Diary of a Gardener: Survive & Thrive: Smart Florida Gardening for Summer's Harshest Days Week 2
Cool & Calm — Shade Gardening Solutions for Florida Landscapes
It’s no secret I love plants — big blooming flowers, pollinator-attracting natives, and all the color I can pack into a garden. But I also love shade gardens. There’s just something about walking through a lush, tropical space filled with big, broad-leafed plants that feels like a botanical garden retreat right in your own backyard.
In the heat of a Florida summer, I spend most of my time working in my shade garden once the morning sun has passed — because my front garden is just too hot. Unfortunately, hurricanes often wreak havoc on our shade gardens — toppling trees, stripping canopies, and leaving once-cool spaces fully exposed.
But don’t let that stop you from rebuilding. Plant new trees. Use clumping palms to create layers. Hang shade cloth temporarily until the canopy returns. Creating a cooler microclimate will not only help your garden thrive but can also help cool your home (if it's nearby).
What Counts as Shade in Florida?
This is one of the most common questions I get — what’s considered shade, part-shade, or part-sun?
Shade — Filtered or dappled light for most of the day; less than 4 hours of direct sun.
Part Shade — At least 4 hours of sun, preferably morning sun before midday.
Part Sun — At least 4 hours of direct sun, often afternoon or midday.
Small Shade Trees for Florida Landscapes
If you’re starting from scratch or rebuilding after storm damage, here are a few small-scale shade trees that thrive in Florida landscapes:
Shady Lady Black Olive (Bucida buceras) — A graceful, airy tree perfect for creating filtered shade.
Simpson's Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) — A Florida-native favorite with fragrant blooms and wildlife appeal.
Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine) — Evergreen, native, and bird-friendly.
Clumping Palms — Think Fishtail Palms or Areca Palms for fast shade and privacy.
My Favorite Shade-Loving Plants for Lush, Tropical Layers
Once you’ve created shade — or if you’re lucky enough to already have a large Oak or existing canopy — it’s time to fill in that lush, jungle-inspired understory.
Some of my go-to shade garden plants include:
Bold & Tropical Texture
Leopard Plant (Farfugium japonicum)
Bird’s Nest Fern
Bird’s Nest Anthurium
Split-Leaf Philodendron
Monstera
Alocasia
Coontie (Zamia floridana)
Pops of Color & Contrast
Song of India (Dracaena reflexa)
Variegated Ginger
Croton ‘Magnificent’ & Croton ‘Tamara’
Caladiums
Dwarf Mussaenda
Jamaican Croton
Calathea
Begonia
Aglaonema
The Must-Have Layer: Ferns, Ferns, and More Ferns
Designing a Florida Shade Garden — Layer it Like Nature
The secret to a stunning shade garden is layering. Use taller, weeping plants in the background for softness. Upright plants add structure. Broad-leafed plants like ferns tie it all together and fill in the gaps. Smaller plants like Aglaonema and Caladiums create pops of color and texture.
Shade gardens aren’t meant to be rigid or overly tidy — they should feel immersive, textural, and a little wild. Think “botanical garden pathway” with a bench waiting for you at the end — a serene space meant for slowing down.
Watering Tips for Shade Gardens
While shade gardens often need less water than full-sun beds, irrigation is still essential — especially in Florida’s heat. I recommend watering at least twice a week. And don’t overcrowd your plants — they’ll grow fast and big in the right conditions, and spacing them properly will save you time (and maintenance headaches) later.
Need Help Designing Your Shade Garden?
Not sure where to start? I’d love to help you bring your shade garden dreams to life. Schedule a consultation and let’s create your Florida-friendly oasis.
Final Thought
Shade gardens are majestic — and in my opinion, totally underrated in Florida landscapes. Not only are they beautiful, textural, and peaceful... they also make spending time outdoors in the summer so much more bearable.
Stay tuned for the final blog in this series: Summer-Proof Your Garden — Prepping Plants & People for Florida’s Hottest Months
