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Dig This: Gardening Notes

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The Tampa Tribunme

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 28, 2008

Florida summers are a great time for planting. One good storm can drop 1 to 3 inches of rain, which soaks into the soil and encourages roots to follow. Plants with deep roots will grow up to be drought-tolerant.

But not every shrub or tree can tolerate summer heat on top of recent transplant. These four are favorites both for their beauty and their toughness.

Since you likely won't be planting vegetables, now's a good time to "solarize" that bed.

Clear out the weeds, wet the soil, then cover with plastic for a month. That will bake out nematodes and other bad guys.

Summer's also a good time to give houseplants a spa getaway. Put them under a tree to enjoy the dappled sunlight, balmy weather and rains, and they'll be whistling, "Feelin' Groovy."

Crape myrtle

This outstanding flower producer is so hardy, it's often planted in highway medians - one of the toughest environments for any plant - and it stands up to hurricanes. It also loves getting planted in June, according to the horticulturists at the Hillsborough Extension office. Choose your crape myrtle for blossom color (from white to pink to red) and for height. The many varieties range from dwarf shrubs to very tall trees.

Coreopsis

Also known as tickseed, this pretty wildflower is often seen growing along roadsides. It's drought-tolerant and prefers sandy soil and full sun. Use it in cut flower arrangements and to draw butterflies to your garden.

Plumbago

For gorgeous blue-purple color in shrubs, mounds or trained to cover a fence, plumbago can't be beat. It's Florida-friendly, not prone to pests or disease and lives for years. Plus, it's readily available in garden centers. For the best color, don't expect to maintain a manicured look - repeated trimming cuts off the blooms.

Walking iris

Yellow walking iris - Neomarica longifolia - is an easy-to-grow bulb beloved for its almost year-round irislike blooms and drought tolerance. It does well in shade or part sun-part shade, growing about 3 feet tall with long, grass-like leaves. It "walks" when plantlets form at the tips of the flower stalks; the stalk bends to the ground, where the plantlet takes root.

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