Colorful Native Plants 

are More than Just Green 

Rebecca Grotrian

While working at SCCF's Native Plant Nursery for 4 years now, I hear many comments about how native plants don't have enough color, no showy blooms, so why should I plant them? There are some very good reasons why having a native landscape can be beneficial to you and our wildlife, while also obtaining some color in the process.

Lower maintenance is one reason to have native plants. When you have an established native landscape, there is no supplemental watering required. Which not only means that you are conserving water, you are also saving money on your water bill! No mowing required, once turf/grass is taken out and replaced with native vegetation there is no more need to mow your lawn. With native plants there is also no need to fertilize or even amend the soil in any way, the native plants are happy in the sandy soil we have here on island.

Our wildlife is another great reason. By having a native landscape you are providing a food source for our native animals and insects, whether that's seeds, fruit, berries, nectar, etc. You are also providing them with some kind shelter or cover, whether it's a bird's nest in a tree or a gopher tortoise burrowing under some native upland vegetation. You, as a homeowner, then get the benefit of seeing the wildlife in your own yard using these plants as sources of food and shelter.

And it just makes sense! We have this beautiful and unique island that is so special because the native habitat has been so well preserved. You would be helping even in your own yard to preserve more of this natural habitat. And why not plant what is already naturally occurring here and thriving, you can even achieve color with native plants as well. 

Firebush abailable at the  SCCF Native Plant Nursery

Plants like Beauty Berry (Callicarpa americana), Firebush (Hamelia patens), Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine), and Bahama Cassia (Senna Mexicana) are a few examples that provide lots of color and benefits for our birds and butterflies.

Becca Grotrian 

Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation

Native Plant Nursery Assistant

Email: rgrotrian@sccf.org  

239-472-1932

SCCF

3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, 
Sanibel, Florida 33957 
(one mile west of Tarpon Bay Road on the left-hand side) 

www.sccf.org                                   

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and Captiva Cruises present an ecological expedition that will educate and excite marine enthusiasts.  Join a Marine Naturalist from the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum for an unforgettable day with a small group aboard the 40' sailing catamaran "Adventure."