Florida summers can feel endless, but the right foliage can keep your garden looking lush even under the sun’s intensity. Bright leaves, bold textures, and unexpected colors all bring life to those hot afternoons.
Mixing foliage is one of the easiest tricks for creating year-round beauty. Here’s a roundup of foliage ideas Florida gardeners can use to keep their gardens stunning in summer.
1. Caladium
Heart-shaped leaves in stunning pink, red, and white patterns make these shade-lovers perfect for brightening dark corners. Native to South America, they thrive in Florida’s humid climate without complaint.
Plant them under trees or on your porch for instant tropical flair. Many Florida gardeners consider these bulbs essential for summer color that doesn’t fade in the heat.
2. Coleus
The paintbox of the plant world offers limitless color combinations from burgundy to lime green. Breeding advances have created sun-tolerant varieties that won’t fade in Florida’s intense summer light.
Tuck them into containers or borders for easy color that requires minimal maintenance. Throughout central Florida, gardeners love how quickly coleus fills empty spaces with vibrant foliage patterns.
3. Cordyline
Dramatic spikes of burgundy, pink, or striped leaves create architectural interest in any garden setting. Standing tall among other plants, cordylines add height and tropical flair that feels right at home in Florida landscapes.
Their drought tolerance makes them practical choices for busy gardeners across the state. Florida’s coastal areas particularly benefit from their salt tolerance and wind resistance.
4. Croton
Splashed with yellows, oranges, reds, and greens, these shrubs look like autumn year-round. Their leathery leaves handle Florida’s humidity with ease while providing consistent color throughout the seasons.
Place them where afternoon shade protects their vibrant colors from fading. South Florida gardeners particularly treasure crotons for their reliability during summer’s challenging growing conditions.
5. Elephant Ears
Massive leaves create instant tropical drama and provide cooling shade for smaller plants below. Several varieties offer different colors and textures, from glossy green to nearly black with striking veins.
They love Florida’s rainy summers and grow rapidly once established. Northern Florida gardeners find these statement plants perfect for creating lush, jungle-like corners in otherwise ordinary spaces.
6. Ferns
Lacy fronds bring softness to garden corners where other plants struggle in deep shade. Boston ferns, maidenhair ferns, and holly ferns all perform beautifully in Florida’s humid conditions without constant attention.
Hang them from porches or plant in ground for graceful movement in the slightest breeze. Central Florida’s oak-canopied neighborhoods provide perfect conditions for these ancient plants to thrive all summer long.
7. Bromeliads
Water-collecting centers and stiff, colorful leaves make these tropical beauties perfect for Florida gardens. They form magnificent rosettes in shades ranging from silver to deep purple, often with dramatic flower spikes.
Group different varieties together for an instant collection that thrives with minimal care. South Florida’s climate mimics their native habitats, making them reliable performers even during the hottest months.
8. Ti Plant
Glossy leaves in shades of burgundy, pink, and cream bring Hawaiian vibes to Florida landscapes. Their upright growth habit creates vertical interest among more rounded plant forms in garden beds.
Use them as focal points or privacy screens along property lines. Throughout Florida’s coastal communities, ti plants add tropical elegance that withstands salt spray and summer storms.
9. Persian Shield
Iridescent purple leaves with silver highlights seem to glow in partly shaded garden spots. This underutilized beauty performs exceptionally well during Florida summers when other flowering plants may struggle.
Pair with silver or chartreuse companions to maximize its dramatic coloring. West Florida gardeners particularly appreciate how this plant maintains its striking appearance through the most challenging summer conditions.
10. Agave
Architectural rosettes of spiky leaves bring desert drama to Florida’s tropical setting. Their water-storing abilities make them perfect for areas that don’t receive regular irrigation or rainfall.
Plant in well-draining spots where their dramatic form becomes a focal point. Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, these structural plants create interesting contrast against softer tropical foliage.
11. Copperleaf
Metallic orange, copper, and red foliage creates a sunset effect year-round in Florida gardens. New varieties offer fascinating leaf shapes from narrow spikes to crinkled, ruffled edges that catch the light.
Trim regularly to maintain bushy growth and prevent legginess. Central Florida’s nurseries often showcase these stunning plants that perform beautifully through the hottest months.
12. Banana Plants
Enormous paddle-shaped leaves create instant tropical atmosphere and cool shade beneath. Their rapid growth provides quick privacy and windbreak benefits during Florida’s stormy summer season.
Some ornamental varieties feature striking red or striped foliage for additional visual interest. North Florida gardeners can grow these as seasonal specimens that create dramatic summer impact.
13. Philodendron
From massive split leaves to tiny heart shapes, this diverse family offers foliage for every Florida garden spot. Newer varieties showcase burgundy undersides, neon lime coloration, or dramatic variegation patterns.
They thrive in Florida’s humidity while tolerating varying light conditions. Throughout the Sunshine State, these versatile plants create lush backgrounds for more colorful garden features.