Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
- 1) Evergreen Coniferous Trees
- 2) Evergreen Trees: Year-Round Lushness in Japanese Gardens
- 3) Flowering trees: Seasonal Spectacles of Color and Fragrance
- 4) Evergreen Shrubs & Bushes: The Enduring Backbone of Japanese Gardens
- 5) Shrubs that Shed their Leaves: The Art of Transience and Renewal
- 6) Flowering Shrubs: Blooming Accents for Harmonious Design
- 7) Japanese Gardens Grass: Weaving Softness into the Garden Tapestry
- 8) Japanese Garden Bamboo: Versatile Elegance in Garden Design
- 9) Ferns: Soft Touches for Serene Spaces
- 10) Complementing the Canvas: Florals and Foliage in Zen Gardens
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Key Takeaways
-
Japanese gardens can flourish in Florida’s climate, and understanding USDA hardiness zones (8a to 11a for Florida) is essential for plant survival and growth.
-
Coniferous and evergreen trees provide a green backdrop year-round, essential for the garden’s structure.
-
Deciduous trees and flowering plants add seasonal color and texture, creating a dynamic and engaging landscape.
-
Grasses and bamboo add movement and contrast, while evergreen and deciduous shrubs fill out the garden’s mid-layer with varied shapes and colors.
A Touch of the East in the Sunshine State
Florida’s warm climate is a fertile ground for many plants used in traditional Japanese gardens. But it’s not just about picking plants that can survive; it’s about selecting those that will flourish and embody the tranquility and aesthetic of Japanese garden design. You’ll want to start with a solid foundation of trees that set the tone for your garden.
Disclaimer: The plant list and variety descriptions included in this article are based on recommendations from Yoko Kawaguchi as found in ‘Authentic Japanese Gardens’ book. This article serves as a reference guide and does not intend to infringe upon the intellectual property rights of the author or publisher.
1) Evergreen Coniferous Trees
Coniferous trees are the watchmen of your Japanese garden. Their evergreen character and hardy shapes make them perfect for giving form and a feeling of permanence. In Florida, you can choose from a variety of conifers that can withstand the heat and humidity, such as the Japanese Red and Black Pine or the Hollywood Juniper, each bringing a unique texture and form to the garden.
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Pines varieties
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|
Pinus densiflora (Japanese Red Pine) |
Zones 5-9 |
Native to Japan, red-brown bark, long needles in clusters of two |
20-40 feet tall by 20-35 feet wide |
Pinus thunbergii (Japanese Black Pine) | Zones 5-9 | Coastal native, dark green needles, rugged appearance | 20-60 feet tall by 15-35 feet wide |
Juniper Varieties
Juniperus chinensis (Hollywood Juniper)
Scientific Name and Common Name | USDA Hardiness Zones | Features | Size and Dimension in Feet |
Juniperus chinensis (Hollywood Juniper) | Zones 4-9 | Unique, irregularly shaped juniper with twisted branches and blue-green foliage | 6-15 feet tall by 3-5 feet wide |
Juniperus conferta (Shore Juniper) | Zones 6-9 | Dense evergreen shrub found along sand dunes and rocky seashores in Japan | 1-2 feet tall by 6-8 feet wide |
Cedar varieties
Cryptomeria japonica ‘Sekkan-sugi .
Scientific Name and Common Name | USDA Hardiness Zones | Features | Size and Dimension in Feet |
Cryptomeria japonica (Sugi) | Zones 5-9 | Tall, conical evergreen tree with reddish-brown bark and scale-like leaves | 50-70 feet tall by 20-30 feet wide |
Exotic Conifers
“Japanese Torreya (Torreya nucifera) in …”
Scientific Name and Common Name | USDA Hardiness Zones | Features | Size and Dimension in Feet |
Podocarpus macrophyllus (Kusa-maki) | Zones 7-10 | Dense evergreen with dark green foliage and red fruits | 20-40 feet tall by 10-20 feet wide |
Torreya Nucifera (Japanese Nutmeg Yew) | Zones 6-9 | Slow-growing evergreen tree with dark green needles and fleshy red fruits | 30-40 feet tall by 15-25 feet wide |
2) Evergreen Trees: Year-Round Lushness in Japanese Gardens
Apart from conifers, other evergreens can bring diversity and texture to your garden. Evergreen trees are essential for maintaining a constant backdrop of green throughout the seasons. For more information on ‘Evergreen Trees in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
“Japanese box (Buxus microphylla)”
|
Scientific & Common Name |
Description |
USDA Hardiness Zone |
Size |
Care Tips |
|
Buxus microphylla var. japonica (Japanese box; tsuge) |
Evergreen shrub native to Japan, used for hedges and topiaries, wood used for making combs |
6 through 9 |
Up to 5 m (16 ft 3 in) |
Very slow growth; care needed in transplanting; prefers half-shade; likes lime; mulch to prevent shallow roots from drying out |
|
Cleyera japonica (sakaki) |
Broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree, sacred in Shinto religion, used around shrines and in tea gardens |
7 through 8, warmer areas of 6 |
3 x 3 m (10 x 10 ft) |
Prefers rich, deep, acid soil and shade; can be pruned hard for broad hedges; suitable as underplanting |
|
Daphniphyllum macropodum (yuzuriha) |
Evergreen tree with leaves in whorls, used for New Year’s decorations, suitable for mass planting |
7 through 9 |
Up to 15 m (49 ft) |
Frost hardy; prefers rich soil and half-shade; no pruning needed; dislikes root disturbance |
|
Dendropanax trifidus (kakure-mino) |
Evergreen tree used around shrines and in tea gardens, very slow-growing |
7 through 9 |
10 m (32 ft 6 in) |
Frost hardy; prefers moist shade; dislikes being pruned and root disturbance; suitable for north-facing gardens |
|
Ilex crenata (box-leaved holly/Japanese holly; inu-tsuge) |
Small, round, glossy leaves, important for topiary in Japan, slow-growing but vigorous |
6 through 9 |
5 x 4 m (16 ft 3 in x 13 ft) |
Prefers partial shade and moist conditions; avoid winter wind; if soil is alkaline, give an annual feed of acid fertilizer |
Kurogane Holly (Ilex rotunda) …
|
Scientific & Common Name |
Description |
USDA Hardiness Zone |
Size |
Care Tips |
Ilex integra (mochi-no-ki) | Evergreen tree used near shrines, can be transplanted even when quite big | 8 through 9 | 7 to 8 m (23 to 26 ft) | Young plants half hardy; established plants tolerate down to -10°C/14°F; prefers moist, rich soil and sun; prune heavily in early summer |
Ilex latifolia (luster-leaf holly; tarayo) | Large, serrated leathery leaves with male and female plants for red berries production | 7 through 9 | 6 to 7.5m (20 to 25ft) | Can be hard pruned or clipped for a dense screen; best pruned late winter-early spring; frost hardy |
Ilex rotunda (kurogane holly/round-leaf holly; kurogane-mochi) | Slow-growing evergreen, female plants produce red berries in winter, popular for bonsai | 6 through 9 | 9 to 15m (30 to 50ft) | Prune lightly Nov-Dec, then hard late spring; tolerates partial shade |
Lithocarpus edulis (Japanese stone oak; mate-bashii) | Fast-growing, suitable for hedging or mass planting | 7 through 9 | 10 m (32 ft 6 in) | Hardy; sun or partial shade; tolerates heavy pruning |
Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’
Scientific & Common Name | Description | USDA Hardiness Zone | Size | Care Tips |
Pittosporum tobira (Japanese mock orange; tobera) | Dense evergreen with fragrant white flowers and red seeds in winter | 8 through 11 | 2 to 9m (6 to 30ft) | Tolerant of sea air and some dryness; no pruning required; cultivars with variegated leaves available |
Osmanthus x fortunei (Fortune’s osmanthus; hiiragi-mokusei) | Upright with holly-like leaves, fragrant white flowers in late summer to autumn | 7 through 9 | 5 m (16 ft 3 in) | Frost hardy; half-shade or complete shade; prune; tolerates sea air; suitable for hedges |
Osmanthus heterophyllus (holly osmanthus; hiiragi) | Dense round shrub with spiny, leathery leaves, fragrant white flowers on female plants | 7 through 9 | 4 to 8 m (13 to 26 ft) | Frost hardy; tolerates shade and sea air; can be pruned; suitable for hedges |
Quercus glauca (ring-cup oak; ara-kashi) | Slow-growing live oak with serrated lance-shaped leaves, good for hedges, windbreaks, screens | 7 through 9 | Up to 9m (30ft) | Frost hardy; leaves turn from purple-crimson to glossy green and glaucous blue-green underneath |
Ternstroemia gymnanthera
Scientific & Common Name | Description | USDA Hardiness Zone | Size | Care Tips |
Quercus myrsinifolia (bamboo-leaf oak/Chinese evergreen oak/Chinese ring-cupped oak; shira-kashi) | Slow-growing live oak with glossy lance-shaped leaves emerging bronze-red | 7 through 9 | 6 to 12m (20 to 40ft) | Shade tolerant; prune for a dense hedge in July and November; traditionally used as windbreaks; plant shrubs 30cm apart for a 1m tall hedge, 50cm apart for a 1.5m tall hedge |
Quercus phillyraeoides (ubame-gashi) | Slow-growing, dense live oak with glossy ovate leaves and fissured brown-grey bark | 7 through 10 | 6 to 9m (20-30ft) | Suitable for hedges; prune late autumn; stop main leading stem at required height and cut back lateral branches to desired length; prefers acid to neutral soil |
Ternstroemia gymnanthera (mokkoku) | Frost hardy to half hardy in the UK; dislikes temperatures below -5°C/23°F; ripe wood tolerates colder conditions | 7 through 10 | 5 to 10 m (16 to 32 ft 6 in) | Partial or complete shade; prefers rich acid soil; in early summer remove the longest central stem from each new growth |
3) Flowering trees: Seasonal Spectacles of Color and Fragrance
“Cherry tree in Japan”
Flowering trees add bursts of color and fragrance to the garden. No Zen garden would be truly whole without the fragile elegance of blooming trees. Among them, the Cherry trees stands out for its early spring blossoms that defy the dormant season, while the Camellia and Magnolia varieties captivates with their prolonged display of vibrant flowers from winter to spring.
Cherry Varieties
Prunus jamasakura (Japanese Hill Cherry)
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimensions in Feet |
Prunus jamasakura (Japanese Hill Cherry) | Zones 6-9 | Japanese Hill Cherry, Small to medium-sized tree | 20-30 feet tall |
Prunus japonica (Oriental Bush Cherry) | Zones 6-9 | Oriental Bush Cherry, Small tree | 15-25 feet tall |
Prunus mume (Japanese Apricot) | Zones 6-9 | Japanese Apricot, Small to medium-sized tree | Varies but generally around 15-25 feet tall |
Magnolia Varieties
”Banana shrub”
Scientific Name and Common Name | USDA Hardiness Zones | Features | Size and Dimensions in Feet |
|
Magnolia figo (Banana Shrub/Port-Wine Magnolia) |
Zones 7-10 |
Banana Shrub/Port-Wine Magnolia, Evergreen shrub or small tree with fragrant flowers |
Typically 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) tall |
Camellia Varieties
Sazanka (Camellia sasanqua)
Scientific Name and Common Name | USDA Hardiness Zones | Features | Size and Dimensions in Feet |
|
Camellia japonica (Yabu-tsubaki) |
Zones 7-9 |
Evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and large, showy flowers in various colors that bloom from winter to spring. |
Can grow 6-12 feet tall. Spreads 5-10 feet. |
|
Camellia sasanqua (Sazanka) |
Zones 7-9 |
Evergreen shrub with smaller leaves than C. japonica and fragrant flowers that bloom in the fall. |
Typically 4-10 feet tall. Spreads 5-7 feet. |
4) Evergreen Shrubs & Bushes: The Enduring Backbone of Japanese Gardens
If you’re looking for a Zen garden that doesn’t require much maintenance, evergreen shrubs are a smart option. They need less pruning than plants that lose their leaves, and they keep their leaves all year, which means less garden waste. For more information on ‘Evergreen Shrubs in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
“Tea Camellia Sinensis …”
|
Scientific Name |
Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ardisia japonica |
Marlberry, Yabu-koji |
Zones 7a – 11 |
Evergreen shrub with clusters of pink flowers and red berries |
Height: 0.5 to 1 foot, Width: 6 inches to 3 feet |
|
Aucuba japonica |
Spotted Laurel, Aoki |
Zones 7a to 9b |
Evergreen shrub with variegated leaves, tolerates shade, dry soil, pollution |
Height: 6 to 10 feet, Width: 5 to 9 feet |
|
Camellia sinensis |
Tea, Cha-no-ki |
Zones 7 to 9 |
Evergreen shrub/small tree, white flowers, leaves used for tea |
Height: 6 to 15 feet (can grow taller) |
|
Elaeagnus x ebbingei |
Ebbing’s Silverberry |
Zones 7 to 11 |
Dense evergreen, silver/gold variegated leaves, fragrant flowers |
Height and Width: 8 to 10 feet |
|
Euonymus japonicus |
Japanese Spindle, Masaki |
Zones 6 to 9 |
Glossy green leaves, often used for hedges, variegated foliage |
Height: 6 to 15 feet, Width: 2 to 8 feet |
|
Eurya japonica |
Hi-sakaki |
Zones 7 to 9 |
Small evergreen shrub, dense foliage, small flowers |
Height and Width: 2 to 5 feet |
Euonymus japonicus
|
Scientific Name |
Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fatsia japonica |
Yatsude |
Zones 7 to 10 |
Large, palmate leaves, spherical white flowers |
Height and Width: 6 to 10 feet |
|
Juniperus chinensis var. procumbens |
Hai-byakushin |
Zones 4 to 9 |
Low-growing juniper, spreading habit, used as ground cover |
Height: 1 to 2 feet, Width: 4 to 6 feet |
|
Mahonia japonica |
Hiiragi-nanten |
Zones 7 to 9 |
Evergreen, holly-like leaves, yellow flowers |
Height and Width: 4 to 6 feet |
|
Photinia glabra |
Red-leaf Photinia |
Zones 7 to 9 |
Bright red new foliage, matures to green |
Height and Width: 10 to 15 feet |
|
Viburnum odoratissimum |
Sweet Viburnum; Sangoju |
Zones 8 to 10 |
Dense evergreen, large glossy leaves, fragrant white flowers |
Height: 12 to 20 feet, Width: 10 to 15 feet |
|
Viburnum suspensum |
Sandanqua Viburnum |
Zones 8 to 10 |
Evergreen shrub, leathery leaves, fragrant white flower |
Height and Width: 6 to 12 feet |
5) Shrubs that Shed their Leaves: The Art of Transience and Renewal
Evergreens are the steady, reliable plants in your garden, but deciduous shrubs are the life of the party. They’re the plants that aren’t afraid to change it up and keep things interesting, with their seasonal transformations, with foliage that changes color and often falls away to reveal interesting branch patterns. For more information on ‘Deciduous Shrubs in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
“Ilex serrata, Japanese Winterberry, Ume …”
|
Scientific Name |
Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ilex serrata |
Japanese Winterberry |
5-9 |
Slow-growing, bushy with purple stems; female trees produce red berries |
Height: Up to 9 feet; No pruning needed except to reduce long spurs |
|
Lindera umbellata |
Kuromoji |
6-9 |
Elegant shrub; tolerates hard pruning once established |
Height: Up to 9 feet; Cut back main leaders to desired height late winter; remove old stems at base to avoid overcrowding |
|
Salix gracilistyla |
Rosegold Pussy Willow |
5-9 |
Waterside willow; fluffy gray catkins |
Minimum pruning required |
6) Flowering Shrubs: Blooming Accents for Harmonious Design
Flowering shrubs are used to create layers of color and texture. Their flowers are subtle reminders of the fleeting nature of beauty, encouraging us to live in the now and appreciate the present. They can be chosen for their bloom times, colors, and growth habits to complement the garden’s design. For more information on ‘Flowering Shrubs in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
Hydrangea Macrophylla
|
Scientific and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness |
Features |
Size |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ (Winter Daphne) |
Zone 7 and higher |
Evergreen shrub with fragrant, pale-pink flowers and glossy, yellow-edged foliage. |
Up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) |
|
Gardenia augusta ‘Radicans’ (Creeping Gardenia, Hime-kuchinashi) |
Zones 8-10 |
Dwarf gardenia with waxy, heavily scented white flowers in early summer. |
30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet) |
|
Hibiscus mutabilis (Confederate Rose Mallow, Fuyo) |
Zones 7-10 |
Prune stems to desired height in early spring. Tolerant of hard pruning. |
Not specified |
|
Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Lacecap Hydrangea, Hortensia) |
Zones 5-9 |
Includes lacecap and mophead forms. Flower color changes with soil pH. |
1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6 feet 7 inches) |
|
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea, Kashiwa-ajisai) |
Zones 6-9 |
White to cream-colored flowers in large panicles, oak-like leaves with good autumn color. |
Up to 2 meters (6 feet) |
|
Kerria japonica (Japanese Kerria, Japanese Rose) |
Zones 4-9 |
Bright yellow single or double flowers in spring. |
2 x 2.5 meters (6 feet 6 inches x 8 feet) |
|
Loropetalum chinense (Chinese Fringe Flower, Tokiwa-mansaku) |
Zones 7-10 |
Evergreen shrub with scented white flowers, ‘Rubrum’ has pink or red flowers. |
Not specified |
Spiraea japonica
|
Scientific and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness |
Features |
Size |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus (Fragrant Olive, Sweet Olive) |
Zones 8-10 |
Clusters of tiny orange blooms with an intense fruity scent in autumn. |
Up to 10 meters (32 feet 6 inches) |
|
Rhaphiolepis umbellata (Yeddo Hawthorn, Indian Hawthorn; Sharinbai) |
Zones 8-10, warmer areas of zone 7 |
Evergreen shrub with small, oval leaves and clusters of white flowers in early summer. |
Up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) |
|
Serissa foetida (Snowrose, Tree-of-a-thousand-stars, Serissa) |
Zones 7-11 |
Semi-evergreen shrub with white flowers, leaves may drop in winter. |
60 to 120 cm (2 to 4 feet) |
|
Spiraea cantoniensis (Reeves’s Spiraea, Kodemari) |
Zones 7-9 |
Deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub that flowers in mid-spring, can be pruned into a sphere. |
1 to 2 meters (3 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 7 inches) |
|
Spiraea japonica (Japanese Spiraea) |
Zones 8-10 |
Clump-forming, deciduous shrub that flowers from May through July. |
1.2 to 1.8 meters (4 to 6 feet) |
|
Viburnum furcatum (Forked Viburnum, Scarlet-leaved Viburnum, Mushikari) |
Zones 5-9 |
Deciduous shrub with scented white flowers in May and good autumn color. |
Up to 3.5 meters (11 feet 2 inches) |
|
Viburnum japonicum (Hakusanboku) |
Zones 7-9 |
Evergreen shrub with small, fragrant white flowers in early summer. |
Up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) |
7) Japanese Gardens Grass: Weaving Softness into the Garden Tapestry
Grasses are simple, and that’s what makes them so powerful. They don’t demand attention, they simply enhance the other elements, swaying softly and giving the garden a sense of calm and stability. For more information on ‘Ultimate Guide to Japanese Garden Grass:’, explore our detailed guide here.
“GOLDEN VARIEGATED HAKONE GRASS …”
|
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size (Height x Width) |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Carex hachijoensis (Evergold Sedge) |
An evergreen sedge with creamy yellow and green variegated foliage, tufted and adaptable to various light conditions |
30 cm x 35 cm (1′ x 1’2″) |
Zones 5-10 |
Light trimming in late winter/early spring, prefers moist well-drained soil, pest and disease resistant |
|
Hakonechloa macra (Aureola) |
A variegated Japanese forest grass with bright gold leaves and green stripes, red-tinted in autumn |
36 cm x 40 cm (1’2½” x 1’4″) |
Zones 5-9 |
Consistent moisture, slow grower, prefers partial shade, pest and disease-free, deer resistant |
|
Imperata cylindrica (Japanese blood grass) |
A grass with distinctive blood-red leaf tips, more controlled and garden-friendly than the species |
Up to 50 cm long leaves |
Zones 5-9 |
Minimal maintenance, prefers full sun to partial shade, moist well-drained soil |
|
Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese Silvergrass) |
Culturally significant in Japan, but recognized as an invasive species |
Not specified |
Not specified |
Consider non-invasive alternatives due to its invasive nature |
“Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron …”
|
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size (Height x Width) |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhlygrass) |
Known for its superb pink flower plumes in autumn, thrives in sandy or rocky well-drained soils, full sun |
Up to 90 cm (3′) |
Zones 5-9 |
Minimal maintenance, prefers full sun |
|
Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) |
A medium-sized grass that adds vertical interest and is disease-free, useful for erosion control |
Up to 1.2 meters (4′) |
Zones 3-9 |
Cut back old foliage in late winter to early spring |
|
Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass) |
Tall, clump-forming, adaptable to various soil types, drought-tolerant |
90 to 150 cm (3 to 5′) |
Zones 4-9 |
Cut back old foliage in late winter to early spring |
|
Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed) |
Scented flowers late summer to early autumn, native to North America, fine-textured foliage |
60 to 90 cm (2 to 3′) |
Zones 3-9 |
Drought-tolerant once established, minimal maintenance, prefers well-drained soils |
8) Japanese Garden Bamboo: Versatile Elegance in Garden Design
Bamboo is an iconic element in Japanese gardens, symbolizing strength and flexibility.These plants are perfect for the weather and will give your garden an Asian feel. It can be used as a screen, a feature plant, or even in the form of a bamboo fountain. For more information on ‘Japanese Garden Bamboo Ultimate Guide’, explore our detailed guide here.
“Kan-Chiku |
|
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size (Height) |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Care and Maintenance Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bambusa multiplex (Hedge Bamboo) |
Clumping bamboo ideal for hedges and privacy screens. |
3 to 5 m (9 ft 9 in to 16 ft 3 in) |
8 and above |
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Regular watering. Prune to maintain shape. Use a root barrier. |
|
Chimonobambusa marmorea (Kan-Chiku) |
Low-growing bamboo with solid stems and red, mottled culms. |
Up to 3 m (9 ft 9 in) |
8 through 10 |
Prefers shade and rich soil. Can be invasive; use a root barrier. |
|
Hibanobambusa tranquillans (Inyo-Chiku) |
Hardy hybrid with large leaves and smooth canes. |
3 to 5 m (9 ft 9 in to 16 ft 3 in) |
7 through 9 |
Prefers acidic soil. Can be invasive; use a root barrier. |
|
Phyllostachys bambusoides (Ma-Dake) |
Tall bamboo used for groves and crafts. |
10 to 20 m (32 ft 6 in to 65 ft) |
7 through 10 |
Prefers full sun and rich soil. Difficult to transplant. Prune in spring. |
|
Phyllostachys edulis (Moso-Dake) |
The thickest bamboo, used for groves and edible shoots. |
15 to 20 m (49 to 65 ft) |
8 through 10 |
Prune in spring to desired height. Use a root barrier. |
|
Phyllostachys nigra (Kuro-Chiku) |
Canes turn black over time. Suitable for small gardens. |
2 to 3 m (6 ft 7 in to 9 ft 9 in) |
7 and above |
Prefers shade. Can be invasive; use a root barrier. |
|
Phyllostachys pubescens var. heterocycla (Kikko-Chiku) |
Mutation of P. edulis with zig-zag joints and bulging culms. |
N/A |
7 and above |
Rare ornamental bamboo. Use a root barrier. |
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Phyllostachys nigra
|
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size (Height) |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Care and Maintenance Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Phyllostachys sulphurea (Ogon-Ko-Chiku) |
Green canes turn bright yellow streaked with green. |
Up to 8 m (26 ft) |
7 and above |
Can be invasive; use a root barrier. |
|
Pleioblastus simonii (Me-Dake) |
Good hedging bamboo but highly invasive. |
Up to 6 m (10 ft) |
7 through 10 |
Use a root barrier or cultivate in a container. |
|
Semiarundinaria fastuosa (Narihira Bamboo) |
Tall, upright bamboo with green culms striped burgundy-brown. |
Up to 7 m (25 ft) |
7 through 10 |
Prune in spring. Use a root barrier. |
|
Semiarundinaria kagamiana (Rikuchu-Dake) |
Bushy bamboo that tolerates both sun and shade. |
3 to 5 m (9 ft 9 in to 16 ft 3 in) |
6 through 9 |
Can be very invasive; use a root barrier. |
|
Semiarundinaria yashadake “Kimmei” |
Yellow culms tinted pink and green, turning dusky red in sunlight. |
N/A |
7 through 10 |
Can be very invasive; use a root barrier. |
|
Sinobambusa tootsik (To-Chiku) |
Pruned for rounded leaf growth. |
3 to 8 m (9 ft 9 in to 26 ft) |
9 and 10 |
Hardy to -10°C/14°F. Can be very invasive; use a root barrier. |
|
Tetragonocalamus quadrangularis (Shiho-Chiku) |
Canes flattened on all four sides. |
5 to 6 m (16 ft 3 in to 19 ft 6 in) |
8 through 11 |
Prefers shade and rich soil. Difficult to transplant. Use a root barrier. |
9) Ferns: Soft Touches for Serene Spaces
Ferns are perfect for bringing a hint of elegance to shady spots in your Zen garden. Their thin texture creates a stunning contrast with the wider leaves of other plants, and they flourish in Florida’s muggy weather. For more information on ‘Types of Ferns Used in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
“Blechnum nipponicum (Japanese Deer Fern …”
|
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Maintenance and Care Tips |
|---|---|---|
|
Adiantum aleuticum (Aleutian Maidenhair Fern) |
A deciduous or semi-evergreen fern with graceful, bright green fronds that open like the fingers of a hand atop upright, shiny, purple-black wiry stems |
Plant in part-shade to full-shade locations, ensure well-draining soil rich in organic matter, and water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil |
|
Blechnum nipponicum (Japanese Deer Fern) |
A hardy fern with glossy, dark green fronds that are evergreen in many climates, providing structure and color even in winter |
Can withstand a range of climates (USDA zones 5-9), prefers acidic to neutral well-drained soil, and benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture |
|
Cyrtomium macrophyllum (Large Leaf Holly Fern) |
A fern with bold, leathery fronds that add texture and a touch of the exotic to garden spaces |
Prefers partial to full shade, amend soil with compost for a rich growing medium, and water deeply but infrequently |
|
Davallia mariesii (Hare’s Foot Fern) |
Known for its furry rhizomes that creep over the soil or along pots, adding whimsy to shaded patios and balconies |
Requires excellent drainage, use a potting mix rich in organic matter, and ensure the site doesn’t collect standing water |
Dryopteris erythrosora
|
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Maintenance and Care Tips |
|---|---|---|
|
Dryopteris erythrosora (Japanese Red Shield Fern) |
Features metallic coppery-red new fronds that mature to deep green, offering year-round interest with changing colors |
Regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture, use organic mulch to retain moisture and enrich the soil, and plant in a location with dappled sunlight or light shade |
|
Equisetum hyemale (Horsetail) |
A reed-like plant with striking vertical lines and a prehistoric appearance, suitable for water gardens or pond edges |
Thrives in wet, boggy conditions, prefers full sun to partial shade, and consider planting in containers to prevent aggressive spreading |
|
Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern) |
A clump-forming fern with feathery fronds resembling ostrich plumes, ideal for filling in large, shady areas |
Give room to grow, prefers moist, rich soil and a bit of shade, and can act as a groundcover or provide a contrasting backdrop |
|
Polystichum polyblepharum (Japanese Tassel Fern) |
An evergreen fern with glossy, dark green fronds that emerge in a tassel-like form before unfurling |
Leverages evergreen beauty for year-round interest, prefers shade but can handle dappled sunlight, and maintain moist but well-drained soil |
|
Selaginella tamariscina (Peacock Fern) |
Not a true fern, it has iridescent, peacock-blue foliage and forms dense mats as a groundcover |
Create a dynamic contrast with softer fern textures, use as a striking groundcover in shaded areas, and keep in mind its preference for higher humidity |
10) Complementing the Canvas: Florals and Foliage in Zen Gardens
When selecting foliage and flowers for your Zen garden in Florida, it’s important to choose ones that will enhance the beauty of the trees, as well as the structural elements of the rocks and water features. For more information on ‘Best Foliage and Flowers in Japanese Gardens:’, explore our detailed guide here.
Foliage:
Tsuwabuki’ blooming in a shade garden …”
|
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Growing Conditions and Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aspidistra elatior (Ha-ran) |
Resilient plant with dark, glossy leaves that can add a lush, verdant texture to tea gardens. |
24 – 36 inches tall, 12 – 30 inches wide |
8 through 10 |
Shade, well-drained soil, regular watering during dry periods. |
Farfugium japonicum (Tsuwabuki) | Evergreen perennial with glossy leaves that can bring a bright, reflective quality to shaded garden areas. | 30 cm (1 ft) in height | 7 through 10 | Moist conditions, partial or complete shade, well-draining but consistently moist soil. |
Rohdea japonica (Japanese Sacred Lily; Omoto) | Evergreen perennial with leathery leaves and greenish-yellow flower-heads followed by red or white berries. | Foliage up to 30 cm (1 ft) long | 6 through 10 | Moist, acidic soil in shade, suitable for understory planting or ground cover. |
Flowers:
“Chloranthus japonicus / Hitorishizuka”
|
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Growing Conditions and Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arisaema thunbergii subsp. urashima (Urashima-so) |
Herbaceous perennial with a unique jack-in-the-pulpit-like spathe and poisonous roots. |
8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) |
5 through 9 |
Partial to full shade, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. |
|
Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana (Shukaido) |
Perennial with fleshy stalks, red flush around the nodes, and pale red single flowers. |
About 50 cm (1 ft 8 in) |
6 through 9 |
Protection from winter cold, moist, well-drained soil, partial shade. |
|
Bletilla striata (Shi-ran) |
Deciduous terrestrial orchid with lance-shaped leaves and bright pink flowers. |
Not very tall |
5 through 9 |
Moist, rich soil, partial shade, mulch in autumn or lift and store tubers. |
|
Calanthe discolor (Ground Orchid; Ebine) |
Woodland orchid from Japan with maroon and white flowers on a tall stem. |
Noticeable height |
6 through 9 |
Partial shade, moist, humus-rich, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil, dry in winter. |
|
Chelonopsis moschata (Jako-so) |
Slow-spreading perennial with tiny, deep mauve penstemon-like flowers. |
Up to 60 cm (24 in) |
5 through 9 |
Damp conditions, partial shade. |
|
Chloranthus japonicus (Hitori-shizuka) |
Dainty perennial with a single spike of white, scented, bottlebrush-like flowers. |
Up to 60 cm (24 in) tall, 90 cm (36 in) spread |
6 through 9 |
Partial shade, moist, well-drained soil. |
|
Chloranthus serratus (Futari-shizuka) |
Produces two spikes of scented, white, bottlebrush-like flowers. |
Similar to Chloranthus japonicus |
6 through 9 |
Moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. |
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Conclusion
This article aims to guide readers through the selection of plants suitable for a Japanese garden in Florida’s climate. By understanding the USDA hardiness zones and the variety of plants that thrive within them, gardeners can create a space that not only reflects the beauty of Japanese design but also flourishes in the warm Florida environment. With the right plant choices, anyone can cultivate a peaceful garden retreat that offers a sense of serenity and connection to nature throughout the year.
FAQ
When planning and planting your Japanese garden in Florida, you might have some questions. Here are a few answers to help you design a garden that is not only beautiful but also sustainable.
What is the Best Way to Select Plants for My Region?
The USDA Hardiness Zone Map is a great resource for determining which plants are best suited for your region. In Florida, the zones range from 8a to 11a, so aim to select plants that are rated for these zones. It’s also important to take into account the specific conditions of your garden, such as the amount of sun exposure, the type of soil, and the levels of moisture, to ensure you choose the most suitable plants.
Will Japanese Garden Plants Survive Florida’s Humidity?
There are several Japanese garden plants that can survive Florida’s humidity, but it’s crucial to choose varieties that are known to flourish in humid conditions. Ferns, Azaleas, and some bamboos are all great choices that naturally thrive in Florida’s climate.
What Plants Should I Choose for a Low-Maintenance Zen Garden?
If you’re looking for low-maintenance plants for your Zen garden in Florida, Mondo Grass, Dwarf Yaupon Holly, and Azaleas are excellent choices. These plants need very little care once they’ve taken root, and they’ll add to the peaceful atmosphere of your Japanese garden.
What’s the Secret to Creating a Balanced Japanese Garden?
The secret to creating a balanced Japanese garden is to follow the principle of ‘shizen,’ or naturalness. You should arrange your plants and features in a way that replicates nature. This could mean using odd numbers of plants, varying heights, and a mix of textures. Always take a step back and view your garden from various angles to ensure everything is harmonious and balanced.
