In 1513, Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon discovered a tropical paradise he aptly named “Florida,” which means “full of flowers,” or “flowery.”
Today, Central Florida gardeners enjoy celebrating the state’s floral splendor all year long as spring, summer, fall, and winter deliver an abundance of different blooms. Orlando homeowners take pride in keeping their landscape vibrant and colorful by planting flower varieties that bloom according to the season. To make sure your landscape always has splashes of color, it’s important to provide the proper care and attention to help flowering plants stay healthy.
Healthy Florida Landscapes are Bursting with Color!
Here are three key factors that can help prevent landscape flowers from dying:
Soil Quality
Provide a suitable growing environment for healthy flowers by keeping the soil in your landscape nutritious. You can improve the soil by adding organic matter such as compost, mulch, and cured manure. Each of these are infused with essential nutrients that improve the soil’s structure. Coating your flower beds with mulch will also help the soil retain the moisture flowers need to stand at attention instead of wilting.
PRO TIP: Test your soil to discover its pH and nutrient levels, then amend it as needed to create an optimal growing environment for your flowers.
Sufficient Watering
Adequate and consistent watering is essential for the health of landscape flowers. However, knowing the types of flowers you have and understanding their water requirements will help you establish irrigation patterns to keep them alive and healthy. Avoid overwatering or underwatering by knowing the different types of flowers you’re growing, then researching their specific water requirements. In general, you should water flowers deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth. For example, overwatering can lead to root rot.
If you’re not sure your system is running like it should, call us or complete our request service form and we’ll be happy to take a look, so your plants stay healthy.
Proper Pruning and Deadheading
Keep your flowering plants in tip top shape by removing dead and diseased growth with regular pruning. Deadheading spent blossoms can help prolong the bloom cycles of plants such as roses by encouraging the plant to produce new blooms instead of seeds.
PRO TIP: Always use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant and spreading disease.
A Little TLC Keeps Central Florida Flowers Vibrant and Beautiful!
In addition to these three factors, it’s important to consider other plant necessities like sunlight, fertilization, and pest control.
Different flowers can have varying light requirements, so make sure each is getting the right amount of sunlight by strategically planting them in your landscape according to morning and afternoon sun and where and when shadows are cast.
Lastly, don’t forget to feed and protect your flowers! Fertilize according to their specific needs, but avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plants by burning their roots. You also want to watch out for signs of pests and diseases. Always use a natural pesticide or bug deterrent that’s safe for kids and pets, and avoid using pesticides when pollinators are most active.
Remember, if you ever need assistance with sprinkler repair or irrigation in the Orlando area, we’re here to help!