If you’re wondering what to plant as our weather warms, think pink with Mimosa strigillosa, May’s plant of the month.
This native groundcover keeps a low profile, going by the aliases powderpuff or sunshine mimosa. It’s ideal for South Florida gardens because it thrives in the sun — producing cute, cotton ball-sized blooms that emerge from a fast-growing dense carpet of fern-like leaves.
Powderpuff mimosa may be pink, but it’s no pansy.
This sun-lover thrives on neglect, is drought-tolerant, attracts butterflies, withstands light foot traffic and can even be mowed. The Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association named it a “plant of the year” in 2008.
These attributes make it a terrific replacement for St. Augustine turf because it can be planted in stubborn areas where grass just refuses to grow.
Mimosa’s most interesting characteristic: its delicate-looking leaves, which are sensitive to touch. They fold up when handled.
Find it
At your favorite garden center.
Mimosa strigillosa
Origin: Native
Family: Fabaceae
Foliage: Bipinnate leaf
Growth rate: Rapid but easy to control
Nutritional requirements: None
Soil requirements: Well drained
Salt tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Excellent
Light requirements: Full sun, part shade
Propagation: Seeds or rooted cuttings
Pests: None
More info: SunSentinel.com/Mimosa
May garden checklist
National Hurricane Preparedness Week starts May 25. Trimming trees is No. 1 on the list of May gardening chores.
Trim it
Dense canopies catch and hold wind like an umbrella. Trimming helps protect surrounding houses and cars from damage, and can help keep a tree from being uprooted. With hurricane season starting June 1, take the time to inspect for damaged or weak branches. Only trim one-third of a tree at one time, or hire an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist.
Another important tip: Always look up before you trim. Florida Power & Light Co. recommends you “never attempt to trim any vegetation growing near power lines.” Info: FPL.com/Trees, 800-226-3545
Grow it
It may be hot out, but you can still grow edibles. Consider planting an herb garden. Herbs thrive year-round here in Zone 10b and do especially well in containers. Basil, oregano, rosemary and chives are especially easy to grow from seeds.
Download a six-page guide to growing herbs in South Florida from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension. Info: SunSentinel.com/Herbs.
Water it
May is a critical watering month before the rainy season gets underway in June. New growth and pests put stress on plants, so be sure your irrigation system is in top working order.
Download it
Speaking of watering, the free “WaterWise: South Florida Landscapes” from the South Florida Water Management District is an indispensable guide on conservation and native plants. The booklet explains how to save time and money by adopting environmentally friendly landscape practices. Info: SunSentinel.com/waterwise
