Often we spend more time thinking about plants that are damaged by the cold and forget the ones that are survivors. Many need the cold to grow and flower properly. The lack of cold is one reason dogwoods often perform poorly. It's also the reason many of the evergreen that grow up north do not thrive in the Florida climate.
Plants like roses, azaleas, camellias and more all benefit from a period of cold. Many fruits trees including peaches, pears, and apples grow best if they have weeks of cold leading up to flowering. Have you also noticed that periods of cold seem to encourage flushes of growth after the weather finally warms. Maybe it gives plants a little rest and they can then put renew energy into growth.
We also need to know what plants we have to worry about when the cold warnings are sounded. There is no use covering the ligustrums, most viburnums and hollies. You will more likely want to pay attention to protecting hibiscus, tibouchina and fire spikes. So what don't we have to worry about? Well, below is my list of plants that survived recent winters with comments. It should give some ideas what to plant if you want a freeze free landscape.
Plants that survived the cold with little or no injury of recent winters
** Shrubs
Dwarf yaupon holly 3 - 4 feet tall
Indian hawthorn 3 feet tall
Dwarf Walter viburnum 4 to 5 feet tall
Pittosporum 3 - 6 feet with pruning
Camellias - 3 to 12 feet tall
Loropetalum - 6 to 12 feet tall
Anise - 12 feet tall
Nandina - varying sizes - some reddish foliage
Feijoa - pineapple guava - 12 feet
** Ground covers
Flax lily 2 feet tall - slight burn
African iris 2 feet tall
Liriope 18 inches tall
Asiatic jasmine - some bronzing
Amazon lilies - shade, white flowers winter
Coontie - have not seen but expect minimal damage
Bulbine - 18 inches tall - yellow to orange flowers
** Annuals
Pansies and violas - no damage still blooming
Petunias - flower damage but quick recovery
Annual phlox - minimal damage still blooming
Dusty miller - silver foliage - no damage
