Wild petunia
Wild petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis) typically blooms late spring through late summer/early fall, attracting a variety of pollinators. It is the host plant for the White peacock and Common buckeye butterflies.
Nightflowering wild petunia
As the name suggests, Nightflowering wild petunia (Ruellia noctiflora) is a night-blooming wildflower whose flowers open around dusk then shrivel and drop by mid-morning the next day. The bloom’s nectaries are located at the base of a 3″ long flower tube requiring a special pollinator whose tongue is long enough to reach in and take a sip! The pollinators that fit this bill are sphinx moths (family Sphingidae). These nocturnal moths are attracted by the petunia’s large white flowers.
Saving Roadside Plants Works!
When Scott Davis found a large population of the state-listed endangered Night-blooming petunia (Ruellia noctiflora) growing along US 98, he asked the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to declare it a protected wildflower area. FDOT did.
Great wildflowers for your dry landscape
If you have added wildflowers to your landscape, you’ve probably learned how adaptable they are to a wide range of environmental conditions.
Cool native wildflowers for summer garden blooms
If you’re looking to dress up your landscape this summer, consider these native species, which adapt readily to home gardens and provide weeks of blooms.
Summer in the wildflower garden – some like it hot!
Although summer’s heat keeps many of us inside, it’s a busy time for wildflowers. Thousands of butterflies, bees, wasps and other insects visit flowers to obtain nectar.
Create a Pollinator Pot
The insects that pollinate our food crops and natural areas are in steep decline. Our suburban landscapes are more important than ever in supporting them. No place for a garden? No problem! Our new video and handout can help you create a small pollinator oasis in a pot! Versión en español disponible.
Invasive Plant Resources for Florida Residents
Removing invasive plants from your own landscape is one of the most impactful things you can do to protect the natural areas around you. We’ve compiled some of the best online resources to help you.
Cape Coral garden showcases waves of native color
A visit to Cape Coral’s Rotary Park Environmental Center includes an opportunity to become acquainted with Florida’s beautiful wildflowers. With funds from the FWF’s Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden grant, a native wildflower garden has been planted near the park’s education center.
It’s not a garden, it’s a habitat
Thinking of native wildflower gardens as habitat is a new mindset whose time has come. Learn how to make the transition for the sake of wildlife.
Grasses and Groundcovers
Level up your lawn with native grasses and groundcovers! Traditional turf lawns require excessive water use, fertilizers and often pesticides. This guide will help you select sustainable alternatives for your landscape. Versión en español disponible.
Dry Landscapes
Wondering what native wildflowers and plants to use in a dry landscape? Use our new handout to evaluate your landscape’s soil moisture and choose diverse species that will thrive and give your landscape a “real Florida” feel. Versión en español disponible.