Flowering Trees in Florida
April 3, 2020
April 3, 2020
Florida is blessed with a myriad of magnificent and attractive flowering trees
Florida’s temperate, subtropical climate is ideal for a variety of trees to grow and thrive in. You see many types of beautiful flowering trees in the Tampa Bay area and the state in general. They are an essential part of the landscapes, making colorful and fragrant flowers during their blooming season.
Below are just a few of the gorgeous flowering trees that grow well in the mid Florida region.
The Trumpet Tree
One of the most common flowering trees in Central Florida is the tabebuia or the trumpet tree. There are several color varieties including yellow, golden, purple, pink and silver. They all thrive in full sun and have a high tolerance to drought like conditions. They can grow anywhere from 12 to 20 feet in height depending on type.
The Magnolia Tree
Nothing depicts the south like the Magnolia when it comes to trees. Magnolias are a common flowering tree and have different varieties, with the Southern Magnolia being Florida native and therefore the most common type within the state. This tree grows to heights of 30 to 60 feet high and has large, exceptionally fragrant white flowers that typically are in full bloom in the latter spring and summer.
The Loblolly Tree
A loblolly tree is a type of evergreen that is native to Florida. It is widely used in landscaping. The loblolly can grow from 1 to 30 feet and yields small delicate white flowers during the summer. It is closely related to Camellias.
The Jacaranda Tree
Considered one of the most beautiful flowering trees, the Jacaranda has feathery foliage with a large amount of deciduous purple flowers that peak during spring.. The Jacaranda is a fairly large tree that is best suited for a medium sized yard.
The Orchid Tree
This tree is most commonly used in Florida landscapes. They grow from 30 to 35 feet, have slim trunks and arching branches covered in deciduous, two-lobed, large leaves. They are at their peak during the fall when they are covered with many showy fragrant blossoms that can be up to 5 inches wide. The flowers are a wonder to behold in the fall months with their bright and vibrant pink, lavender and purple petals blending together to resemble an orchid. This unique and magnificent flower makes the orchid tree a favorite in landscapes.
There are many other varieties of trees that are widely seen in the Tampa Bay area. One of which is the Bottlebrush with their red, pink, white or purple bottlebrush shaped flowers blooming during the warmest months of the year. Being drought tolerant, the Bottlebrush is a good choice for Florida.
Florida is blessed with a myriad of magnificent and attractive flowering trees. Let Mid Florida Tree Service, with our experienced and knowledgeable staff, help you choose which of your personal favorites is best suited for your landscaping.


By Mid-Florida Tree Service
•
February 13, 2026
Trees add beauty, shade, and value to properties throughout Polk County. From Lakeland to Bartow to Mulberry, mature oaks, pines, and palms are a major part of the landscape. However, Florida’s climate creates unique challenges that can affect tree health if problems are not identified early. Understanding common tree issues in Polk County helps homeowners protect their investment and avoid costly removals. Storm Damage and Structural Weakness High winds and heavy rain are common throughout Polk County. Even if a tree survives a storm, hidden structural damage may remain. Common storm related issues include: Cracked or split trunks. Limbs with weak attachment points. Leaning trees due to root movement. Canopy imbalance after major limb loss. Internal decay caused by storm wounds. Early evaluation can determine whether corrective pruning can restore stability or if removal is necessary. Soil Compaction and Root Stress Many Polk County yards experience compacted soil due to foot traffic, construction, or heavy equipment. Compacted soil restricts oxygen flow to roots and limits water absorption. Signs of root stress include: Sparse canopy growth. Smaller than normal leaves. Premature leaf drop. Slow overall growth. Increased susceptibility to pests and disease. Relieving soil compaction and improving root conditions often restores tree vitality. Pest and Disease Issues Florida’s warm climate supports a wide range of pests and fungal diseases. Oaks, pines, and palms are especially vulnerable if already stressed. Common problems in Polk County include: Fungal growth at the base of trees. Leaf discoloration or spotting. Bark separation or oozing sap. Palm nutrient deficiencies. Insect activity in weakened wood. Our ISA Certified Arborists evaluate symptoms carefully before recommending treatment or removal. Improper Pruning Improper trimming can cause long term structural problems. Over pruning, topping, or removing healthy limbs weakens the tree and increases storm risk. We frequently see: Excessive canopy thinning. Large flush cuts that do not heal properly. Unbalanced canopy weight. Stress from removing too many green fronds on palms. Corrective pruning helps restore structure and reduce future risk. Root Damage From Construction Driveways, patios, and landscaping projects can damage roots without obvious signs at first. In Polk County neighborhoods with mature trees, root disturbance is a common cause of decline. Warning signs may include: Gradual thinning of the canopy. Increased branch drop. Soil settling near the base of the tree. Delayed decline months after construction. Professional evaluation helps determine whether damage can be managed. Proactive Tree Care in Polk County Most serious tree problems begin with subtle warning signs. Regular inspections and routine maintenance reduce the likelihood of emergency removals and storm failures. At Mid-Florida Tree Service, our ISA Certified Arborists evaluate trees carefully and recommend practical solutions that protect your property and landscape. If you are concerned about a tree in Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry, or anywhere in Polk County, we are ready to help. Call Mid-Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule a professional tree evaluation in Polk County.







