MADE FOR THE SHADE
Sun-shy Florida Plants
By Martha Margolis
many native
Florida plants
require less than
four hours of
direct sunlight
The blue flag iris is a hardy perennial with
striking blue-violet flowers that is often
seen along the edges of streams, as well
as in gardens
home&garden
Flowering
dogwood,
which may
be the most
spectacular
of our native
flowering
trees, grows
well beneath
taller trees.
Dappled sunlight peeking through the trees may be great
for ambience, but it can be a bit challenging for your landscaping.
On the bright side, partial shade will protect many
colorful plants that are too sun-sensitive to thrive in the intense
tropical sunlight of Tampa Bay. Fortunately, there are many plants
that grow well in shady landscapes that will add vibrant color and
interesting texture to the impression of your garden.
White or iridescent plants almost seem to glow in subtle light,
while pale green leaves tend to contrast the darker green of other
foliage, particularly after sundown. Since shade-loving plants
have a lower metabolic rate than sun-loving ones, they often grow
at a slower rate and take a bit longer to get established.
114 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 2015