Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Beach Sunflower is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Virtually no supplemental irrigation once established. Coastal rainfall is typically sufficient even in dry season. Water lightly during establishment (first 2-4 weeks only). After establishment: no supplemental irrigation. Overwatering causes root rot — this plant is adapted to near-desert beach sand conditions. SFWMD drought exempt as Florida native.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: None — dune native requiring no fertilization
Schedule: Not required — coastal sandy soil native. No fertilization recommended.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 1–2 ft
- Mature Width
- 3–4 ft
- Growth Rate
- fast
- Water Demand
- 1/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $
- USDA Zones
- 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 5/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Beach Sunflower at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Beach Sunflower grow in South Florida?
Beach Sunflower has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Beach Sunflower safe for pets?
Yes, Beach Sunflower is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Safe for all pet-accessible coastal landscapes.
How much water does Beach Sunflower need in South Florida?
Low water needs (1/10). Once established (12–18 months), Beach Sunflower is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Beach Sunflower tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Beach Sunflower has high salt tolerance (9/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.
Is Beach Sunflower available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Beach Sunflower is classified as: protected. Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition under Florida Statute 720.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition under Florida Statute 720.3075.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Florida native — protected. Excellent for Broward barrier island and coastal dune applications.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Florida native — protected. Good for Palm Beach barrier island and coastal restoration.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Florida native — protected. Excellent for Collier County Gulf coast dune and coastal restoration applications.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Florida native — protected. Very common naturally in Florida Keys — excellent for Key West, Marathon, and throughout the Keys for coastal and dune restoration.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Beach Sunflower
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.