular choice for Tampa Bay due to its ability to flourish in full sun and partial shade. With its majestic crown of feathery fronds and graceful appearance, it adds elegance and charm to any landscape. This palm is also known for its fast growth rate, making it an excellent choice for those looking to create an instant tropical oasis.
Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)
Pindo Palm (Butia capitata):
The Pindo Palm is highly recommended for Tampa Bay homeowners seeking a low-maintenance yet visually appealing palm tree. It is known for its ability to withstand a wide range of soil conditions and is resistant to pests and diseases. The Pindo Palm's blue-gray fronds and attractive clusters of orange fruits add a unique touch to your landscape, attracting birds and wildlife.
Pindo Palm (Butia capitata)