Our Favorite Ornamental Trees to Grow in Florida

Whether you live in the city or country, you can still enjoy the beauty of an ornamental tree that grows well in Florida. While the general rules for trees apply to Florida as much as other regions of the United States, there are some that are better adapted to the climate and requirements of Florida’s growing season. It is important to select a tree species that is best suited to your needs. Either way, you will be happy to have one of these beautiful trees growing in your yard.

Live Oak

The Live Oak is a tree that is native to the southeastern United States, primarily in the Gulf Coast region. It grows as an understory tree in hardwood forests but can also become a dominant canopy tree in many areas. The Live Oak is a deciduous species that has a long lifespan, and it can live up to 600 years. This longevity means you will have to remove dead branches regularly because they can fall on cars or people.

The Live Oak is one of the most recognizable trees in the world due to its size and longevity. In fact, this tree has been used for centuries as an important part of human culture and tradition. It’s also used for timber production and as an ornamental tree.

Live Oaks grow well in moist soil conditions with lots of sunlight, although they do not grow well in dry climates or shady areas where there is little sunlight available for photosynthesis. They prefer full sun during their first year of growth and then gradually reduce their exposure as they mature over time until they eventually become shade tolerant.

Loquat

Loquats are citrus fruits that are grown in California, Florida, and Texas. These small fruits have a very sweet flavor and smell like oranges. They are low-growing shrubs that do not require a lot of attention. Loquat trees grow up to 25 feet tall and can live for up to 50 years. They have thick trunks and limbs, which make them look like small palms. Their leaves are dark green in color and covered with clusters of white flowers during the spring months. The fruits are orange-red in color and resemble apples.

Loquat trees grow well in warm climates with hot summers and mild winters. This plant is drought tolerant but thrives best when watered regularly during dry periods.

Southern Magnolia

Southern Magnolia is an evergreen tree that grows in the southern United States. The magnolia family includes at least 40 species of trees and shrubs, but only three are native to Florida: Southern Magnolia, Magnolia Grandiflora, and Magnolia x soulangeana.

Southern Magnolia is a large, spreading tree with a large canopy that can reach heights of 80 feet and widths up to 60 feet. It has long been considered a “super-tree” due to its size and dense foliage, though it still needs plenty of room because it can grow to 30 feet tall with a spread of 20 feet or more.

Magnolias grow quickly after being planted in the ground and will be ready for their first blooms in about four years. They are tolerant of many soil types but prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 5 and 6.

Red Maple

Red maple is a popular tree in Florida. It is a durable, mature tree that can grow up to 70 ft tall, with a trunk up to 25 ft in diameter. The wood is moderately hard and has a reddish-brown color. Red maple yields a good amount of lumber for building purposes, but it also makes an excellent shade tree for its size.

Red maple grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It prefers sandy or rocky soil but will tolerate clay or even clay loam soils as long as drainage is good and moisture retention is excellent. Red maple does not tolerate wet soils well, so it should be planted in areas where it will receive adequate water during dry periods.

The seed germinates easily from spring to fall and requires little attention once planted until it reaches 6 inches or more in height, after which its growth rate declines rapidly due to competition from weeds and insects.

Flowering Dogwood

Flowering Dogwood is a deciduous tree that can reach up to 30 feet in height and has a broad crown. It has red or yellowish-brown bark, which often peels off in flakes. The leaves are compound, with 5 to 9 leaflets. Flowering Dogwood flowers occur in early spring and may be white, pink, or greenish-white.

Flowering Dogwood is commonly planted as an ornamental tree because of its unusual flowers and attractive bark. The flowers are borne along with the leaves on long stems. Each flower has three petals that open at night and close in the morning.

Crabapple Double Flowering Pink Spires

Crabapples are a popular ornamental tree for people who want a large flowering tree to grow in their yard. They come in different varieties and colors, so you can find the perfect color for your home.

The Crabapple is an evergreen tree that can reach heights of over 30 feet. It is also known as the Quince and has many different varieties that are suitable for different climates or regions. It is native to Asia but has been popular in Europe for centuries. The tree produces small white flowers that bloom from June to August, then later in the year, the pink spires appear from November to December.

Crabapples grow well in USDA zones 8-10, so they are quite hardy trees that will survive even harsh winters without much damage. They require little maintenance once they have been planted, although they do like full sunlight and regular watering during dry periods.

Crepe Myrtle

Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a tropical, evergreen tree with large, glossy leaves. Its flowers have a very distinctive crepe-like appearance, hence the name Crepe Myrtle. Crepe myrtle is native to Asia but has become naturalized in many areas of the United States. It is also commonly grown as an ornamental tree in the southeastern U.S.

Crepe Myrtle is one of the most popular trees in Florida and can be found growing along roadsides and in yards throughout this state. It has become naturalized in other parts of the country, including California and Texas. Crepe myrtle is a fast-growing tree that can grow to over 30 feet tall if planted properly.

Mulberry Tree

The mulberry tree grows best in full sun to partial shade. It will grow at least 10 feet tall and 20 feet wide if you plant it in a container or in the ground. You should plant mulberry trees in areas where they can get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. These trees also need well-drained soil with a pH between 6-7.5 that does not have much organic matter in it. They also like a moist environment which means that you should water them regularly but only when the soil gets dry enough that it feels slightly crunchy in your hand.

Crabapple Profusion

Crabapples are deciduous trees and will lose their leaves in the winter. They are not very fast-growing, but they do have a long life span and can remain useful for many years. Crabapples can grow to be large, up to 20 feet tall, with a similar spread. They are best planted in full sun locations as they will tolerate some shade and can even handle some morning sun.

Crabapples prefer acidic soil with plenty of organic matter, so it is best to amend your soil before planting them. Crabapples are very susceptible to pests, so it is important to take care of them from the start by planting them in well-drained soil that has been amended with compost or other organic matter, such as mulch around the roots.

Snowbell Tree

The Snowbell Tree is a beautiful ornamental tree that grows well in Florida. It can grow up to 25 feet tall and has wide-spreading branches that make it look like a coniferous tree. The leaves are large and dark green with white undersides, and the flowers are small and white.

The Snowbell Tree is also known as the Japanese Flowering Cherry, Japanese Flowering Plum, or Japanese Flowering Plum. It is native to Japan and China, where it grows wild in forests and along streams. The Snowbell Tree can be grown from seed or cuttings, but it does not transplant well because it tends to sucker extensively.

Jacaranda

Jacaranda is a beautiful tree with large, fragrant flowers that bloom on long stalks. The fruit is a small capsule that contains a few small black seeds. These trees are slow growers but make up for it in quality and beauty. They grow to be very large and can reach heights of 40 feet or more. The leaves are dark green with a smooth texture and can grow up to 10 feet long.

The flowers are purple, and they attract hummingbirds and other pollinators to the tree, as well as butterflies and bees, which will help pollinate the flowers. When they bloom in springtime, the Jacaranda trees can be seen throughout Florida during springtime.

Fig

The fig tree is a fruit tree that produces edible fruits. There are many different types of figs, and they come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Many people call the tree ‘fig’ instead of ‘fruit,’ but it’s technically the fruit. The fig fruit looks like an upside-down cone with an open top and a stem running down the middle. The stem connects to the base of the cone, where you’ll find the seeds inside.

Figs grow best in full sun, but they can tolerate part shade as well as full sun. They require little water during dry weather, but they need regular water during rainy weather or after a long dry spell. You should fertilize them regularly during spring and summer when they have just started producing fruit to encourage good production later on.

Bottlebrush Tree

Bottlebrush Trees are native to Australia and have been grown in Florida for years. The particular species of bottlebrush tree that is most commonly grown in Florida is the Queensland Bottlebrush. This tree will grow to be up to 20 feet tall, with a spread of approximately 20 feet. The leaves are bright green, with red veins running through them.

Bottlebrush trees make wonderful ornamental trees because they have beautiful flowers, which are usually white or cream colored and can bloom at any time during the year. They also produce a very fragrant, sweet-smelling flower that attracts bees and other insects for pollination.

Corkscrew Willow Tree

Corkscrew Willow Trees are evergreen trees that can grow up to 30 feet tall. They have a twisted trunk and branches that appear to be coiled or corkscrewed. It is also known as the willow-leaved willow or Japanese weeping willow tree.

The Corkscrew Willow Tree can be found in Asia and Europe, but it is also common in Florida. It prefers full sunlight, but it can tolerate partial shade. This tree is drought tolerant and does not require much water for its health. The Corkscrew Willow Tree does not like pollution or poor air quality either.

If you’re looking to add some beauty to your yard or garden, or simply want a piece of nature in the comfort of your home, then ornamental trees are an excellent choice. Actually, they can be chosen for many different reasons. One thing is certain, though; they will bring joy, peace, and tranquility to you and your family. Whether you choose a dwarf or full-sized ornamental tree for your garden, there are plenty to choose from.