[barebones1191]

We have lots of space with lots of sun. Looking for suggestions for shrubs and smaller trees to fill these spaces. We like lots of color. Suggestions would be welcome. Thanks!

[jimbo2012]

Plaint clinic
Sumter County Government Annex, 8033 CR466, 352-689-4673
Every Monday - 9 am until 3 pm

free 115 page book all plants

[NJblue]

Plumbago - shrub with pretty blue flowers; in extreme cold it may get killed back, but will come back in the spring.

Knockout roses - constant blooms; takes summer heat and winter cold; quite problem free (unlike many roses)

Tibouchina - fast growing evergreen shrub with pretty purple flowers

Bottle brush - evergreen tree or shrub with intermittent orangey-red flowers that resemble a bottle brush.

Mexican Petunia - light, airy shrub with purple flowers; fast growing; reports of it being invasive but I haven't noticed it yet. Like plumbago in terms of winter dieback with spring renewal.

Hibiscus - the prototypical tropical shrub with beautiful flowers. Possible winter dieback (or perhaps total death), but I have not lost any yet.

Bougainvillea - another typical tropical with nearly 100% bloom coverage (actually, it is the leaves that provide the color - very bold colors. May die back, but the ones I see around have all survived. Has very long sharp thorns and rapid grower, so location must be chosen with care.

African Bush Daisy - yellow daisy blooms on an evergreen plant.

Encore azaleas - unlike typical azaleas they have multiple bloom times per year. They also like full sun, unlike most azaleas.

Lantana - may die back in a cold winter, but will come back in spring.

Crape Myrtle - deciduous medium tree that provides one or two long lasting displays of colorful bloom per summer.

Oleander - colorful blooms but very poisonous and attracts caterpillars.

Camellia - Fall/winter blooms; two different cultivars - one accepts sun, the other does best in shade

Gardenia - beautiful scent while in bloom (creamy white)- great for planting near lanai/bird cage where the scent can be appreciated.

[gomoho]

nice recommendations NJBlue and a good starting point. I have always had luck just strolling the aisles of the nurseries (nurseries not big box stores) for ideas. They will have the plants located according to what conditions they can take i.e. sun, shade and usually a good amount of information as to what to expect. The idea is don't go and buy a bunch of color - take your time, buy what you like, and build on that. It normally takes 3 years to build a garden - so make it a labor of love not something you want to get done in a weekend. Most of all enjoy and have fun!

[laceylady]

Originally Posted by NJblue

Plumbago - shrub with pretty blue flowers; in extreme cold it may get killed back, but will come back in the spring.

Knockout roses - constant blooms; takes summer heat and winter cold; quite problem free (unlike many roses)

Tibouchina - fast growing evergreen shrub with pretty purple flowers

Bottle brush - evergreen tree or shrub with intermittent orangey-red flowers that resemble a bottle brush.

Mexican Petunia - light, airy shrub with purple flowers; fast growing; reports of it being invasive but I haven't noticed it yet. Like plumbago in terms of winter dieback with spring renewal.

Hibiscus - the prototypical tropical shrub with beautiful flowers. Possible winter dieback (or perhaps total death), but I have not lost any yet.

Bougainvillea - another typical tropical with nearly 100% bloom coverage (actually, it is the leaves that provide the color - very bold colors. May die back, but the ones I see around have all survived. Has very long sharp thorns and rapid grower, so location must be chosen with care.

African Bush Daisy - yellow daisy blooms on an evergreen plant.

Encore azaleas - unlike typical azaleas they have multiple bloom times per year. They also like full sun, unlike most azaleas.

Lantana - may die back in a cold winter, but will come back in spring.

Crape Myrtle - deciduous medium tree that provides one or two long lasting displays of colorful bloom per summer.

Oleander - colorful blooms but very poisonous and attracts caterpillars.

Camellia - Fall/winter blooms; two different cultivars - one accepts sun, the other does best in shade

Gardenia - beautiful scent while in bloom (creamy white)- great for planting near lanai/bird cage where the scent can be appreciated.

This is a wonderful list. Thank you so much!