Florida’s sun can be relentless, especially in Marion County during the peak summer months. Choosing the right plants for your yard isn’t just about looks—it’s about resilience. At Keiths Lawn Care, we help Ocala-area homeowners select landscaping options that can withstand the heat while still adding beauty and texture to outdoor spaces. If you’re looking to update your yard with low-maintenance greenery, here are five heat-tolerant plants and ground covers that thrive in our local climate.
1. Liriope (Lilyturf)
Liriope is a hardy, grass-like perennial that’s ideal for borders or filling in shaded areas. It handles full sun to partial shade and is extremely drought-tolerant once established. Its spiky green leaves are accented by purple flower spikes in summer, making it both functional and attractive.
2. Coontie Palm
This Florida native is a favorite in Marion County landscaping for its tropical appearance and heat tolerance. The Coontie is technically a cycad—not a palm—but its low-growing, palm-like fronds are perfect for garden beds or foundation plantings. It’s also a host plant for the endangered Atala butterfly, making it a great choice for eco-conscious yards.
3. Sunshine Mimosa
For a beautiful and functional ground cover, Sunshine Mimosa is a standout. With fern-like foliage and small pink puffball flowers, it spreads quickly and tolerates heavy sun and sandy soil. Plus, it’s a nitrogen fixer—meaning it actually helps enrich your soil as it grows.
4. Dwarf Yaupon Holly
Looking for structure and greenery without constant upkeep? Dwarf Yaupon Holly provides a tidy, compact shrub that handles heat and drought exceptionally well. Its small, dark green leaves maintain color year-round, and it can be pruned into hedges or used as a low-maintenance border.
5. Blue Daze (Evolvulus)
This ground-hugging plant offers soft, silver-green foliage and vibrant blue flowers that bloom all summer. Blue Daze is a favorite in full-sun areas and works beautifully in rock beds, containers, or as a low-lying accent in front of taller plantings.
Smart Plant Choices for Sustainable Yards
All five of these options are not only heat-tolerant—they’re also relatively low-maintenance, meaning less watering, less fertilizer, and less time spent worrying about your landscape. At Keiths Lawn Care, we help homeowners in Ocala and throughout Marion County design plant palettes that make sense for Florida’s hot, humid conditions while enhancing curb appeal and reducing long-term costs.
Whether you’re starting a fresh landscape design or looking to replace high-maintenance areas, these tough plants and ground covers offer the perfect blend of beauty and durability.