Some of the most beautiful plants in Florida  are also the most destructive. In Northeast Florida , invasive plants don’t just spread — they outcompete natives, damage ecosystems, increase maintenance costs, and are extremely difficult (and expensive) to remove once established . If you’re planning a landscape or reworking an existing yard, these are 10 plants you should stop planting  — and what to use instead. 1. Ruellia (Mexican Petunia) Ruellia is often planted because it

(Climate-Smart, Timeless, and Built to Last) Florida landscape design is unlike anywhere else in the country. Between extreme heat, sandy soils, intense rain, salt air, and fast-growing plants, a successful Florida landscape must be designed intentionally from the ground up —not copied from magazines or cooler climates. This guide explains how Florida landscapes actually work , what to prioritize, what to avoid, and how to design outdoor spaces that stay beautiful, functional