Create a fabulous butterfly garden using Florida wildflowers.

Black Eyed Susan

This well-known Florida wildflower is recognized by its yellow, daisy-like flowers and dark brown centers. The Black Eyed Susan grows best in full sun to partial shade, preferring moist well-drained soil; however it will tolerate poor soil with irregular irrigation.

Usually found in sandhills and pine flatwood areas of Florida, this beauty is easily domesticated. Butterflies and other pollinators are naturally attracted to the Black Eyed Susan, making it a must-have for those wanting to create a butterfly garden.

Blue Porterweed

The Blue Porterweed is one of the most beautiful of the Florida wildflowers. With tubular, blue-purple flowers perched on the end of slender spikes, the Blue Porterweed is uniquely attractive.

The Blue Porterweed grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, and can be found on the coastal uplands of the state. In addition, the flowers bloom all year round, which makes the Blue Porterweed a garden favorite.

Firebush

With its bright orange, tubular flowers, the Firebush is one of the cheeriest Florida wildflowers. The flowers grow on bushes or shrubs and are extremely versatile, tolerating full sun to deep shade and well-drained to moist soil. Most often found in the coastal uplands and hardwood forests, the flowers bloom year round.

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Pale Meadow Beauty

There are about 12 species of Meadow Beauty in Florida. The species Pale Meadow Beauty is found in the flatwoods and bogs throughout the state. Common but subtle, the flower is pale lilac and fragile in nature, with white and yellow threads hanging from its center.

With flowers that bloom from spring through fall, the Pale Meadow Beauty gives those who enjoy wildflowers a lengthy viewing period.

Purple Passion Flower

The flowers of the Purple Passion Flower grow on a vine and boast three large lavender-colored blooms, with round fruit that can be safely eaten. This Florida wildflower grows best in full sun to partial shade in rich, well-drained soil. The Purple Passion Flower is versatile and can be encouraged to climb or grow as ground cover in gardens.

For those wishing to establish a butterfly garden, this is one of the best wildflowers to include, as its flowers attract bees and other pollinators.

Sea Purslane

Also called Sea Pickle, this flower is a member of the carpetweed family and is commonly found in the mangroves of Florida. The stems and leaves of the Sea Purslane are edible and have a salty flavor. Its tiny, star-shaped flowers bloom all year long. The flowers have pink interiors and look delicate but in fact are quite hearty. The Sea Purslane is one of the most unique Florida wildflowers.

Scarlet Hibiscus

One of the most beautiful Florida wildflowers, the Scarlet Hibiscus is tall and boasts large leaves and bright red flowers, which often grow to over eight inches in diameter. The Scarlet Hibiscus grows best in wet conditions with full sun to partial shade, but will also tolerate garden environments.

Found in the wetlands of Florida, the Scarlet Hibiscus can grow to be six feet tall, making it one of the most impressive wildflowers Florida has to offer.

Wild Azalea

The wild azalea is recognized by its full, tubular white/pink flowers that emerge before its leaves. The Wild Azalea grows best in moist soil, in full sun to partially shaded environments. The flowers bloom in early spring and are especially fragrant. The wild azalea can be found in bay swamps, flatwoods, hammocks, wetlands and forests.

Yellow Buttons

With its bright yellow flowers, narrow leaves and branched stems, the yellow button is one of the brightest Florida wildflowers. These flowers grow best in moist soil and enjoy full sun. They can be found in the coastal uplands, the sandhills and the pine flatwoods of the state.