When you live in the state of Florida, the heat and humidity can be brutal. Because of this, the plants you can grow in this area of the country may be limited. That said, shade is a great option for plants that don’t need direct sunlight, but can handle some indirect heat.

In this guide, I’m going to talk about the different flowers that I helped my friend who lives in Tampa, Florida, plant under her trees. They made the garden look incredibly colorful and bright, and most of these plants don’t require much care.

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1. Jasmine Pinwheel

Pinwheel jasmine is a beautiful plant that has dark green foliage and white flowers that will look great in any space. They can grow to be between three and five feet tall and wide. This plant prefers partial shade, so it adapts well in this state.

Scientific name: Tabernaemontana divaricata. Plant Type: Shrub Plant Size: 3 to 5 feet tall Sun Exposure: Partial Shade Maintenance: Low USDA Plant Zones: 9-11 Toxic to Pets: Toxic to dogs and cats

2. Butterfly iris

If you are looking for a plant that attracts butterflies, then the butterfly iris will be an ideal choice. This is a plant that does not require much water and will grow in full sun to partial shade. This plant will grow to be about two feet tall.

Scientific name: Dietes iridioides. Plant Type: Perennial Plant Size: 2-4 feet tall and wide Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Maintenance: Low USDA Plant Zones: 8-11 Toxic to Pets: Non-toxic

3. Indian Hawthorne

As a plant that does well in zones eight to 11, it is ideal for growing in Florida. It will grow well in both full sun and afternoon shade. These plants prefer moist soils that are relatively porous. They are also drought-tolerant plants that can grow up to six feet tall.

Scientific name: Rhaphiolepis spp. Plant Type: Shrub Plant Size: 3-6 feet tall and wide Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade Maintenance: Low USDA Plant Zones: 8-11 Toxic to Pets: Toxic to dogs and cats

4. Areca palm

A mature areca palm can grow up to 30 feet tall. Prefers to grow in slightly acidic soil and indirect sunlight. It produces pale yellow flowers and does not need much water to grow. This plant also likes high humidity, making it a great choice for growing in Florida. If you want to learn more about growing Areca, check out the growing guide I wrote here.

5. Tibouchina (Urvillean)

Also known as princess flower, it is a tropical plant that produces purple flowers. With full sun, acidic soil, and regular watering, this plant can grow up to 20 feet tall. It can also grow in partial shade and high humidity, making it perfect for growing in Florida.

6. Variegated ginger

This plant does not like to grow in colder climates. It can grow up to 10 feet tall in the right environment, making it ideal for Florida. Requires a good amount of water during the growing season; It will also grow in full sun or partial shade.

7. Pentas

This is a plant known for its brightly colored flowers and attracting pollinators. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, but overall the plant requires very little maintenance. In fact, it will even bloom during the hottest time of the year in zones 10 and 11.

8. Crotone

It is a plant that grows well in rich soil and direct sunlight for a few hours a day. Because of this, a shady location in Florida will be ideal, but it will need frequent watering during the growing season. It prefers temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and will do well with a little humidity. If you want to learn more about growing Crotons, check out the growing guide I wrote.

9. Caladio

This plant will thrive in high humidity areas; In fact, humidity and temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit are necessary for it to grow. It will need plenty of light, but not direct sunlight, so it is recommended to grow it in the shade or indoors, especially during the hot summer months in Florida. Here is a growing guide we wrote about Caladiums.

10. Foxtail Fern

Grown in zones nine through 11, this is a plant that can grow up to two feet tall. It is a drought tolerant plant that will do well in areas with high heat and requires very little maintenance. Too much water could cause the plant to have rot and fungal problems.

11. Pink Jacobinia

This shrub, which can grow up to five feet tall, has white and pink flowers. It likes to grow in tropical areas, which makes Florida, especially South Florida, ideal. It will do well in partial shade, which means you should plant it where it will avoid the scorching afternoon sun.

12. Persian shield

Persian shield is a plant that likes to grow in high humidity conditions, so it is often only found outdoors in zone 10. It can handle full sun, but tends to grow best in partial shade that prevents the sun. afternoon sun. A lot of water will be needed to help keep the humidity high around the plant. If you want to learn more about growing Persian Shield, check out the growing guide I wrote.

13. Bromeliads

Bromeliads are a plant that grows best in moist, humid conditions. Make sure the plant has sufficient drainage and is out of direct sunlight for most of the day. They prefer at least 60% humidity, so Florida is ideal for growing them.

14. Saw palmetto

This is a drought tolerant plant that will grow in any type of lighting, from full sun to full shade. It does well in humid areas of the country because it needs a lot of humidity to grow. It also does well in high humidity, such as that found in Florida.

15. peace lily

This bright white lily is an example of a lily that is capable of growing in shade, although it will bloom less in complete shade. Peace lilies are drought-tolerant plants, so they won’t need much water. In fact, overwatering your peace lily can cause the plant to die.

16. Cordyline

Cordylines are very easy to grow, they have leathery leaves that look fantastic all summer long. You can find Cordyline in red and pink. They are drought tolerant, but don’t let them dry out too much. Grow them in well-drained soil in light shade or full sun.

17. Peperomia

Peperomia plants are often called radiator plants or rubber plants. They can be grown indoors as a houseplant or in the garden. They can provide beautiful green foliage. Peperomia plants are a perfect shade plant in Florida as they thrive in full shade. If you want to learn more about this plant, check out the guide I wrote on growing Peperomia here.

18. Alocasía Odora

Alocasia Odora is often called elephant ears for its spectacular green foliage. They grow to be between 4 and 8 feet tall. Plant them in your shade garden. They thrive in moist to wet soils.

19. Aztec herb

The Aztec grass plant looks like a spider plant. Aztec grass can grow between 12″ and 18″ tall. In Florida, it can thrive in partial shade. Aztec grass looks stunning when planted along a path or walkway.

20. Fire Pike

Firespike grows to be 4 to 6 feet tall. Beautiful red tubular flowers grow. Firespike can grow in shade in Florida year-round, but for maximum blooming, you may want to plant them in full sun. Firespike is drought tolerant.

21. Cat Palm

A cat palm is very similar to an Areca palm. It is best to plant them in the shade, which will require less watering. This palm grows to be between 6 and 8 feet tall.

22. Dwarf Azalea

The dwarf azalea can bloom at different times of the year. It is a small shrub that can grow in the shade. When planting Azalea, make sure your soil has the proper PH level (preferably a pH of 5.5 or less).

23. Chenille Plant

The chenille plant can be grown outdoors in the garden or in a pot. In Florida, it blooms intermittently throughout the year. This plant prefers part sun to part shade.

24. Heliconia plant

This exotic plant looks amazing in Florida gardens. They bloom in spring, summer and autumn. They thrive in zone 10b as these plants prefer warm weather.

25. Oyster plant

The oyster plant is an excellent choice for ground cover. They have beautiful green leaves and the back of the leaves is purple. The oyster plant can thrive in different light conditions, but does best in partial shade or partial sun.

26. Wild Coffee (Psychotria nervosa)

Wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa) is a species of plant native to the southeastern United States, particularly Florida. It is a small evergreen shrub that typically grows up to 6 feet tall, with glossy, dark green leaves. Wild coffee is well adapted to growing in shady environments and is commonly found in the understory or shady edges.

27. Coontie (Zamia integrifolia)

Coontie (Zamia integrifolia) is a species of slow-growing perennial plant native to Florida and other coastal areas of the southeastern United States. It is a small, bushy plant that typically grows up to 3 feet tall and has a bushy appearance. Coontie has shiny, dark green leaves that are arranged in a spiral shape around a central stem. The plant produces cylindrical cones containing small orange-red seeds that are highly toxic if ingested. It is a low maintenance shrub that does not tolerate shade.