Your Monthly Grow-zine
May 2023
Things to do in the garden this month...
Plant summer annuals like the Impatiens pictured above. This is a newer cultivar - Imara Impatiens - that was developed to be resistant to the downy mildew that killed off all our Impatiens some years ago. Imara looks and grows just like the original Impatiens we loved for shady areas.
Need more ideas for summer annuals? See our Florida Annuals page.
Water once a week if no rain...or up it to twice a week if temps reach the 90's consistently. (Note: Some areas have regulations that forbid watering more than once a week - check local sources for your area's rules.)
Feed your plants. Many areas in Florida have a fertilizer blackout during summer months so feeding your plants now may be the last time you can do this till fall. Check with your local county extension office for regulations where you live.
Look for bugs. Seal cuttings in plastic bags and take to your local nursery for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Plants that should be used more
The typical shrubs, trees and palms in South Florida yards are attractive plants...yet there are some I believe get overlooked and should be planted more often.
Part of the problem is that these aren't staple items at nurseries and garden centers. Yet most can be ordered - or you can shop around to different nurseries to see what's out there (and stock items change from time to time, so several trips may be worthwhile).
Here are a few of my favorites:
Ming Aralia
Ming Aralia is so easy to grow - and each one is so unique in growth pattern.
Happiest in a partial shade area, Ming adds a lacy look to the garden.
Peperomia
Peperomia is a breeze to grow as a groundcover for well-drained, shady spots.
The variegated variety adds bright color and the all-green is a very handsome plant.
This is a slow grower that leans rather than spreads, so it's easy to keep contained.
It also works well as a potted plant for the lanai or patio, or in a bed in the pool cage.
Mother's Day
Is Mom a gardener? A gift certificate to a locally-owned nursery makes a great gift. Take her there to help shop for the perfect "present" - a plant or two, gloves and garden tools, a colorful pot. She'll enjoy spending time with you as much as the gift itself.
What's new at South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com
I've added this photo to the Plant Page on Triangle Palm.
These unusual, silvery palms are some of the best for low-maintenance.
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When shopping for crotons...
Look at the bottom leaves of the Croton variety you're thinking of buying.
We're often drawn to the bright colors of new growth on Crotons, but that's usually only decorating the plants in spring.
For most of the year a Croton will be the color overall of the base leaves. Make sure that's the look you really want before buying.
That being said, many Crotons "brighten up" once they're out of the garden center or nursery and into a good lighting situation.
One notable variety is Mammy Croton (pictured) which turns bright red overall in a full sun location. So bottom leaves may not tell the whole story.
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Want to learn more about South Florida planting, watering, fertilizing and dealing with weeds and pests?
See our Gardening How-To section for answers!
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