Despite the hot and humid summertime weather in Central Florida, it’s still possible to have a garden stocked with vibrant flowers and hardy plants that can survive and even thrive in these sometimes-harsh conditions.

Two of those selections are dahlias and plumeria — both of which love warm sunshine. With proper care, these striking flowering plants can add ambiance and attraction to your property. Here’s how to make it work:

Doting Over Dahlias

A versatile annual, dahlias typically begin blooming in mid-to-late July. When left undisturbed, they’ll bloom continuously until the first frost.

Available in a rainbow of colors and sizes (from two-inch “lollipop” versions to 10-inch “dinnerplate” blooms), dahlias can grow up to the five feet tall. Due to the large and heavy blooms of most selections, dahlias should be staked. Tomato cages also work for this purpose.

Since dahlias prefer a soil pH between 6.6 and 7, many Port Orange gardeners opt to present these flowers in pots. An added benefit of this choice is that they can be easily moved as needed to accommodate more or less sunlight and moisture control.

While they prefer partial to full sun, it’s a good idea to give dahlias a shady break during the day, particularly in warm climates such as the Central Florida region. Some New Smyrna Beach residents choose to place dahlias under a shaded canopy or in the shade path of a large tree.

While wildlife (including deer and rabbits) will eat dahlias, it’s usually only when no other food source is available. That stated, the presence of slugs is an issue that should be monitored. Japanese beetles also enjoy light-colored flowers.

It should be noted that dahlias may wilt and appear to die off during periods of high heat and humidity. However, by properly trimming the flowers, they will continue to grow and thrive once the temperature drops. A skilled and qualified landscape professional can help you keep dahlias in top shape all year round.

Proper Plumeria Care

Also available in a variety of colors, plumeria is a fragrant flower ideal for hot and humid, tropical-like climates. The blooms are pinwheel-shaped. They are one of the flowers used to make Hawaiian leis — the large necklace-like decorations often worn by natives and visitors to the region. Due to their pleasant scent, plumeria attracts bees, butterflies, and Sphinx moths.

Plumeria grows best in full sun. In fact, the flower requires six to eight hours of daily sun to truly thrive. Blooms are brightest from May to November. They are a versatile flowering plant that doesn’t require much water, making them an ideal choice for summer gardens.

Putting It All Together

Creating and maintaining a pleasing garden can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s why more homeowners in Flagler County choose to work with a trusted and reputable landscaping company to keep their property looking its best all year long.

For more than a decade, we’ve been transforming lawns and landscapes across Central Florida into true works of art. In addition to landscaping, our full-service company offers a variety of other services including lawn care, tree and shrub trimming, pressure washing, and much more. Contact us today to discover how our home improvement solutions can help display your property in the best possible light.