Living in paradise comes with a catch—hurricane season. But Sarasota homeowners can weather any storm in style with the right plants. At Troy’s Tropics, we’ve handpicked five tough yet beautiful landscape stars that not only thrive in Southwest Florida’s heat and humidity but also stand strong when the wind picks up.
They’re well worth the investment—and available now at Troy’s Tropics.
1. Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto)
Florida’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, it’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 Florida’s only native cycad—and a real trooper when the storms roll in. Its compact growth habit keeps it close to the ground, meaning it doesn’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. Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans)
Strong Roots, Sweet Scents
This Florida native shrub doubles as a natural windbreak with its dense foliage and sturdy branching. It’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
5. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Unshakable & Unfussy
The Saw Palmetto doesn’t mind a little weather drama. With its fan-shaped fronds and subterranean trunk system, this native is nearly hurricane-proof.
Why It’s a Favorite:
- Native to Florida’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 aren’t just smart—they’re beautiful, low-maintenance, and Florida-friendly. Swing by Troy’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.
