8 Best Low-Maintenance Outdoor Plants for Florida

Whether it’s a commercial or residential property, landscaping sets the tone with curb appeal, creates functional outdoor spaces, and even protects your property during storm season. No matter what your vision is for your idyllic Florida property, landscaping is among the most impactful elements to consider.

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 make it stand out from your fellow commercial properties and residential neighbors. 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. 

Whether you're enhancing a commercial property or 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 the form below, and let’s create a personalized, hassle-free landscaping plan tailored to your needs.

Image Source:  lemongrass, Wild Pennyroyal