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Living in paradise comes with a catchโ€”hurricane season. But Sarasota homeowners can weather any storm in style with the right plants. At Troyโ€™s Tropics, weโ€™ve handpicked five tough yet beautiful landscape stars that not only thrive in Southwest Floridaโ€™s heat and humidity but also stand strong when the wind picks up.

Theyโ€™re well worth the investmentโ€”and available now at Troyโ€™s Tropics.

1. Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto)

Floridaโ€™s Native Powerhouse

This iconic Florida native is as sturdy as they come. The Cabbage Palm has deep roots (literally and figuratively) and can handle hurricane-force winds without flinching. With its salt tolerance and minimal maintenance, itโ€™s a must-have for storm-smart landscaping.

Why We Love It:

  • Extremely wind-resistant
  • No pruning required for storm prep
  • Great for coastal Sarasota yards

2. Coontie (Zamia integrifolia)

Low Profile, High Resilience

The Coontie is Floridaโ€™s only native cycadโ€”and a real trooper when the storms roll in. Its compact growth habit keeps it close to the ground, meaning it doesnโ€™t catch wind. Plus, it adds a rich, textural accent to garden beds and borders.

Storm-Safe Features:

  • Drought- and wind-tolerant
  • No need for staking or pruning
  • Attracts pollinators like the Atala butterfly

3. Firebush (Hamelia patens)

Vibrant and Virtually Indestructible

Known for its fiery blooms and wildlife appeal, Firebush is also shockingly storm-tough. It bounces back quickly after high winds and thrives in sun-drenched Sarasota gardens.

Top Traits:

  • Fast-growing and self-repairing
  • Tolerates wind, salt, and heat
  • Hummingbird and butterfly magnet

4. Simpsonโ€™s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans)

Strong Roots, Sweet Scents

This Florida native shrub doubles as a natural windbreak with its dense foliage and sturdy branching. Itโ€™s also a charmer, offering fragrant blooms and small berries that birds adore.

Resilience Benefits:

  • Excellent for hedges and privacy
  • Handles wind gusts and recovers quickly
  • Ideal for structural landscaping

Saw palmetto ground cover near Sarasota home

5. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Unshakable & Unfussy

The Saw Palmetto doesnโ€™t mind a little weather drama. With its fan-shaped fronds and subterranean trunk system, this native is nearly hurricane-proof.

Why Itโ€™s a Favorite:

  • Native to Floridaโ€™s toughest environments
  • Offers ground cover and erosion control
  • Never needs staking or trimming for storms

Invest in Resilience, Reap the Rewards

These storm-resistant stars arenโ€™t just smartโ€”theyโ€™re beautiful, low-maintenance, and Florida-friendly. Swing by Troyโ€™s Tropics to explore our full selection of resilient plants and let our team help you build a landscape that stands strong, season after season.