Wax myrtle
I quickly added this to my top 5 list because it is my go-to if a customer is looking for privacy while also wanting to utilize something native to Florida. When mature, this plant’s foliage becomes dense with leaves similar to an oak tree. The preferred spacing to create a hedge is about 3-4 feet of space between each plant. It has traits such as drought tolerance and requires very little maintenance once it is established. Although it doesn’t provide vivid and popping colors, its consistency and practical qualities put it on the list!
Walters viburnum
While this plant can also make a great hedge, I would utilize the hedge as a back-row in a landscape design, one that could go relatively close to a house. This plant doesn’t just provide green foliage, but also small white flowers that’ll add color to your plant layout. When mature, the small leaves create a dense foliage that can be trimmed to the owner’s desires, which will usually be to round it off. If you have one of the many houses in Florida that use the holly shrub as the foundation hedge but don’t like the plant’s spiky leaves, I would recommend this viburnum as a smarter and less painful alternative.
Laurel oak
If you are looking to add shade to your yard, this is the tree to go with. In my opinion, the foliage is more plentiful and attractive when compared to a live oak’s. This tree is, well, a tree, so it can get as tall as 80 feet when it is fully grown. While it does provide practical shade for your yard, you will have to keep an eye on its leaves dropping as they can choke out your grass and create a die-off. Other than that, the tree will take off once planted, as it has a growth rate of 2-3 feet in height per year, getting you to your desired shade in a reasonable time frame.
Coontie palm
The coontie palm made this list as it is one of my favorite plants to use when I am designing a tropical-themed landscape design. Don’t be fooled by its initial size in a pot, this plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide. Despite its name, it’s not actually a palm tree, but once established, is drought tolerant like them. I wouldn’t use this plant as a front or back row item, but rather something planted in the middle row, or used as an accent, in your landscape’s plant layout. The coontie will eventually develop a seed pod that’ll drop large orange seeds that can be germinated if desired. DO NOT EAT THEM though, as the seeds are poisonous to humans and dogs.
Fire bush
Another back row/hedge-type plant made the list, although this one has reddish orange flowers if you’re looking to add some color to your property. This shrub will go up to 8-12 feet tall once it is mature. Plant them 5-6 apart if you’re looking to make a hedge out of them. Like all the other plants on this list, it is drought tolerant and can withstand the Florida heat. The fire bush will also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies if you are looking to support your local wildlife/environment.