Garberia in bloom

Garberia (Garberia heterophylla) is a medium sized shrub that grows in the scrub lands and dunes and is endemic to Florida. Endemic means that the plant is both native to and limited in range to a particular area, in this case- Central Florida. 

Our Garberias are currently quite small, still in their first year of growth. Located in our Olustee Longleaf Pine Flatwoods Garden, these shrubs are right at home among the other scrub-land plants.

Garberia is a monotypic species, meaning that the genus Garberia contains just one species: Garberia heterophylla. This species is listed as Threatened in Florida but can be found at some native plant sales. If you have the right kind of sandy soiled environment, consider this plant if you want to add a little more Fall color to your yard.

In the fall, Garberia blooms with pale purple frilly blossoms that are a great attractant to butterflies. When I fist encountered this plant growing in the Ocala National Forest, the shrubs were in full bloom and those flowers were simply alive with insects. My friend Susan and I observed at least a dozen species of Skippers and another half dozen species of Hairstreaks. 

A Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) 

nectaring on Garberia (Photo by Susan Gibeault)

Autumn in Florida seems to be a series of purple and yellow flowers: Garberia, Blazing Star, Rosinweed, Camphor Weed, Golden Aster and Carolina Aster, Florida in the fall may not be a series of reds and oranges, but it does indeed have changing colors. 

The Garberias at MOSI Outside are currently producing their first blooms and we hope they will continue to do so for many years to come. 

Learn More:

• Garberia (IFAS)