Shrubs, Vines, and Groundcovers
Wander the winding pathways of Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens and discover the foundational flora that brings our landscape to life. This directory features the incredible variety of shrubs, climbing vines, and resilient groundcovers specifically adapted to the dynamic climate of Central Florida. From classic Southern azaleas that announce the arrival of spring to native, pollinator-friendly vines cascading over our limestone walls, these are the essential plants that provide structure, color, and vital wildlife habitat throughout our Williston sanctuary.
Shrubs (Foundation & Structure)
These woody plants form the structural walls of the garden pathways and provide vital mid-level foliage beneath the tree canopy.
Azalea (Rhododendron spp.): A classic Southern staple that erupts into massive, breathtaking displays of pink, white, and red blooms every spring.
Camellia (Camellia japonica / sasanqua): An elegant, evergreen shrub that provides stunning, rose-like flowers during the cooler Williston winter months.
Chinese Hat (Holmskioldia sanguinea): A sprawling, vine-like shrub known for its striking, brightly colored calyxes that perfectly resemble tiny, traditional hats. These unique red and orange blooms are an absolute magnet for local hummingbirds.
Firebush (Hamelia patens): A resilient Florida native that produces tubular, fiery red-orange flowers, acting as a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia): A beautiful native shrub that thrives in the shaded areas of the gardens, featuring large, cone-shaped white flower clusters and leaves that turn deep bronze in the fall.
Shrimp Plant (Justicia brandegeeana): A resilient, evergreen shrub that produces cascading, overlapping bracts that look remarkably like a shrimp. It thrives in the dappled shade of our tree canopy and provides nearly year-round tropical color.
Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis): The quintessential Florida ornamental shrub, featuring massive, brightly colored blooms (often grown in protected areas to shield them from occasional winter frosts).
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria): An incredibly versatile and hardy Florida native that produces striking clusters of bright red berries, provide vital winter food for local birds
Vines (Climbers & Trellises)
These vertical growers scale the trellises, arbors, and natural structures of the quarry, adding vertical interest and spectacular cascading flowers.
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens): A well-behaved Florida native vine draped in tubular, coral-red flowers that are a favorite of local hummingbirds.
Confederate Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides): An evergreen twining vine famous for its pinwheel-shaped white flowers that fill the warm spring air with an intoxicating, sweet fragrance.
Passionvine / Maypop (Passiflora incarnata): A fast-growing native vine with incredibly intricate, otherworldly purple flowers. It serves as a crucial host plant for the Zebra Longwing and Gulf Fritillary butterflies.
Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata): A vigorous, high-climbing native vine that puts on a spectacular show of trumpet-shaped, orange-red blooms in early spring.
Fortuniana Rose (Rosa x fortuniana): A historic, sprawling antique rose famous for its large, fragrant white blooms and lush evergreen foliage.
Peggy Martin Rose (Rosa 'Peggy Martin'): A vigorous, nearly thornless climbing rose that produces spectacular cascades of pink flower clusters each spring.
Saw Greenbrier (Smilax bona-nox): A rugged Florida native vine with thick, heart-shaped leaves and prickly stems. It provides a dense, impenetrable thicket that serves as a high-security habitat for nesting songbirds and small wildlife
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia): A fast-growing Florida native vine easily identified by its five-pointed leaflets. It is one of the few plants in our gardens that provides a true "autumn" display, turning a brilliant, fiery red in the fall.
Groundcovers (Blanketing the Earth)
These low-growing spreaders naturally suppress weeds, control erosion on slopes, and provide lush carpets of greenery and color.
Sunshine Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa): A charming, drought-tolerant native groundcover that produces little pink, puffball-like flowers and features sensitive leaves that fold up when touched.
Perennial Peanut (Arachis glabrata): A highly resilient, Florida-friendly lawn alternative that forms a dense, bright green mat dotted with cheerful yellow flowers throughout the summer.
Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum): A tough, reliable, vine-like groundcover that forms a thick, weed-suppressing carpet in both sunny and shaded areas of the gardens.