Salt & Soil Blog

Landscaping Around a Pool in Florida: Everything You Need to Know

Josephine Christian Dellinger — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:16:35 GMT

You stare at your inground pool in your lovely (albeit plainly landscaped) backyard and see a world of possibilities. Will you create a lush tropical Florida retreat? Do you envision a clean, modern landscape design? What will you do for shade? Will you add flower beds? Palm trees? Colorful containers?

There are undoubtedly thousands of questions zinging around your head, and we can’t blame you. Designing a landscape around a pool opens the door to countless possibilities for creating an outdoor space that feels personal, inviting, and enjoyable year-round.

But there’s more to pool landscaping than just looks. Functionality matters just as much as beauty. You'll need to balance aesthetics with practical considerations like privacy, drainage, safety, maintenance, and comfort.

There are plenty of factors to consider when landscaping around your pool. If it feels overwhelming, don’t worry. We’re here to share pool landscaping ideas and practical guidance to help Tampa Bay homeowners create beautiful outdoor spaces that are designed for real life and Florida living.

Check out our pool landscaping guide below that’s packed with tips, tricks, advice, and pool landscaping ideas for Florida.

Start With a Landscape Theme

It’s the first step, but it’s the hardest part. Deciding on what kind of pool landscape you want – what sort of theme, what kind of feeling, etc. – is going to be the ultimate first decision to set you off on your pool landscaping expedition. Ask yourself what you value. Do you want a tropical, lush paradise you can escape to? Do you want to focus on a private, Zen area that’s just for you? Or do you want an open, welcoming environment that’s perfect for hosting family and friends?

Remember that landscaping isn’t just about the plants, flora, and fauna you plan to incorporate – you’ll need to consider lighting, privacy, safety, drainage, soil, maintenance, and of course, the overall aesthetic. We suggest deciding on exactly what kind of vibe you want your pool to give off before you dive into buying all the separate pieces. Do your research, gather inspiration, and start thinking about how you want your outdoor space to look, feel, and function around your pool.

Choose the Best Plants to Put Around your Pool

This is, without question, the best part of designing your pool’s landscape. This is the part where you get to pick the lush plants, gorgeous blooms, and colorful fauna that you’ve been dreaming of! There are endless options when it comes to the types of plants you can implement in your pool landscape in Florida, but before you dive into the creative part, let’s talk function first.

It’s important that the plants you’re going to use in your landscape design aren’t going to make your life (or maintenance routine) too much harder. Consider how safe the plants are near your pool – will they fall? Topple into the pool while you’re in there? Be a hazard for your family? Also consider how those plants and trees will shed their leaves, flowers, and fruits. Will it be harder to clean up out of your pool? Will it harm the health of your pool water? Will it attract unwanted pests and diseases toward your landscape area? Consider these factors first before you add in plants, flowers, and trees purely based off aesthetic (it’s tempting, we know).

Consider using big, potted plants that keep dirt and soil confined to make your life a little easier. Not only will these types of plants keep soil in the pot, you can also boost your decorating spirit by adding in fun, colorful, or understated pots to your landscape design. Planters function in a similar way – you can spice up your aesthetic all while keeping function in mind.

Remember, plants, trees, and hedges, can contribute heavily to the look and feel of the space and add to the theme you’re shooting for. There are tons of factors to consider – color, texture, height, theme, and more. Consider using native Florida plants in order to make the establishment process easier, and to help avoid any unwanted pest or diseases for your pool plants.

Don't Forget Landscaping for Privacy

As we briefly mentioned, privacy is a factor you’ll need to consider when you’re planning landscaping around your pool. It’s probable that you won’t want your pool area entirely open to the neighborhood, but you also might not care if your neighbors can see what you and your family are doing in the pool. Consider how much it matters to you.

If privacy is key for you, think about adding in fencing for your pool area. Things like perimeter fencing and safety fencing can help keep people out, eyes averted, and your privacy in check. If you’re looking for the very basics, wood perimeter fencing might be perfect for you. If you’re hoping for something a little fancier, chat with us about ornamental fencing with a decorative touch. Another option for privacy is adding in tall hedges and trees to block you, your pool, and your family from peoples’ view. High shrubs, tall hedges, and bushy trees that are planned strategically around your pool can be a decorative, natural way to keep your privacy in check. As an added benefit, it will probably keep your outdoor space cooler during those hot, Florida summers.

Consider the Hard Surfaces Near Your Pool

Like we said, designing your pool landscape is about more than just the plants — you should mix up your textures and put some extra emphasis on those hard surfaces you’ll include in your pool landscaping design. Are you interested in pavers with an eye-catching design near your pool? Do you think a concrete deck would look ideal (especially now with the fancy color-changing concrete options that are available)? Do you want to mix it up with a beautiful stone walkway? There are millions of options when it comes to adding hard surfaces to your pool landscape – just make sure they’re helping to serve a purpose with your pool’s landscape design!

Pool Drainage Has to Be a Factor

Even if you don’t think you need drainage for your pool, it’s possible that you need drainage for your pool. Designing your pool landscaping should have a huge focus on where your pool is located in relation to your house, plants, and lawn in general. If your pool is on an incline, you can bet that excess water (which runs downhill) is going to make its debut in your house or in your yard. This can drown plants, mess up the landscape you worked so hard to design and maintain, and even harm the health of your pool water. Consider helpful design tips like French drains, land reshaping, and even dry creek beds in your landscape in order to help your pool drain correctly and avoid any damage for your landscape.

Want More Features? You Can Have Them All

Pool landscaping doesn’t stop at just what types of plants and fences you can include. There are millions of factors to decide on. Do you want to implement giant stones or pebbles to give your pool landscape a secret garden feel? Do you want big, luscious trees to shade your landscape and offer you more privacy? Do you want to include a reflective pool near your pool to make your space a bit more introspective? What about tiki torches or other types of soft lighting? There are endless options when it comes to landscaping your pool area, and no idea is too outlandish for us!

Reach out to Salt & Soil for Pool Landscaping Ideas in Tampa Bay

Did you love our pool landscaping guide? We sure hope you did! At Salt & Soil, we want (more than anything) for our customers to feel informed, satisfied, and ready when it comes time to begin their landscaping plans.

If you want to discuss your pool area, get a free quote from us, or just chat about your options, give our office a call at (727) 493-7123 or simply request a consultation.

The Best Salt-Tolerant Plants for Your Coastal Florida Landscape

Brent Wastney — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:45:19 GMT

In Florida, the phrase “can’t live with it, can’t live without it” can absolutely, 100%, without a doubt apply to the coastal, salty environment.

On one hand, we love to love it—c’mon, tell us one whiff of a salty breeze doesn’t make you feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical paradise. On the other hand, it can make our lives a whole heck of a lot harder—especially when it comes to keeping a lush, Florida landscape.

Picking the perfect plants, trees, flora, fauna, groundcover, and more that can do more than just withstand the salty goodness of Florida coastal living is no easy task. Why? Because you’re not just looking for something that can handle the salt, you’re looking for something that’s going to thrive despite the salt. Maybe even thrive because of the salt.

That’s right, folks, you’re looking for an entire class of salt-tolerant plants, and it’s totally possible to find them with a little help.

The right plant for the right place rule can be a little tricky, but luckily, we’re here to help. The right plant for the right place can be a little tricky, especially in Florida’s coastal environments. Fortunately, choosing plants that can thrive in salty conditions becomes much easier when you understand what works well along the coast.

Whether you're refreshing an existing landscape or planning new plantings for a coastal property, these plants, flowers, and shrubs are excellent choices for creating a landscape that can handle Florida’s salty conditions.

Why Does Salt Wreak Havoc on Flora & Fauna?

Remember that one time your doctor told you that salt isn’t necessarily a bad thing when it comes to your diet, but it’s definitely one of those “only in moderation” situations if you’re trying to monitor your health? Well, that’s sort of the same thing when it comes to most plants.

Salt exists in soil and in irrigation water, and for most plants, it’s really not a big deal if a little salt gets into the soil. But when excess concentrations of salts dissolve into soil water, well that’s where things get tricky.

When too much salt dissolves in water, the sodium and chloride ions separate and then can cause harm to the plants when they’re readily absorbed and transported to the leaves. Why? Because they can sit and accumulate there at toxic levels and kill the plants.

Some plants, though, often called halophytes, can grow in soil or water that has high salinity—think of things like seashores, sloughs, marshes, mangrove swamps, and even semi-deserts. Sound like Florida to you?

The Best Salt-Tolerant Plants for Your Coastal Florida Landscape

Looking for some suggestions? We’ve definitely got a few. Remember, this is just a small sampling of the huge variety of salt-tolerant plants out there.

Oleander

Scientifically known as Nerium oleander, this salty-hardy beauty has a bit of a mixed-up reputation. Sure, the parts of this plant are toxic if eaten, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great addition to a sea-side landscape so long as it’s kept away from pets and children.

Oleander is fast-growing, blooms beautiful flowers, and can grow pretty much directly beachside without any issue. Highly tolerant to salt, drought, and abuse, this tough beauty can bring some evergreen joy to your life.

Salt Spray Rose

Rosa rugosa, or salt spray roses, are scraggly, perennial and so beachy. This rose is unlike other roses because it’s not at all fussy, grows like a woody shrub, and thrives in high sun, bad soil, and plenty of salt in its diet.

It bears reddish-orange rose hips and grows flowers in beautiful spurts of pink, purple, yellow, or white.

Wax Myrtle

Otherwise known as Southern bayberry, this beautiful plant is hardy and strong, easily growing on Florida coastlines. Easy to care for and exceptionally salt tolerant, this native Florida shrub will thrive in full sun and—bonus—is an excellent host for butterflies and birds.

Oak Trees

Even though oak trees aren’t the first thing we think of when our minds wander to salt-tolerant plants, there’s no denying these stately live oaks do exceptionally well in a salty environment.

There are nineteen species of oak that are native to Florida and all of them have long lifespans. Known for their durability, oak trees are pretty hurricane resistant and never struggle growing in a salty space.

Fountain Grass

Easy, breeze, and beautiful blowing in the coastal wind, fountain grass is a must for all seaside landscapes looking for something durable but a touch flashy.

Growing about four-feet tall and four feet wide, this upright plant has a pink (almost purple) fluorescence that’s feathery and fun. Requiring almost no attention, this grass will flourish in high salt, full sun environments.

Daylily

Easy to establish, highly salt-tolerant, and exceptionally beautiful, daylilies provide a little drop of color in the midst of a salty environment. They’re pest-free, have a long blooming period, and are exceptionally hardy, making them a great choice for seaside landscapes.

Beach Sunflower

We can’t mention salt-tolerant plants without mentioning the crowning gem of Florida’s coastlines—the beach sunflower.

These butterfly-attracting plants are native to Florida and line the beaches. They’re drought-resistant, salt-tolerant, and absolutely perfect for hot, dry sites (like on your coastal landscape).

How Salt & Soil Can Help You Choose Salt-Tolerant Trees, Shrubs, and Plants

Need some advice for even more types of plants? Give us a call! We’re happy to provide you with our expertise, our knowledge, and even offer you our opinions on some of our favorite salt-tolerant plants for your coastal Florida landscape.

So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to us ASAP! Give us a call at (727) 493-7123 or fill out our contact form.

Image Sources: beach sunflower, daylily, fountain grass, live oak, wax myrtle, rosa rugosa, oleander

The Best Ornamental Grasses for Tampa Landscapes

Brent Wastney — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:43:37 GMT

Your landscape does a lot to shape the way your home feels. From creating curb appeal to making outdoor spaces more inviting and enjoyable, a thoughtfully designed landscape can transform the experience of spending time outside.

While colorful flowers and healthy lawns often take center stage, Florida ornamental grasses are some of the most versatile plants in a well-designed landscape. They add movement, texture, privacy, and year-round visual interest while thriving in Tampa Bay's challenging climate.

So, what are the best ornamental grasses for Tampa Bay landscapes? Read on for a guide to some of our favorite options.

The Best Florida Ornamental Grasses for Your Tampa Bay Property

The Sunshine State is a magical place packed with swaying palms, sandy beaches, stunning properties, and a host of native plants and fascinating wildlife. Its natural beauty may only be matched by its challenging climate.

With oppressive heat, high humidity, frequent storms, and occasional droughts, there’s no question that finding plants that thrive in Tampa’s climate is easier said than done. If you’ve struggled to populate your property with low-maintenance plants that boost curb appeal and add visual intrigue to your landscape, you’re not alone.

Florida ornamental grasses are a superb solution to this particular problem. Many of them tend to be drought-tolerant, highly adaptable, and beautiful year-round. By selecting the right ornamental grasses in Tampa, you can set your property up for success and easy maintenance, making the following options incredibly compelling.

Muhly Grass

Many of the best ornamental grasses for Florida are native to the state. While this doesn’t ensure a flawless experience or promise that a plant will be durable, many native plants do contribute to reduced maintenance demands.

Muhly grass is no exception, as it thrives in sunny conditions and is drought-tolerant once established. It can also endure the occasional cold spell and is tolerant of salt–a must in the coastal areas of Tampa.

Aesthetically, muhly grass is impossible to overlook. It features striking plums of pink and purple in the fall, and its leaves are soft and dark green. You can often see this Florida ornamental grass waving peacefully in the breeze, bringing beauty and comfort to any property it graces.

Purple Fountain Grass

If you’re looking for a splash of color, purple fountain grass should be on your shortlist. This ornamental grass is a perennial that bursts with vibrant foliage and plumes that range from burgundy to purple.

This particular Florida ornamental grass is extremely hardy. It does not struggle with pests and loves full sun. One thing to note about purple fountain grass is that some varieties can be mildly invasive. As such, it’s important to work with a professional landscaper to ensure that you only use plants that won’t reseed.

Fakahatchee Grass

Another native ornamental grass, fakahatchee grass grows well in either full sun or light shade. It can withstand standing water (for a short time), is extraordinarily salt tolerant, and thrives in moist areas.

Because it is easy to grow and maintain, it is one of the best ornamental grasses for Florida landscapes. Don’t let its durability fool you, though–fakahatchee grass is a beautiful option that adds spectacular texture to any property.

It can grow between four and six feet tall and wide, making it phenomenal for filling blank space, complementing trees, and otherwise giving your property a textural element that elevates its overall appearance.

Zebra Grass

With a name that conjures images of eye-catching animals sprinting across the Serengeti, zebra grass sets high expectations for beauty and boldness. It delivers on these promises with tall, striking foliage that grows in shades of gorgeous green striped with gold.

This quick-growing ornamental grass can reach heights of seven feet. Its feathery plumes are impossible to ignore, adding both brilliance and privacy to any property. While it is drought tolerant once established, it requires full sun to thrive and prefers soil that is moist.

Blue Oat Grass

Among the best ornamental grasses for Florida is blue oat grass, a stunning plant that sports an unusual color. With slender blades that grow in blue, green, and gray shades, this ornamental grass is as visually appealing as it is tough.

Blue oat grass is drought tolerant and able to grow in mild shade (though it prefers full sun). It should ideally be planted in moist soil, but it is able to grow in a variety of soil types, especially those with good drainage.

This Florida ornamental grass excels as a complement to your other landscaping, whether you nestle it under a tree or intersperse it in a rock garden.

Lemongrass

Versatility is the name of the game with many Florida decorative grasses, and no plant embodies this principle better than lemongrass. This ornamental grass is notable for its incredible texture, lovely scent, and the fact that it is edible. That’s right; it’s the same lemongrass you enjoy in your favorite Thai soups and curries!

Lemongrass is an appealing shade of green nearly year-round before shifting to a dark red in the winter. With an ability to grow in full or partial sun, reach six feet in height and four feet in width, and add significant textural intrigue to your landscape, this Florida ornamental grass can be used in a variety of ways.

We particularly like lemongrass for creating privacy, edging fencelines, and creating ambiance along larger walkways.

The best ornamental grasses for Florida are adaptable, beautiful, and durable. Every option on this list checks those boxes (and more). If you would like more information about ornamental grasses in Tampa–including specialized guidance for your unique property–be sure to contact your friendly landscaping experts at Salt & Soil.

Our team understands the unique growing conditions of the Tampa Bay area and can help you choose ornamental grasses that complement your landscape while thriving in Florida's climate.

Image Sources: Muhly Grass, Purple Fountain Gras s, Fakahatchee Grass, Zebra Grass, Blue Oat Grass, Lemongrass

The 6 Best Shade Trees For Your Florida Landscape

Brent Wastney — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:38:37 GMT

Shade? In the sunshine state? Yeah, you read that right.

Florida shade trees—what a concept, right? Just because we live in the state that’s known for its beating-down-your-back heat and glorious-but-sometimes-overwhelming sunshine-y weather doesn’t mean that your landscape has to be a shade-less ode to the sunshine state. We’d argue that because we’re dealing with almost non-stop sunshine, Floridians deserve more shade than anyone else.

That’s why we’ve hooked you up with a few examples of the best shade trees for your Florida landscape. These trees will thrive in the wild Florida climate, stand up to our weird weather, and of course, give you the shade haven you’ve been seeking out since you moved to Florida.

And to answer your question before you even ask it—no, we’re not just talkin’ about palm trees.

So, if you're looking to create more shade, comfort, and beauty in your Florida yard, keep reading. By the time summer rolls around, you'll be glad you made room for a few of these Florida-friendly shade trees.

Here are our recommendations for the best shade trees for Florida.

Live Oak Tree

Also known as: Quercus Virginiana

Why We Love It: Live Oaks are gorgeous, deep-rooted trees that are durable and strong. They’ve even been known to withstand hurricane-force winds (which, you know, we kind of need down here in Florida).

A southern shade tree, the Live Oak is famous for its ability to grow massive, shaded canopies that are dramatic and beautiful. The best part? It doesn’t need a whole lot of your attention to thrive!

Southern Magnolia

Also known as: Magnolia Grandiflora

Why We Love It: The Southern Magnolia is a gorgeous tree that’s recognized for it’s creamy white flowers that are ever-so-fragrant.

These trees bloom in spring, can grow up to 90-feet tall (so you’ll have to do a little trimming), but they make some seriously great shade trees. Don’t worry—if you don’t want something super huge, you can find shorter-growing cultivars, too!

Bald Cypress

Also known as: Taxodium Distichum

Why We Love It: Well, first of all, we love this tree because it’s beautiful—feather, majestic, branches with soft needles add a gorgeous element to any Florida landscape. But it’s not just an aesthetic thing. We love Bald Cypress trees for their durability, hardiness, and versatility, too. This tree survives better than almost any other tree species in Florida.

No matter where you live—near a lank, on a river, by the ocean—this tree is going to thrive. Bald cypress hardly need any attention, making them one of the best trees out there for someone who wants a shaded yard without all the pressure of coddling a gorgeous, but needy tree.

Slash Pine Tree

Also known as: Pinus Elliottii

Why We Love It: The long, soft needles of the Slash Pine Tree are an absolute perk of this Florida-friendly option. Additionally, it’s a tree that’s known for creating natural bird sanctuaries—so, if you love wildlife in your yard, there’s truly no better choice than the slash pine for shade and getting in touch with nature.

These trees look woodsy and rustic, giving Florida homes a little dash of wilderness, but they’re also incredibly easy to care for and a common choice for home landscapes!

Sweetbay Magnolia

Also known as: Magnolia Virginiana

Why We Love It: You might be thinking, wait, didn’t you just list a magnolia tree right before this one? We did—but trust us, this is different.

This tree has smaller flowers and leaves than a traditional magnolia, but it’s a great option for swampy areas with wet soils (ahem, Florida, cough cough). They can grow up to 90-feet tall, but will most likely settle in the 50-foot area.

Florida Elm

Also known as: Ulmus Americana

Why We Love It: This shaded tree has dazzling rich autumn foliage, which is reason enough to want to plant these all over your yard. But if that’s not enough to sell you, they also provide exceptional shade because they can grow between 60-80 feet tall with an elegant vase-shaped crown.

How Salt & Soil Can Help You Choose Florida-Friendly Shade Trees

See? Creating shade in your Florida space isn’t so hard after all—and trust us, it’s totally necessary for that sweet Florida sunshine. If you’re looking for a landscaping company that’s reliable, has plenty of experience, and can be by your side every step of the way (no matter what your landscaping visions might be), reach out to us at Salt & Soil.

We understand what it takes for trees and landscapes to thrive in Florida’s heat, humidity, seasonal storms, and unique growing conditions. Our team helps homeowners select plants and trees that fit their property, lifestyle, and long-term landscape goals. Give us a call at (727) 493-7123 or reach out to us directly via our consultation form.

Image sources: live oak, southern magnolia, bald cypress, slash pine, sweetbay magnolia, florida elm

8 Best Low-Maintenance Outdoor Plants for Florida

Brent Wastney — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:31:18 GMT

Landscaping plays a major role in how your home looks, feels, and functions. From creating curb appeal and comfortable outdoor living spaces to helping your property weather Florida's storm season, a thoughtful landscape can transform the way you experience home.

If you dream of a lush Florida landscape but don't want to spend all your free time maintaining it, choosing the right low-maintenance plants can make a significant difference.

If you want your Tampa Bay landscape to have it all but don’t have the budget or time to make it your top priority, low-maintenance Florida plants can transform your property without the headache. This means a superb Florida paradise at a fraction of the cost and investment in landscaping maintenance.

The question is: what are the best low-maintenance outdoor plants for Florida landscapes?

The Top Low-Maintenance Plants in Florida

The benefits of choosing low-maintenance Florida plants range from saving you money to ensuring your landscape looks good despite the challenges it may face. In Florida’s unique climate, this means opting for plants that are hardy, drought tolerant, salt tolerant, and able to thrive in hot, humid environments.

In addition to being durable, the best low-maintenance plants should look great and bring value to your property–whether it’s purely aesthetic or something functional, like shade. Rest assured, the plants that made this list check those boxes (and then some).

Crepe Myrtle

If you’ve spent much time in Florida (or the Southeast in general), you’re undoubtedly familiar with the crepe myrtle. These trees can be trimmed to fit nearly any landscape need, and they are durable enough to thrive with minimal maintenance.

With jaw-dropping blooms in a variety of colors and unique bark that may occasionally shed, crepe myrtles are showstoppers that grow quickly and prefer sunny environments. Plant these stunning trees in areas with good drainage to see them truly flourish.

Japanese Boxwood

This dense shrub features small, appealing green leaves and a compact footprint, making it a wonderful addition to any landscape in need of a tasteful hedge or subtle accent plants. It grows slowly and is easy to care for, making it one of the best low-maintenance plants in Florida.

Among the many advantages of Japanese boxwood is its ability to thrive in full sun or full shade. Whether you plant it in the shadow of a home or out in the open with constant exposure to the sun, it has the potential to excel.

Sabal Palms

Florida and palm trees go together like lemonade and a hot summer’s day. While there are a variety of palm trees that could make the list of the best low-maintenance outdoor plants for Florida landscapes, the sabal palm tops them all thanks to its iconic friends and ease of care.

Sabal palms enjoy full sun and partial shade, and they do best in soil that drains well. While they are resistant to everything from drought to hurricane winds, they might require a touch of watering when conditions are exceptionally dry for a prolonged period of time.

Live Oak

As hardy as it is stately, live oak trees are gorgeous additions to any Florida landscape seeking shade and grandeur. They grow quickly, and as a native Florida species, they are well-adjusted to the state’s unique climate.

When planting live oaks, look for soil that drains well. It is also prudent to prune live oak trees occasionally to prevent them from being damaged during hurricane season. Live oak trees thrive in full sun, so plant them in the open and enjoy the shade they provide in the summer.

Agave

Bold, distinct, and downright beautiful, agave is the epitome of low-maintenance Florida plants that can transform your property without dramatically impacting your maintenance budget. The stunning foliage comes in multiple shades that range from dark green to blue-green. It is important to plant this plant sparingly and strategically, as the foliage can be sharp and spiny.

Aside from its unmistakable appearance, agave is profoundly durable. It thrives in hot sun, dry conditions, sandy soil, and salty environments. So, plant it in the full sun and watch it thrive!

Lemongrass

Adding texture and visual intrigue to your Florida landscape can help your home stand out while creating a more inviting and polished outdoor environment. Ornamental grasses are a great, low-maintenance way to achieve outstanding results without adding to the burden of your maintenance budget.

Lemongrass is a phenomenal example of an ornamental grass that qualifies as a low-maintenance outdoor plant for Florida. While it does need some watering during dry seasons, it is easy to grow and maintain. Plant lemongrass in full or partial sun for best results.

Wild Pennyroyal

Low-growing plants are versatile, serving as a groundcover, an underlying pop for plant beds, filling empty space, and more. Wild pennyroyal is both beautiful and functional, making it one of the top low-maintenance Florida plants to consider adding to your landscape.

While its natural beauty and small flowers are compelling, this native plant’s hardiness is its real selling point. It is drought-tolerant and requires very little attention to thrive. It prefers dry, sandy soil, and does best with full exposure to the sun.

Pentas

Rounding out your Tampa Bay landscape with perennials gives you a vibrant touch of color that requires very little maintenance to enjoy. Pentas are a quintessential example of a perennial worth considering, as their blossoms are beautiful and attract local wildlife, like butterflies and hummingbirds.

Pentas excel in hot weather and only require watering when first planted and during exceptionally dry periods. Opt for well-drained soil and full sun exposure when selecting a spot for your pentas, and consider protecting them if temperatures drop below freezing in the winter.

Transform Your Florida Landscape with Ease

Creating a stunning, low-maintenance Florida landscape doesn’t have to be overwhelming or costly. By choosing the right plants—like crepe myrtles for vibrant color, sabal palms for classic Florida charm, or hardy agave for striking visual appeal—you can enjoy a beautiful outdoor space with minimal upkeep.

When adding curb appeal to your home, these resilient plants will keep your landscape thriving year-round.

Need expert guidance on the best plants for your specific property? Our team is here to help! Fill out our form, and let’s create a personalized, hassle-free landscaping plan tailored to your needs.

Image Source: lemongrass, Wild Pennyroyal

8 Types of Decorative Landscaping Rocks & How to Use Them

Josephine Christian Dellinger — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:23:27 GMT

If you’re new to the landscape world, you might not be aware there’s a consistent, never-ending debate that homeowners and landscape professionals have been having for years: decorative landscaping rocks or mulch?

While there are plenty of strong opinions on either side, we believe there’s a time and a place for both rocks and mulch in a thoughtful Florida landscape. It all depends on your goals, your outdoor space, your soil, and how you want your landscape to look and feel over time.

We’re so pro-rock-and-mulch that we believe both can have a place in a well-designed Tampa Bay landscape. But today, right here and right now, we’re talkin’ decorative landscaping rocks and stones.

So, if you’ve ever been curious about different types of landscaping rocks, adding rocks to your landscape, or finding inspiration for a more polished, low-maintenance outdoor space, keep reading!

What Are Decorative Landscaping Rocks? (& How They Can Benefit Your Landscape)

It’s important to make a quick distinction here before we dive into the whole landscaping rock debate—when we say decorative landscaping rocks, we’re not (usually) talking about tiny little pebbles that are going to mess up your soil, annoy you, get stuck in your shoes, and make your landscaping life more complicated.

Decorative landscaping rocks or decorative landscaping stones are a natural type of rock that can be used as groundcover, a substitute for mulch, or for adding a little decoration and texture to your landscape.

Rocks can be an exceptional choice for any landscape for a lot of reasons. For example:

Not only are decorative rocks great for helping suppress weeds, they’re also wind-resistant, which can be a major benefit for erosion-prone areas if your Tampa Bay home gets plenty of coastal breeze.
Rocks are fireproof! There are no flammable issues you need to worry about here.
Rocks are low maintenance—think about it, they’re rocks. They don’t decompose, they don’t mold, they don’t rot—they’re just sitting there, doing their job, never causing you any issues. You might need to give them a good spray or clean every now and again, but past that, there’s not much you need to worry about.
Large rocks can also be useful for small retaining areas. In other words, they can help manage slopes, define planting beds, keep plants from spilling into walkways, and create interesting textures and patterns in your landscape.

8 Decorative Landscaping Rocks: Our Favorite Types

Crushed Shell

Not super interested in the “rock” look but still aren’t crazy about mulch? We don’t blame you. But guess what—there are plenty of alternative options. And none are as perfect for a Florida landscape as crushed shell.

The best part? Shells are super versatile. You can use them for walkways, garden paths, ground cover, edging, accent areas, and more! Shells are a great, affordable option that can add a little coastal, tropical flair to your landscape.

Cedar Bark Stone

Another high-end option, cedar bark stone is kind of the best of both worlds. While it looks like wood or bark, it’s actually a rare stone.

This rock makes a great groundcover and is typically used as a decorative touch added around plants. This high-end stone rarely needs replenishing and is incredibly low maintenance.

Granite Rock

Black and charcoal with traces of white, granite rocks can add a flair of texture and a touch of drama to your landscape! Granite rock is an affordable, low-maintenance, gorgeous addition to any landscape—especially when that granite is sealed and color enhanced to give off a glowing, black sheen.

Lava Rock

Lava rock is considered a higher-end, premium type of landscaping rock. But, while the price might be a little on the higher side, the benefits certainly pay for themselves. Lava rock is a porous, light rock that’s easy to transport and even easier to spread (so it’s a great DIY project).

Not only is lava rock beautiful (it comes in black, red, and more), it’s also shown to be more porous than other types of rock, meaning it can retain and regulate moisture better than other types of rock (and especially mulch).

River Rock

Multi-colored and smooth, river rock is reminiscent of those beautiful stones you’d pick up in your youth at the bottom of a riverbed to skip across the water. These affordable, beautiful stones will add accent and sophistication to any landscape.

Lime Rock

Lime rock is a popular choice for a lot of folks looking to use rocks as part of their landscape. Why? Because it’s beautiful, it’s interesting, and it’s exceptionally affordable. Lime rock is great for garden walls, shore lining, and decorative erosion control.

Beach Pebbles

There are so, so many types of beach pebble varieties out there—and we’re here for all of them.

From Red Mexican Beach Pebbles to White Mayan Sea Pebbles to Mixed Color Ocean Pebbles, and beyond (you can even use translucent pebbles!), there are so many gorgeous types of beach pebbles on the market that can add both color and texture to your landscape.

Polynesian Firelite

This high-end decorative landscape rock is 100 percent as exciting as it sounds. Because this red, black, and tan colored stone is so beautiful and so low maintenance, all it takes is a single application at the appropriate and desired thickness. After that, you’re basically done with maintenance.

Used as groundcover, this can help minimize weed growth, reduce erosion, provide protection and insulation for your plants, and much more. At the end of the day, how you design your landscape is totally up to you. The beautiful thing about rocks is that, no matter what type of outdoor space you have, they’re a low-maintenance way to add texture, structure, and polish.

It doesn’t hurt that they’re non-living groundcover, so they won’t decompose the way organic materials do. That can make them a practical option in the right areas of a Florida landscape.

How Salt & Soil Can Help You Choose the Best Decorative Landscaping Rock

Are you ready to get your rock on? We thought you might be. At Salt & Soil, we help Tampa Bay homeowners choose landscape materials that feel beautiful, practical, and right for the way they want to live outside. From decorative rock accents to refreshed beds, pathways, and planting areas, we can help you create a landscape that feels polished, personal, and easier to enjoy.

If you’re considering decorative rock, refreshed beds, or a more finished look around your Tampa Bay home, reach out to schedule a consultation.

Image Sources: beach pebbles, lime rock, lava rock, granite rock, crushed shells

An Ode to the Palm Tree: Our Top 5 Palms for Florida Yards

Brent Wastney — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:08:12 GMT

All right, Floridians, it’s time.

It’s time to get down to business. It’s time to talk to you about a topic that’s near and dear to all of our hearts. It’s time to go Full Florida, if you will.

Every week, we do our very best to offer helpful, Florida focused advice rooted in real landscape care experience, right? We like to think so, so we hope you do, too.

Don’t get us wrong, we’re proud to do it. Most of all, we’re happy to bring you our insight and advice on a variety of Florida landscaping options. From top lawn care tips to Florida pests to watch out for to watering your trees the right way, there’s no landscaping topic out there we won’t share with you.

This article, though, is a little bit different.

Why? Because this article is a passion post of ours. It’s about one of our Florida staples. About a piece of Florida flora that’s inherently intertwined with our Florida pride.

That’s right. We’re talkin’ about palm trees.

Ah, the Palm. As Floridians, we love the Palm. We see them lining the streets, dotting our beaches, and swaying in our neighbors’ yards. Heck, we see them as soon as we cross the state line into our beloved peninsula. It’s no secret that the Palm is at the center of our Florida lovin’ hearts.

If you think we’re talking crazy, you’re obviously not from around here, but that’s okay! We’re here to share our love of palm trees, talk about palm care, and, most importantly, break down the top 5 types of palm trees in Florida that we think fit best into your home landscape.

Why Palm Trees?

Before we start writing full-blown love songs about palm trees—and please, don’t doubt that we could, when it comes to palms, we’re absolutely head-over-heels crazy for them—let’s first dive into why palm trees are a great choice for your Florida landscape.

For starters, they sort of just go with that Florida image, right? White sands, blue skies, and of course, palm trees swaying in the wind – you really just can’t go wrong with that visual.
Aesthetically, they’re everything a tropical Florida landscape could want. Palm trees look great in botanical gardens, around swimming pools, tucked into front yard beds, and along the coast. They’re pretty much everywhere, and they look great.
Aside from just aesthetics, though, palm trees make a great choice for Florida climate. As you obviously know, Florida has a hot, humid, tropical climate – and it takes a special kind of tree to thrive here.
Palm trees are pretty dang easy to take care of, too. This goes beyond the tricky Florida climate. As a rule, palms don’t need a lot of TLC from you.
Palm trees can be absolute skyscrapers or small, charming additions. Because they don’t require all that much attention, you can prune and trim them to your ideal heights or let them soar.
They make for excellent shade in the hot Florida summer.

The Top Five Palm Trees for Your Florida Landscape

There are dozens—well, okay, hundreds, actually—of palm tree types that could fit best with your Florida landscape, but we’ve narrowed it down to just a handful of some of our favorites.

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate poolside palm, or simply want one that can survive in full sun, we’ve got a few of the best options available for you.

Keep in mind that when it comes to palms, your options are not limited. There are so many different palms out there it’ll make your head spin! Don’t be afraid to give us a call and chat with us about all of your options!

Coconut Palm: The Full Sun Palm Tree

When you randomly think of the word “palm,” this is probably the image that comes to mind. The coconut palm is one of the most well-known palms on the planet. It’s a hugely popular choice in Florida and is likely what you see lining the beach-front driveways in some of your more affluent Florida neighborhoods.

One look at this palm and you can understand why, right? It’s so obviously Florida, so tropical, and so appealing to look at.

The Coconut Palm Tree can grow up to 98 feet tall, has wispy leaves, and grows coconuts (of course). Without question, the Coconut Palm Tree is the quintessential Florida palm. It doesn’t require shade, it’s practically drought-proof, and is incredibly salt tolerant. These trees will thrive in the hot Florida sun and are great additions to coastal homes that have salty, humid air.

Further, coconut palms are quite tolerant with waterlogged soils and being exposed to prolonged flooding. They’re also wind-tolerant, which is a great feature for our hurricane-heavy state.

The Coconut palm is a fruiting tree and produces one of the most used nuts in the world (hello, coconuts). It will typically start fruiting anywhere between 6-10 years after the seeds germinate and reach their full production. It will continue fruiting until it’s about 80 years old!

Red Sealing Wax Palm : The Shady Palm

We call this unique beauty the Lipstick Palm. Any guesses why? (Hint, check out its red crown shaft—remind you of anything? Lipstick perhaps?) This tree is native to Thailand, so it’s quite used to tropical conditions and easily thrives in Florida—no matter what type of weird weather we’re dealing with.

This palm is special in appearance, but also special in that it will thrive in more than just full-on sun. The Red Sealing Wax Palm actually does well in relatively shady conditions. Lots of palm trees require full sun in order to grow their best, but this red palm will thrive when placed in shady spots.

If you have an unusually shady yard but are looking to insert a little Florida into your landscape, this might be the perfect palm for you! It adds a pop of color, doesn’t require much maintenance, and can grow up tall.

Though it’s technically thought of as an ornamental shrub, this palm can actually grow up to 52 feet tall if properly cared for (and if desired—otherwise, pruning it will keep it as a miniature version of a palm).

Buccaneer Palm: The Poolside Palm Tree

In Florida, a poolside palm is a must-have, but with all the factors that you must consider for a palm that’s in your pool landscape, it can be hard to narrow down your options.

The Buccaneer Palm is one of the best bets for a poolside palm tree because they’re great all-around palms that don’t require too much extra maintenance.

This palm is a slow grower, will thrive in full sun (which is often necessary for poolside plants), is (mostly) drought-tolerant, and can provide you with shade if the palm leaves grow full enough. This palm will typically grow to about 15 feet, but needs patience (as we said before, it’s a slow grower).

If you’re looking to put up a palm tree by the pool that doesn’t require much extra attention, this durable and versatile palm is one of the best options to consider.

These palms are endangered Florida natives that used to be found abundantly in the Florida Keys—now, they’re a little harder to come by in the wild because of wild collecting. This palm grows super well and can tolerate all of the wind, salt, and coastal damage the wild Florida weather will throw at it, making it an excellent choice for a poolside paradise right on the coast.

We recommend these palms for folks who aren’t always so keen to get out in their landscape and give their plants love—these bad boys won’t require much attention at all and will look beautiful in your landscape no matter what.

European Fan Palm: The Tiny Palm

If you’re looking for something small in stature that leaves a big impression, then the European Fan Palm could be just the tree you’re searching for.

This unique-looking palm is a tiny, somewhat furry, little tree with pomade-style leaves that fan out to create a lot of shade (despite its small stature) They often range from green to silver, making the tree appear to change hues as the leaves grow out.

The thing we love most about the fan palms? They’re tiny, sure, but boy are they hardy. They won’t buckle when a random Florida cold snap makes an appearance in January—a fact we can’t always guarantee with other types of palms. These palms look great as accent pieces but also can make your poolside paradise shine when planted in stunning clusters.

It’s a versatile choice, brings lots of color and texture to your lawn, and won’t grow more than 15 feet at most. They’re low maintenance, bring the tropical look to your lawn you’re craving, and are notably one of the easiest plants to own.

You’re probably starting to see that trend amongst all of the palms we’re mentioning, right? Trust us, it’s one of the many benefits that a palm can bring to your landscape.

The Lady Palm Tree: The Versatile Palm

If you haven’t noticed, most every type of Florida palm tree (well, most every type we’ve mentioned, anyway), is incredibly versatile. But none are quite as versatile as this little lady, the apple of our eye—The Lady Palm Tree.

Though it’s not scientifically known as the Aristocratic Lady Palm Tree (its actual name in Latin is Rhapis Excelsa), it certainly makes sense to call it that. For one, this is a lovely looking, dignified Palm, but it’s also an incredibly hardy, durable tree, too.

This palm will live and thrive in both low-light and bright filtered light, making it ideal for both outdoor and indoor living!

Lady palms are incredibly versatile when it comes to soil, climate, and environment. It’s also incredibly easy to care for. She’ll need a little shade and fertile organic soil to grow her best, but she’ll be exceptionally tolerant with poor light, dust, and drought (things that are common with indoor culture). She’ll grow slow and steady!

It’s a full, lush, palm that grows up to 6 feet, shoots out stems and canes of about 1 inch wide, and can flower with light green, yellow, and pink blooms. These are popular palm shrubs, but they can grow into larger, fuller palm trees, too. They’re a great pick for Florida because they can handle the one-off surprise freeze and will continue to thrive in degrees as low as 15 F.

How Salt & Soil Can Help You Choose the Perfect Palm Tree

We fully expect you to be palm crazy after reading this article. If you’re not, we suggest maybe taking another scan. Palms have so much to offer. They can bring extra spunk to your landscape, help create a cohesive outdoor space, and make your yard feel a little more like Florida paradise.

Yeah, it goes without saying. We absolutely love palms in Florida landscapes.

If, for some reason, palms still aren’t your cup of tea, we won’t be mad, even if we don’t fully understand it. You can always explore other Florida friendly plants, flowers, grasses, groundcover options, and more.

The coolest part about Salt & Soil? We can help you choose palms and plantings that make sense for your space, your style, and the realities of Florida’s heat, salt air, sandy soil, and seasonal storms.

From poolside palms to lush garden beds, Salt & Soil helps Tampa Bay homeowners shape outdoor spaces that feel personal, tropical, and easier to enjoy. Request a consultation today, and let’s talk through the palms, plantings, and care that can help your landscape feel like a private escape.

Image sources: coconut palm, buccaneer palm, red sealing wax palm, european fan palm, lady palm

Florida Groundcover: Here are Your Best Options

Brent Wastney — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:52:14 GMT

If you, like so many other Floridians, are looking for thoughtful ways to improve the health, texture, and beauty of your lawn, soil, or planting beds, then groundcover may be one of the most useful landscape additions to consider.

Groundcover can soften bare areas, help protect soil, reduce weeds, and bring a more layered, finished look to your outdoor space.

If you’ve never thought much about groundcover before, that’s okay. Trust us, you’re not alone. Groundcover is one of those landscape details many homeowners see every day without realizing how much it can do for the look and health of an outdoor space.

As you likely already know, growing thriving plants, trees, flowers, and a maintained landscape can be a challenge in Florida based on our heat, humidity, tropical climate, random freezes during our mild winters, and of course, hurricane season.

Naturally, groundcover is no different.

The solution is to choose groundcover that is suited to your specific Florida conditions, including sun exposure, soil type, salt air, drainage, and the way you want your outdoor space to look and feel.

This can be complicated. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to thriving groundcover, and honestly, any kind of plant, shrub, tree, or landscape feature in Florida. But we’ve gathered a list of Florida-friendly groundcover options that can bring beauty, texture, and practical benefits to residential landscapes.

Here’s what to know about groundcover, which options may work best in a Florida landscape, and how to care for the groundcover you choose.

What is Groundcover?

But first, what is groundcover?

Before we can talk about the types of groundcover that make the most sense for your landscape and goals, we have to answer the most important question of all: what is groundcover?

Here’s a simple way to think about it.

Whether you know it or not, you have likely seen groundcover throughout Florida landscapes. It often fills planting beds, softens pathways, covers bare soil, or replaces areas where traditional turf struggles.

Groundcover is considered any kind of plant that covers a vast amount of the ground (seems pretty obvious, right?) Groundcover plants are typically short, quick-growing perennials that don’t require all that much care or soil. Low maintenance, they’re typically referred to as an herbaceous layer (or even a regenerative layer) or a step over. Groundcover plants can hold soil in place, add nutrients to your plants and soil, and snuff out weeds without an issue.

Though groundcover is typically considered a living plant, there are non-living groundcover options like mulch, decorative stone, shade clothes, and other options, too!

These synthetic options are able to sterilize soil (if needed), keep soil from drying out too fast during incredibly hot periods, and even help to control weeds.

Groundcover is considered a low-budget, low-key alteration you can make to your landscape that can improve it dramatically.

What are the Best Options for Groundcover in Florida?

Now that you’ve got a better idea of groundcover, let’s dive into the types of groundcover that make the most sense for your specific Florida landscape. As you know, in Florida, you can’t make something grow if it doesn’t want to, so we’ve taken our years of experience in groundcover and put together a Florida-friendly list for you to review.

Check out a few of our tried-and-trues below.

Beach Sunflower

This is one of the best Florida groundcovers we could possibly offer. This Florida-native is a butterfly attracting cover that’s perfect for hot and dry areas – specifically those coastal areas.

A spreading perennial plant that also reseeds (meaning it will create a larger clump over time), this groundcover blooms almost year-round with beautiful, two-inch sunflower-like flowers. The best part about them? Because they grow almost all year round, they can really brighten up those cooler, darker times of the year (we’re looking at you, Florida winter).

It’s colorful, it’s tough, and it is drought-resistant, making it one of the best groundcover options for Floridians. These sun-following flowers have broad yellow petals clumped around a brown center and are perfect for controlling soil conditions. The cool thing about this groundcover is that it easily attracts wildlife. From all types of butterflies to bird and beyond, this groundcover will ensure your landscape is buzzin’ with beautiful creatures.

These beauties can even be found growing naturally on the Gulf Coast, so we’re sure you Pinellas County folks have noticed these on the mini dunes of your favorite St. Pete Beaches.

Jasmine Minima

A common groundcover, it’s more than likely (it’s actually super probable) that you’ve seen Asiatic Jasmine Minima a few times before—even if you don’t know that you’ve seen it. An evergreen, vine-like plant, Asiatic Jasmine Minima is a groundcover that’s woody, hardy, and incredibly drought-tolerant. Native to Korea and Japan, this groundcover is low maintenance, great for mass plantings, and a superb alternative to turfgrass if that’s just not the look you’re going for.

Asiatic Jasmine is a dense mat of foliage that’s often substituted for turf due to its drought-tolerant nature and low-maintenance requirements. This type of groundcover is able to survive in both full-shade with ample moisture or full sun – it’s also well-known for adapting to most any type of soil. It’s slow growing, extensive, and with a little care, can create a tangled blanket of groundcover.

Because this groundcover is known for its sturdiness, it is not often subject to pest or disease issues and can work well in tougher spots around a home where other plantings may struggle.

Emerald Blanket Carissa

Often called the Boxwood Beauty or the Natal Plum, the Emerald Blanket Carissa is a small, slow-growing, exquisite looking ground cover with beautiful, deep green foliage that’s sure to stun.

Manageable and aptly named for its exquisite emerald green leaves, the Emerald Blanket Carissa is a fantastic Florida groundcover option. If maintained, its growth can be kept to a minimum. It also grows at a slower pace, allowing its low spread to be tracked and tailored to your preferences! It will only grow to be a bout 1-1.5 feet tall, is salt-tolerant, and prefers full to part-sun, which is perfect for our Florida climate.

This type of groundcover is compact, mounded, and is a wonderful foundation plant. Variations of this groundcover will produce edible fruit (called a red plum).

Purple Queen

If you ever doubted that the people who name plants know what they’re doing, just take a look at the Purple Queen.

This gorgeous groundcover couldn’t be more purple. Originally from Mexico, this perennial spiderwort blooms a deep, pulper-covered mass of foliage. The color alone makes it a fantastic addition to any landscape that needs an extra pop, but you do have to keep an eye on it as it tends to wander.

The tip of each stem of the Purple Queen has three-petalled pink flower that are both short-lived and beautiful. It’s not just a stunning option for groundcover, it’s also a super easy option for folks wanting beautiful solutions without much work. Purple Queen is salt tolerant, drought tolerant, and goes great in the sun—but more than that, it’s frost tolerant, so should we get a random Florida cold snap, you likely won’t need to take any precautions. And if damage does befall this beautiful queen of a groundcover option, it’ll regrow quickly!

Perennial Peanut

Looking for tough groundcover that can quickly and easily replace your lawn with a beautiful and symmetrical flat foliage? Look no further, friends, because you’ve found it right here—meet the funny-named, but beautiful-looking groundcover you’ve been waiting for, the Perennial Peanut!

It looks great while requiring nearly no work—what could be better than that? The delicate yellow flowers that pop up from time-to-time are just icing on the proverbial groundcover cake. Technically a forage legume, this perennial peanut is a long-lived crop that can live for up to 30 years (if taken care of properly).

Dwarf Oyster Plant

Short-stemmed and tender, this plant is a small, dense, and beautiful groundcover that spreads in clumps and produces upright leaves that grow to about six-t-eight inches long. These sword-shaped leaves are green shoots with varying shades below—during the spring season, you’ll even see clusters of tiny white flowers nestled into the purplish bracts of the groundcover.

The Dwarf Oyster Plant is slow-growing and makes a beautiful groundcover, especially as an accent around other landscaping features. It prefers a mixture of sun and shade, so planting it beneath trees, near a shaded entry, or along a protected side of the home can improve its appearance and health.

This groundcover does well year-round as groundcover, can grow up to 1.5 feet, and does exceptionally well in part shade, part sun, or full sun. With a high drought-tolerance and plenty of flexibility when it comes to soil type, this groundcover option is a must!

Blue My Mind

More than just clever wordplay, this groundcover features stunning blue blooms and delicately textured leaves, making it a unique enhancement for any Florida landscape. With rich, green leaves and bright, royal blue flowers that bloom until the first frost (should we ever get there in a Florida winter), this groundcover is a delightfully beautiful option that doesn’t skimp on stunning characteristics.

The best part? It’s easy to care for, too. Just like any other live groundcover, it’ll need a little TLC to be successful, but ultimately, with a little love, routine maintenance, and plenty of patience, this slow-growing groundcover option will show up and show out in your Florida landscape.

They also happen to love the heat, so plant them in full sun, sit back, and watch them flourish in Florida’s climate!

Ferns

Utilizing ferns in Florida as groundcovers, specifically the Foxtail fern and the Macho fern, are particularly clever ways to keep your soil healthy, your plants happy, and your landscape looking beautiful. The Foxtail fern features aesthetically please tufts that are enticingly soft. It is also tolerant of the cold, so it’s bound to survive whatever winter Florida can throw at it.

For a statement that borders on bold, another Florida fern option is the Macho fern. This particular groundcover looks as though it would feel at home in Jurassic Park thanks to its impressive growth and sword-like appearance.

How to Care for Groundcover

Every groundcover, living or not, requires its own kind of care, especially in Florida’s heat, humidity, sandy soil, heavy rain, salt air, and occasional cold snaps.

For materials like rocks and decorative stone, you may be able to go longer between refreshes, but they still need occasional attention to keep the landscape looking clean, safe, and intentional. Routine maintenance is key, from tidying edges and removing debris to checking for any areas that have shifted, thinned out, or become uneven.

With things like mulch, you’ll likely need to clean out your mulch beds and refresh them with new mulch over time. Because mulch is organic, it naturally breaks down. While it may not deteriorate immediately, it will not stay fresh and tidy forever without periodic care.

For living groundcover, like perennial peanut, ivy, beach sunflower, and more, you’ll need to respect the groundcover for what it is: alive. This means caring for it with a regular maintenance schedule, protecting it from pests, irrigating it properly, fertilizing when needed, watching for cold or sudden freeze damage, and making sure it continues to thrive alongside your other plantings. In other words, treat your living groundcover like you’d treat your flowers, plants, trees, and more.

Just remember, maintenance is everything. If your groundcover is not cared for properly, it can quickly become overgrown, patchy, or disruptive to nearby plants and beds. It only takes a little groundcover to go a long way in a residential landscape, especially when it is chosen with Florida’s climate, your home’s style, and your long-term maintenance needs in mind. With the proper design, installation, Florida-friendly groundcover picks, and ongoing care, your outdoor space can feel more lush, finished, and easy to enjoy.

Request a Groundcover Consultation in Tampa Bay

If you’re interested in learning more about groundcover, how to care for it correctly, or which Florida-friendly options could work best around your home, request a consultation with Salt & Soil Garden Company.

Our team helps Tampa Bay homeowners enhance, refresh, and care for outdoor spaces with plant knowledge, design sensitivity, and an eye for the details that make a landscape feel lush, personal, and easy to enjoy. From St. Petersburg to Clearwater and throughout Tampa Bay, we can help you choose groundcover that supports your landscape’s beauty, health, and long-term care.

Image sources: beach sunflower, emerald blanket carissa, purple queen, perennial peanut, dwarf oyster plant, blue my mind, foxtail fern, macho fern

10 Florida-Friendly Trees and Shrubs to Plant on Your Property

Brent Wastney — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:39:20 GMT

Florida’s Gulf Coast can be a demanding place to garden. Heat, humidity, salt air, sandy soil, heavy rain, and the occasional cold snap all shape what will thrive in a Tampa Bay landscape.

But that does not mean your outdoor space has to feel limited or predictable. With the right plant choices, Florida-friendly trees and shrubs can bring shade, color, fragrance, privacy, and a layered tropical feeling to the space around your home.

At Salt & Soil, we help Tampa Bay homeowners choose plantings that feel beautiful and intentional while still making sense for Florida’s climate. From flowering trees near a patio to lush shrubs that soften a front entry, the right selections can make your landscape feel more like a private paradise and less like another item on your to-do list.

Here are 10 Florida-friendly trees and shrubs worth considering for your home’s outdoor space.

Little Gem Magnolia

The “Little Gem” Magnolia could be the jewel in your landscaping crown thanks to its unique and appealing appearance. This aptly named flowering tree features dark, glossy leaves and large white blooms that create an eye-catching contrast. “Little Gem” is, predictably, smaller than its full-size counterpart, allowing it to function as a shrub-like plant or small tree.

It will typically grow to approximately 20 feet over the first 20 years of its life.

A cultivar of the southern magnolia, the Little Gem will thrive in moist, organic soils (if evaluable) and won’t wither away in the full sun or the heat. These babies are considered to be drought-tolerant (moderately) and prefer acidic soil. That being said, they’ll definitely tolerate a slightly basic, even wet or clay soil just fine. Like we said, they’re pretty durable little things.

The good part about this Florida-friendly tree? It’ll grow with ease in the hot and humid weather. The only bad part? Those big, beautiful, fragrant blooms slowly decompose and drop, which some might consider to be too messy.

Like many flowering trees, Little Gem Magnolia does benefit from thoughtful placement and seasonal care. Our team can help you understand where it belongs in your landscape and how to keep surrounding beds looking polished as blooms and leaves naturally drop.

Crepe Myrtle

Not unlike the delicious French food, crepe myrtles are a sweet treat for the eyes. These common shrubs and trees are well-known for their impressive floral displays. Bursts of white, pink, and red flowers occur in clusters, farther adding to the beautiful, full-look of these trees.

Crepe myrtles are revered for being one of the most versatile landscape for sunny locations (ahem, hello, Florida)—and the best part is, they’re available for use as medium-sized trees, small-sized trees, shrubs, ground cover, and beyond. Yep. They’re that versatile.

Crepe myrtles do require pruning to remain healthy and to encourage growth. This maintenance is easy to perform but can be overdone, so make sure that your landscape professional is familiar with the plants and their care!

The only caveat with these Florida-friendly beauties? They’re not the most salt-tolerant tree we offer. They can deal with full sun, low fertility soil, and lots of drought, but they’ll need to be protected against irrigation with saline water (and they need to be especially well-cared for near the coast).

Frangipani

If you’re familiar with the tropics—and you should be, you’re in Florida, after all—you’re likely familiar with frangipani, whether you know it or not. Also known as (and actually, more commonly known as plumeria), these flowering ornamentals are native to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Venezuela, and Colombia.

The blooms produced by these incredible plants are iconic. From trinkets in gift shops to Hawaiian leis, the undeniably recognizable flowers are truly stunning and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They’re highly valued for how bright, colorful, and vibrant they are, making them an exceptional Florida-friendly tree for anyone who’s looking for a whole lot of eye-catching zest in their landscape.

They are also relatively easy to care for and can be planted in the earth or in containers. If opting for the latter, more frequent maintenance is required due to their tendency to become rootbound. In tropical environments, the colder months are generally not an issue. That being said, if we do ever get a random Florida freeze (which, we sometimes do during our mild winters), it’s best to take any and every precaution as they are not (repeat, not) equipped to deal with freezing temperatures or frost.

Geiger Tree

Dense, rounded, and evergreen, this native tree is the perfect addition to any Florida landscape. These big, amazing trees can grow up to a height of 30 feet and spread their branches over 25 feet wide. Their trunks can even swell to up to 12 inches thick!

And while the green leaves on this tree are rough, hairy, and can feel like sandpaper (they look good but they’re not particularly pleasant to touch), they also feature impossible-to-ignore orange blossoms that basically explode with vibrancy. There are few trees that look quite as Florida as the Geiger tree, which hands down makes it one of Florida’s most beautiful native trees.

If orange clashes with your style, you can opt for white and yellow blooms. The best part? These trees can be used as container or planter shrubs or can be allowed to grow into huge trees—giving you some serious versatility. No matter which variety you choose, these lovely trees are guaranteed to enhance your landscaping!

Dwarf Poinciana

With a fun name like the dwarf poinciana, this tree should tell you that it’s anything but boring. Dotted with brilliant yellow wand scarlet flowers (plus feathery foliage that has exceptionally quick growth), this beautiful tree is a Florida-must-have if you’re looking to bring some serious color and vibrancy to your yard.

With its multiple trunks and shrubby appearance, the dwarf poinciana (also called the Barbados flower fence) is a tree that fills the void between shrub and full-grown tree and offers plenty of open-branched, fine-textured beauty and security for your landscape.

Not only does it meet this need, but it also does so in an impressive manner. The versatility of this particular plant is valuable, too. You can choose to grow it in the shape of a large shrub or prune it to maintain a more tree-like appearance! Best of all, this shrub-tree combination can tolerate hot, dry areas with no problems at all—it even flowers year-round with a peak display you won’t want to miss come spring and fall seasons.

Tibouchina Granulosa

With evergreen characteristics, this sprawling, ornamental tree has a nickname that makes perfect sense. Called the purple glory tree, this shrub-tree-combination flaunts absolutely gorgeous purple blossoms that flare open up to 2 inches and create a gorgeous sight when in full bloom.

These blooms, set against the 4-6-inch long leaves that are dark green and velvety, present an amazing contrast that’s a true sight to see. And while they’re open throughout the year, they’re especially plentifully from May to January.

The cool part about this beautiful Florida-friendly tree? Though it’s perfectly normal to have this plant as a shrub, when taken care of and grown correctly, they can grow anywhere from 15-20 feet tall and spread from 15-20 feet wide.

Standard Bottlebrush

Another shrub that’s aptly named, the bottlebrush plant is an absolute must-include for those looking for a striking addition to their landscape that accomplishes many purposes at once. With a standard bottlebrush plant, you’ll attract visitors of all types—from stunned and impressed passersby to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other types of wildlife.

A bottlebrush is a plant that’s known best for its striking and distinctive flowers—bright red spikes that look like a bottle washer. An upright species, the standard bottlebrush can make an exceptional shrub, but it also grow as high as a tree, up to 25 feet. With a little extra patience, it can even be trained as an espalier.

The bottlebrush thrives in full sun, is drought-tolerant, and can handle salt as well—making it a perfect Florida shrub to include.

Golden Dewdrop

Looking for a showy shrub? Look no further than the golden dewdrop. A wild, small, and stunning shrub, this beautiful plant is a must-add for any landscape that needs a little something extra to jazz itself right up.

Its wild, golden-yellow berries give it a unique look and often share the stage with gorgeous purple flowers—a jaw-dropping combo when in full bloom. That being said, it’s vital that you don’t eat any of those tantalizing looking berries, they’re actually poisonous to humans. In other words, just look, don’t touch (or consume).

A natural native to the Flori d a Keys, this plant is foun d almost everywhere along the sunbelt of the unite d states, like Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, Hawaii, an d more. AKA, it actually grows best an d thrives in full sunlight (even though it will tolerate a little partial sha d e, too).

While the shrub can be tame d , it takes frequent trimming. Otherwise, allow the plant to run wil d an d impress with its natural beauty or trim occasionally to keep it in check. That being sai d , it can grow up to 18 feet tall if allowe d .

Jacaranda

For those of you looking for a potentially enormous addition to your landscape, look no further than the Florida-friendly Jacaranda.

This larger-than-life tree can grow up to 100 feet in height! With soft, fern-like, and deciduous foliage, the Jacaranda has dense, terminal clusters of fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in varying shades of light-lavender blue that bloom in April through August.

These trees are wonderful for a little extra spunk in your landscape, but because of their height and spread, they make fantastic shade trees, too—beauty and function, how about that?

Originally native to southern and central south America, these fast-growing trees do best in full-sun, have a high drought-tolerance, and can tolerate all kinds of soil.

Tabebuia

Looking for options? You’re going to love this tree. The tabebuia tree comes in a ton of different varieties—in fact, it comes in over 100 varieties, every last one of the more beautiful than the last.

They can feature single or multiple trunks, but all include clustered blooms that are sure to enhance your landscaping in the spring. Warm locations with soil that has good drainage are a must. That being said, they are able to adapt to a multitude of growing conditions, making them a great choice for south Floridians.

If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space with these beautiful, durable trees, look no farther than our trained experts who can help you through the process by inspecting and evaluating your property to offer recommendations tailored to your needs.

How Salt & Soil Can Help You Choose Florida-Friendly Trees & Shrubs

Choosing Florida-friendly trees and shrubs is about more than picking what looks beautiful at the nursery. The right plant needs to fit your home’s light, soil, drainage, maintenance needs, and long-term vision for the space.

Salt & Soil helps Tampa Bay homeowners create and care for outdoor spaces that feel lush, personal, and made for real life outside. Whether your garden needs more shade, seasonal color, privacy, texture, or a thoughtful refresh, we can help you choose plantings that support the feeling you want while respecting the realities of Florida’s climate.

From planting updates and bed refreshes to fine gardening, pruning, plant health care, irrigation support, and ongoing residential landscape maintenance, our team tends the details that help your outdoor space feel beautiful through every season.

Ready to bring more shade, color, and tropical texture to your Tampa Bay home? Request a consultation with Salt & Soil Garden Company, and let’s talk about the trees, shrubs, and garden details that can make your outdoor space feel like a private paradise.

Image sources: little gem magnolia, crepe myrtle, frangipani, geiger tree, dwarf poinciana, tibouchina granulosa, standard bottlebrush, golden dewdrop, jacaranda, tabebuia

The Top 4 Types of Grass You Need to Consider For Florida Lawns

Cheryl Wethington — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:17:40 GMT

When you picture the ideal Florida lawn, you probably imagine something lush, green, soft underfoot, and beautiful enough to make the whole outdoor space feel more inviting.

In Tampa Bay, choosing the right grass makes all the difference. Our lawns deal with heat, humidity, heavy summer rain, sandy soils, salty coastal air, and the occasional cold snap. The right grass variety can help your yard stay healthier, fuller, and easier to care for through Florida’s changing seasons.

Of course, there is no one perfect grass for every home. The best choice depends on your sunlight, irrigation, soil conditions, foot traffic, maintenance preferences, and how you want your outdoor space to feel.

Below, we’re breaking down four of the most common grass types for Florida lawns, including what makes each one a strong option for residential landscapes in the Tampa Bay area.

St. Augustine Grass

Otherwise known as: Stenotaphrum Secundatum

Why We Love This Grass:

You can’t step one foot into Florida without hearing the words St. Augustine Grass. Seriously - it’s that popular. This Florida favorite is all over the dang place. Why? Because it’s able to grow super quickly, it’s very drought tolerant, and it doesn’t bat an eyelash at high salt levels as part of its environment. The only downsides to this grass? Like we said, it grows fast, so you’ll need to keep up with maintenance. It’s also not the best for those brief cold snaps Florida’s winters tend to throw at us. There are several varietals of St. Augustine Grass that could be a good choice for you, including options like:

Floratam St. Augustine Grass - cost-effective, blue-green, and turf like.
Seville St. Augustine Grass - fine leaved, dark-green, and perfect for sun or shade.
Palmetto St. Augustine Grass - hardy, emerald-green, and very appealing.
Bitter Blue St. Augustine Grass - cinch-bug resistant, blue-green, and cold-tolerant.

Zoysia Grass

Otherwise known as: Zoysia

Why We Love This Grass:

Zoysia Grass is a great choice for Florida lawns that get plenty of everyday use, whether that means kids playing outside, pets running through the yard, guests gathering on the weekends, or regular foot traffic around outdoor living areas. It can also perform well near coastal areas and in sunny spaces, making it a strong fit for many Tampa Bay homes.

It is also one of the lower maintenance grass options, which makes it appealing for homeowners who want a polished lawn without constantly managing every detail themselves. With the right mowing, watering, and seasonal care, Zoysia can help create a dense, refined lawn that feels right at home in a thoughtfully maintained Florida landscape.

This type of grass will absolutely go dormant if a random Florida frost hits (you know this has happened before), but once you get your soil’s temp back up the low-to-mid 70s, growth resumes as usual.

Bermuda Grass

Otherwise known as: Cynodon Dactylon

Why We Love This Grass:

This gorgeous grass has a unique color (we’d describe it as sort of a deep green-grey) and super deep roots which makes it incredibly resistant to problems we often deal with in Florida—weeds, high-traffic, drought, etc. That’s why it’s a uniquely perfect choice for Florida lawns—it can put up with the tough stuff while looking beautiful. It grows really rapidly and doesn’t take much maintenance, which, unfortunately, means it can be a little bit hard to curb—in other words, if you don’t take proper care of it, it can be relatively invasive. But, with regular maintenance and a solid watering routine, you should keep your Bermuda Grass lookin’ good all year round.

Bahiagrass

Otherwise known as: Paspalum Notatum

Why We Love This Grass:

We’re not ashamed to tell you—we’re Bahiagrass crazy. Why? Because it feels like it was tailor-made for the Florida weather. This type of grass (well, the Pensacola Bahiagrass) is the most common type of grass in Florida because it’s naturally resistant to stress, cooler temps, sun, drought, and more. The best part about this grass? It’s beautiful, it’s easy to care for, it requires very little irrigation, and it thrives in the hot, dry climate Florida has to offer. The only thing we don’t love about this type of grass? It’s a little needy when it comes to maintenance. You’ll definitely need to mow it weekly and you certainly need to keep an eye out for weeds—they tend to pop up pretty frequently in this type of grass.

Working With a Pro to Choose the Right Grass for Your Florida Lawn

The right grass can make your lawn feel fuller, healthier, and more inviting, but the best choice depends on your home’s specific conditions. Sun exposure, irrigation, soil quality, drainage, foot traffic, and proximity to the coast can all affect how well a grass variety performs.

For Tampa Bay homeowners, choosing grass is not just about finding something that survives Florida weather. It is about creating a lawn that supports the look and feel of your whole outdoor space.

Salt & Soil Garden Company helps homeowners care for outdoor spaces that feel lush, personal, and beautifully maintained. From lawn mowing and edging to fertilization, treatments, garden care, and landscape enhancements, our team can help you understand what your lawn needs and how to keep it looking its best through Florida’s heat, rain, and seasonal changes.

Ready to create a healthier, more beautiful lawn at home? Request a consultation with Salt & Soil Garden Company to talk through the best care plan for your Tampa Bay landscape.

Images sources: st. augustine, zoysia, bermudagrass, bahiagrass