FEATURED FLORIDA FOLIAGE: Bougainvillea

Bougainvilleas are one of the most striking and versatile plants for creating bold, tropical landscapes. Known for their vibrant, paper-like bracts (often mistaken for flowers), they bring intense color in shades of magenta, red, orange, purple, and white—perfect for making a statement in any outdoor space.

These sun-loving plants thrive in warm climates like Southwest Florida and perform best in full sun, requiring at least 6+ hours of direct light daily. Bougainvilleas are drought-tolerant once established, making them a low-water option for homeowners looking for beauty without high maintenance. They prefer well-draining soil and actually bloom more when slightly stressed—meaning less frequent watering can often lead to more color.

In terms of size and growth, bougainvilleas are extremely versatile. They can be trained as climbing vines, shaped into hedges, or even maintained in containers. Depending on the variety, they can grow anywhere from 3 feet to over 20 feet tall and wide. Regular pruning helps control their shape and encourages fuller growth and more blooms.

It’s important to note that bougainvilleas have thorns, making them ideal for privacy hedges or security plantings, but they should be placed thoughtfully in high-traffic areas. They are also relatively pest-resistant and thrive with minimal fertilization, especially when using a balanced or bloom-boosting fertilizer during the growing season.

Beautiful landscapes don’t happen by chance — they thrive with consistent care, attention to detail, and expert maintenance. 🌿✨ Another property looking its absolute best thanks to the dedication of the Earthcare team. Healthy lawns, clean lines, and curb appeal that speaks for itself.

🚨BOLO: Be On The Lookout 🚨

Can you name each of these pests?

As we head into the summer months in Southwest Florida, your landscape can become more vulnerable to certain pests—especially with the added stress of heat and drought conditions. Staying proactive and knowing what to look for can make all the difference in protecting your lawn and shrubs.

One of the most common issues this time of year is chinch bugs in St. Augustine grass, particularly during dry periods. These pests thrive in hot, sunny conditions and feed on grass blades by sucking out moisture, leaving behind yellowing patches that can quickly turn brown if left untreated. With current drought conditions in SWFL, lawns are especially susceptible, making early detection critical.

For those with Zoysia grass, white grubs can become a hidden but damaging problem. These larvae live beneath the surface and feed on grassroots, causing areas of turf to feel spongy or lift easily. You may also notice irregular brown patches that don’t respond to watering—often a sign of grub activity below.

Shrubs aren’t immune either. Aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies are all common this time of year and can quickly impact the health and appearance of your plants. Aphids and whiteflies feed on plant sap, often leaving behind a sticky residue, while caterpillars chew through leaves, creating visible damage almost overnight.

SPRING & SUMMER ANNUALS: Brighten Your Landscape with Plumed Celosia

Looking to add bold color and texture to your landscape this season? Plumed Celosia is one of our favorite spring and summer annuals—and for good reason.

Known for its vibrant, flame-like blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink, Plumed Celosia instantly brings energy and visual interest to any garden bed, entryway, or outdoor living space. These eye-catching plants thrive in the warm Florida sun, making them a perfect choice for this time of year when landscapes need color that can handle the heat.

Beyond their beauty, Celosia are also incredibly versatile. Whether used in mass plantings for a dramatic pop of color or as accent plants to complement your existing design, they create a full, lush look that elevates the entire property. As you can see in the featured customer installations above, they truly transform everyday spaces into something special.

Now is the ideal time to refresh your landscape with seasonal color. Our team is currently installing spring and summer annuals—let us help you design a vibrant, welcoming outdoor space that stands out all season long!