Pride of Big Pine: A Hidden Gem for Coastal Gardens
If you’re looking for a tough, beautiful native shrub that laughs in the face of salt spray and sandy soils, let me introduce you to pride of Big Pine (Strumpfia maritima). This lesser-known Florida native might just be the perfect addition to your coastal garden – if you live in the right climate zone, that is!
What is Pride of Big Pine?
Pride of Big Pine is a charming perennial shrub that’s as resilient as it is beautiful. This woody, multi-stemmed plant typically grows to a manageable size of less than 13-16 feet tall, making it perfect for residential landscapes. Don’t let its delicate appearance fool you – this little powerhouse has evolved to thrive in some pretty challenging coastal conditions.
Where Does Pride of Big Pine Call Home?
This native beauty is naturally found in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the continental United States, you’ll primarily find it along the coastal areas of southern Florida, particularly in the Florida Keys region. It’s perfectly adapted to life where land meets sea, which explains its impressive tolerance for salt and sand.
Why Choose Pride of Big Pine for Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons to consider this native shrub:
- Native credentials: Supporting local ecosystems by choosing native plants is always a win
- Low maintenance: Once established, it practically takes care of itself
- Salt tolerance: Perfect for coastal properties where other plants struggle
- Pollinator magnet: Small white tubular flowers attract bees and butterflies
- Year-round interest: Glossy green foliage provides consistent visual appeal
- Compact size: Won’t overwhelm smaller garden spaces
The Reality Check: Climate Limitations
Here’s where we need to be honest – pride of Big Pine is a tropical to subtropical plant that only thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10-11. If you’re gardening anywhere that experiences frost or freezing temperatures, this plant simply won’t survive outdoors year-round. It’s exclusively suited for the warmest parts of Florida and similar tropical climates.
Perfect Garden Settings
Pride of Big Pine shines in several garden styles:
- Coastal gardens: Its natural habitat makes it ideal for seaside properties
- Xeriscape designs: Drought tolerance once established makes it perfect for water-wise landscaping
- Native plant gardens: A must-have for Florida native plant enthusiasts
- Low-maintenance landscapes: Great for busy gardeners or vacation properties
Growing Conditions and Care
The good news is that pride of Big Pine is refreshingly easy to please:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade (though it prefers plenty of sunshine)
- Soil: Well-draining sandy soils – it actually prefers poor soils over rich, heavy ones
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Salt tolerance: Excellent – perfect for properties near the ocean
Planting and Care Tips
Getting started with pride of Big Pine is straightforward:
- Plant in spring or fall for best establishment
- Choose a well-draining location – soggy soil is this plant’s enemy
- Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce frequency
- Minimal fertilization needed – this plant prefers lean conditions
- Prune lightly as needed to maintain shape
- Watch for the delightful small white flowers that attract pollinators
Special Considerations
It’s worth noting that pride of Big Pine has different wetland preferences depending on location. In the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain region, it can handle both wetland and non-wetland conditions. However, in the Caribbean region, it strongly prefers upland, non-wetland sites. This flexibility makes it adaptable to various coastal garden conditions.
The Verdict
Pride of Big Pine is a fantastic choice for gardeners in tropical and subtropical coastal areas who want a beautiful, low-maintenance native shrub. Its combination of salt tolerance, drought resistance, and pollinator appeal makes it a triple threat in the best possible way. Just remember – this is definitely a warm-climate-only plant, so gardeners in cooler zones will need to admire it from afar or consider it for container growing in a heated greenhouse.
If you’re lucky enough to garden in zones 10-11, especially near the coast, pride of Big Pine deserves serious consideration. It’s proof that sometimes the best garden plants are the ones that have been quietly thriving in their native habitats all along, just waiting for us to discover their potential.
