Landscape Plants That Handle Heat and Frost

10 Attractive Landscape Plants That Handle Heat and Occasional Frost in Central Florida

Landscaping in Vero Beach and throughout Central Florida comes with a unique challenge: long stretches of heat and humidity, paired with the occasional surprise cold snap. While freezes are rare, they can cause costly damage to sensitive plants if your landscape isn’t designed with resilience in mind.

At Garrett Property Management, we often help homeowners and rental property owners choose plants that look great year-round without constant replacement or repair. The good news? There are many decorative plants that thrive in Florida’s heat while tolerating brief frost events.

Here are 10 proven landscape plants that balance beauty, durability, and low maintenance—perfect for Vero Beach properties.

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1. Coontie (Zamia integrifolia)

Coontie is a Florida native that checks all the boxes: attractive, tough, and historically proven.

• Thrives in full sun to partial shade
• Highly drought-tolerant once established
• Handles brief freezes with minimal damage

Its fern-like foliage adds texture to foundation plantings and works well in both modern and natural landscapes.

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2. Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans)

This evergreen shrub or small tree is a favorite for coastal and inland properties alike.

• Glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers
• Tolerates heat, wind, salt, and light frost
• Excellent for hedges or privacy screens

Simpson’s Stopper is especially popular in Vero Beach for its neat appearance and reliability.

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3. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Few plants say “Florida” quite like the saw palmetto.

• Extremely heat- and drought-tolerant
• Naturally cold-hardy for Central Florida
• Ideal for low-maintenance landscapes

This native palm works well in mass plantings and requires very little upkeep once established.

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4. Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’)

For homeowners wanting a polished look without constant pruning, dwarf yaupon holly is a standout.

• Dense evergreen foliage
• Excellent cold tolerance
• Adapts well to full sun or partial shade

It’s commonly used in professional landscape designs for rental homes due to its durability and clean form.

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5. Firebush (Hamelia patens)

Firebush brings vibrant color and wildlife appeal to Central Florida landscapes.

• Bright red-orange flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds
• Handles extreme heat and humidity
• Dies back in frost but reliably returns in spring

Firebush is ideal for adding color without high water or fertilizer demands.

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6. Viburnum (Viburnum obovatum or Suspensum)

Viburnum varieties are widely used across Florida for good reason.

• Evergreen with dense growth
• Tolerates pruning, heat, and occasional frost
• Ideal for privacy hedges

For property owners, viburnum offers a long-lasting solution for screening and curb appeal.

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7. Lantana

Lantana is one of the toughest flowering plants you can grow in Central Florida.

• Blooms nearly year-round
• Extremely heat-tolerant
• Regrows quickly after frost damage

It’s an excellent choice for sunny areas where color is desired with minimal maintenance.

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8. Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)

Bottlebrush shrubs and trees provide a bold look and dependable performance.

• Bright red, brush-like flowers
• Thrives in heat and sandy soils
• Tolerates light freezes once established

This plant is especially effective as a focal point or accent tree in Vero Beach landscapes.

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9. Croton (Petra or Mammy varieties)

Crotons are known for their vivid foliage and tropical flair.

• Bright reds, yellows, and greens
• Love heat and sun
• Can handle brief frost with some leaf drop

When planted in protected areas, crotons rebound well and provide year-round visual interest.

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10. Podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophyllus)

Podocarpus is a favorite among professional landscapers and property managers.

• Evergreen and highly adaptable
• Tolerates heat, humidity, and light frost
• Excellent alternative to traditional hedges

It’s clean, structured, and well-suited for upscale residential and rental properties.

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Smart Plant Choices Protect Your Investment

Choosing landscape plants that tolerate both Florida heat and occasional cold snaps isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about protecting your investment. Hardy plants reduce replacement costs, minimize maintenance, and keep properties looking attractive year-round.

For homeowners and landlords in Vero Beach, selecting the right plants can also improve tenant satisfaction and long-term property value.

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Need Help Managing or Improving Your Landscape?

At Garrett Property Management, we understand the unique environmental challenges of Central Florida properties. Whether you’re maintaining a rental home, preparing a property for new tenants, or planning landscape upgrades, smart plant selection makes all the difference.

Contact Garrett Property Management today to learn how thoughtful landscaping supports long-term property performance and curb appeal in Vero Beach and beyond.

If your landscape has been ravaged by the recent freezing weather in Vero Beach, please call Garrett Property Management for advice. We can help restore the plantings that can be saved as well as remove and replace those that can’t. Reach us at (772) 539-3365.