Punta Gorda • Charlotte County
Plant & Shrub Installation in Punta Gorda, FL
Salt is the first thing to plan for on a Punta Gorda waterfront. UF/IFAS advises that anything planted within about an eighth of a mile of salt water should have at least some salt tolerance, and canal homes off Charlotte Harbor are well inside that. The Charlotte County Extension horticulture agent has pointed to cocoplum as a hedge that suits the immediate coast, Punta Gorda included, where the water moderates winter cold; cultivars vary, with 'Horizontal' more salt tolerant than 'Red Tip.' Hodges sets each shrub at the depth it grew in the nursery pot, backfills with the native soil, and waters it in. The city's fertilizer ordinance does not allow nitrogen or phosphorus from June 1 through September 30, so summer plantings are started without that feeding and fertilized once the window reopens. Clusters of natives such as simpsons stopper, firebush, and coontie fill in well and draw butterflies to the bed.
or call (239) 301-9455
Where it comes up in Punta Gorda
Burnt Store Isles
Bal Harbor
Aqui Esta
Seminole Lakes
Plants and materials that suit it in Punta Gorda
Questions
Which shrubs handle salt spray on a canal lot?
Cocoplum cultivars such as 'Horizontal,' sea grape, silver buttonwood, and coontie are reliable near salt water here. Salt tolerance varies even within one species, so we match the cultivar to how exposed the spot is.
Can you plant during the summer fertilizer blackout?
Yes. Planting is allowed year-round; the city rule only stops nitrogen and phosphorus applications from June 1 through September 30. New plants go in with water and mulch, and feeding waits until October if they need it.
How much water will new plants need under the restrictions?
Recent shortage orders in Punta Gorda allowed extra watering for new plantings during an establishment period. The rules change with drought conditions, so we check the current city and SWFWMD order before setting a schedule.