Each day I check the weather forecast to see if there is a chance for sunshine. This January has been exceptionally cloudy, which can translate to gloomy for those of us who are used to sunny skies. It lifts my spirits to look out at my garden and see the colorful blooms. Vibrant colors of red and pink provide a bright contrast to the gray skies. We are fortunate to live in Southwest Florida where a diversity of plants blooms year-round. I have compiled a list of some of the plants which bloom all year, most of which grow better in full sun. Although some can be planted in partial shade, they may not bloom continually.
Firespike (Odontonema cuspidatum) is a small shrub that produces clusters of 3-inch-long tubular red flowers. It attracts hummingbirds and several species of butterflies. It grows four to six feet tall and can be massed at the back of a garden bed or can work well in cutting gardens.
Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is a soft mounding shrub normally two to three feet tall which blooms repeatedly. Its flowers are borne on long stems and can be red, pink, purple, orange, or white, with red being the most common.