From the vibrant, climbing bougainvillea to the exotic bird of paradise, and the fragrant lavender to the striking aloe, this list of plants offers a wide range of options for every garden style in USDA Hardiness Zone 9.
Remember to provide each plant with the appropriate growing conditions and care to ensure they thrive in your landscape!
1) Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
These vibrant, climbing plants are a must-have for any Zone 9 garden! With their striking papery bracts in shades of pink, purple, red, or white, bougainvilleas add a tropical flair to your landscape. Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil, and watch them grow up to 30 feet tall with proper support. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and size.
2) Citrus trees (Citrus spp.)
Imagine picking fresh, juicy oranges, lemons, or limes right from your very own backyard! Citrus trees not only provide delicious fruits but also feature glossy, evergreen foliage and fragrant white blossoms. Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil, and feed them with citrus-specific fertilizer for optimal growth. Regular watering and pruning will keep your citrus trees healthy and productive.
3) Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Add a burst of color to your summer garden with the stunning blooms of crape myrtle! These deciduous trees come in a range of sizes and flower colors, from white to pink, red, and purple. Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil, and prune them in late winter to promote new growth and flowering. Crape myrtles are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.
4) Bird of paradise (Strelitzia spp.)
Bring a touch of the tropics to your Zone 9 garden with the exotic bird of paradise! These striking plants feature unique, bird-like flowers in bright orange and blue, rising above lush, evergreen foliage. Plant them in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, and water regularly during the growing season. Divide clumps every 3 – 4 years to promote healthy growth.
5) Agapanthus (Agapanthus spp.)
Also known as the lily of the Nile, agapanthus adds a touch of elegance to any garden with its clusters of blue or white funnel-shaped flowers atop tall, slender stems. Plant them in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, and water regularly during the growing season. Agapanthus is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance.
6) Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos spp.)
Add a unique texture to your garden with the fuzzy, paw-like flowers of kangaroo paw! These Australian natives come in a range of colors, from red and orange to pink and yellow. Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil, and water regularly during the growing season. Prune spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
7) Leucadendron (Leucadendron spp.)
These evergreen shrubs are prized for their colorful, cone-like bracts and attractive foliage in shades of green, silver, and red. Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil, and water sparingly once established. Leucadendrons are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them perfect for a fuss-free garden.
8) Grevillea (Grevillea spp.)
Attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden with the nectar-rich, spider-like flowers of grevillea! These evergreen shrubs come in a variety of sizes and flower colors, from red and pink to orange and yellow. Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil, and prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
9) Pittosporum (Pittosporum spp.)
These versatile, evergreen shrubs or small trees offer glossy, attractive foliage and clusters of small, fragrant flowers in spring. Plant them in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, and prune regularly to maintain the desired size and shape. Pittosporums are drought-tolerant once established and make excellent hedges or screens.
10) Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Fill your garden with the soothing fragrance and delicate purple spikes of lavender! These evergreen, woody shrubs thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, and are drought-tolerant once established. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and promote healthy growth. Lavender is perfect for borders, rock gardens, or as a fragrant addition to herb gardens.
11) Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
This aromatic, evergreen herb not only adds flavor to your culinary creations but also brings beauty to your garden with its needle-like foliage and delicate blue flowers. Plant rosemary in full sun and well-draining soil, and water sparingly once established. Prune regularly to maintain shape and size, and harvest sprigs as needed for cooking.
12) Camellia (Camellia spp.)
Add a touch of elegance to your garden with the stunning, rose-like blooms of camellia! These evergreen shrubs come in a range of flower colors, from white and pink to red and variegated. Plant them in partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil, and water regularly to maintain consistent moisture. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
13) Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)
Bring a burst of color to your garden with the vibrant, brush-like flowers of bottlebrush! These evergreen shrubs or small trees are perfect for attracting hummingbirds and pollinating insects. Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil, and water regularly during the growing season. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and promote healthy growth.
14) Aloe (Aloe spp.)
These striking, succulent plants add a sculptural element to your garden with their rosettes of fleshy, often variegated leaves. Many species also produce tall spikes of vibrant, tubular flowers. Plant aloe in full sun and well-draining soil, and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between watering. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for rock gardens or xeriscapes.
15) Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans)
Create a dramatic focal point in your garden with the tall, conical spikes of purple-blue flowers on the pride of Madeira! This evergreen shrub features hairy, lance-shaped leaves and can reach up to 8 feet tall. Plant it in full sun and well-draining soil, and water regularly during the growing season. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
16) Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’)
Add a graceful, flowing texture to your garden with the striking, burgundy-purple foliage and soft, brushy plumes of purple fountain grass! This ornamental grass grows in clumps up to 4 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for borders or as a focal point. Plant it in full sun and well-draining soil, and water regularly during the growing season. Cut back in late winter to encourage fresh growth.
17) Canna lily (Canna spp.)
Bring a tropical flair to your garden with the lush foliage and vibrant, showy flowers of canna lilies! These rhizomatous perennials come in a range of colors, from red and orange to yellow and pink, and can grow up to 8 feet tall. Plant them in full sun and moist, well-draining soil, and water regularly during the growing season. Dig up and store rhizomes in frost-free areas over winter.
18) Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Add a cheerful pop of color to your garden with the bright, daisy-like flowers of gerbera! These perennials come in a wide range of colors, from white and yellow to pink and red, and bloom throughout the growing season. Plant them in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, and water regularly, keeping the foliage dry to prevent disease. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
19) Lantana (Lantana camara)
Attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden with the colorful, clustered flowers of lantana! This hardy, low-maintenance shrub comes in a variety of colors, from yellow and orange to pink and red, and blooms throughout the growing season. Plant it in full sun and well-draining soil, and water sparingly once established. Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape and promote healthy growth.
20) Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Enjoy a succession of stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers with the versatile and easy-to-grow daylily! These perennials come in a wide range of colors and sizes and bloom from early summer to fall. Plant them in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, and water regularly during the growing season. Divide clumps every 3 – 4 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
21) Abutilon (Abutilon spp.)
Also known as flowering maple, abutilon brings a unique charm to your garden with its pendulous, bell-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, or red. This evergreen shrub features attractive, maple-like leaves and can grow up to 10 feet tall. Plant it in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, and water regularly during the growing season. Prune lightly to maintain shape and promote healthy growth.
22) Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Add a tropical touch to your garden with the large, showy flowers of hibiscus! These evergreen shrubs come in a range of colors, from white and yellow to pink and red, and bloom throughout the growing season. Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil, and water regularly, especially during dry spells. Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape and promote healthy growth.
23) Dwarf oleander (Nerium oleander ‘Petite Pink’ or ‘Petite Salmon’)
Enjoy the beauty of oleander in compact form with these dwarf varieties! These evergreen shrubs feature attractive, narrow leaves and clusters of pink or salmon-colored flowers throughout the growing season. Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil, and water regularly during the growing season. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and promote healthy growth. Please note that all parts of the oleander plant are toxic if ingested.
24) Melaleuca (Melaleuca spp.)
These evergreen trees or shrubs add a unique texture to your garden with their attractive, papery bark and bottlebrush-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or red. Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil, and water regularly during the growing season. Melaleucas are drought-tolerant once established and require minimal pruning to maintain shape.
25) Duranta (Duranta erecta)
Also known as golden dewdrop, this versatile, evergreen shrub features cascading clusters of delicate, purple or white flowers, followed by small, golden-yellow berries. It can be grown as a shrub, small tree, or even trained as a hedge. Plant duranta in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, and water regularly during the growing season. Prune lightly to maintain shape and promote healthy growth.
