home&garden
Southern lady fern,
with its exceptionally
appealing texture,
likes shady, moist
environments and
mixes well with
wildflowers and
grasses.
There are many native Florida plants that require less than four hours of direct sunlight. In fact, if placed in endless sun, their
foliage is apt to become scorched. Although the intensity of our sun changes by time of day and throughout the seasons, plants
that adapt to long hours of indirect light are still considered appropriate for shade. Another bonus in using native plants is that
they feed native insects, which are a food source for native birds.
Even native pink azaleas, which are admired for their color, require some protection from the Florida sun. It is best if they get
the sunshine they need in the winter, when the intensity of the sun is reduced, as they thrive in moist soil.
MAY/JUNE 2015 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 115