A Warm Arbor Day 2026 Greeting from the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail National Scenic Byway! Thank you for joining us in celebrating Arbor Day 2026 along one of Florida’s most beautiful natural corridors! We are proud to offer the following native plants as part of today’s giveaway:
Oakleaf Hydrangea • Silver Saw Palmetto • Red Cedar • Pignut Hickory

These plants were selected to support wildlife, strengthen native habitats, and preserve the scenic beauty of our byway. Please review the care instructions below to help your plant thrive for years to come. Thank you for supporting conservation, protecting Florida’s natural heritage, and helping our community grow greener and stronger! 

🌿 Plant Care Instructions

🌸 Oakleaf Hydrangea

(Hydrangea quercifolia)

Characteristics:
A beautiful native flowering shrub known for its large cone-shaped white blooms, oak-shaped leaves, and brilliant red fall color. Attracts pollinators and adds year-round interest.

Planting:

• Choose a location with good air circulation.
• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth.
• Place plant level with the ground and backfill gently.

Watering:

• Water 2–3 times per week during the first month.
• Once established, water during dry periods.

Soil:

• Prefers moist, well-drained soil
• Tolerates sandy soils common in Florida.

Sun Requirements:

• Partial shade to morning sun
• Avoid intense afternoon sun.

Fertilizer:

• Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Pruning:

• Prune after flowering if shaping is needed.
• Remove dead or damaged branches anytime.

Additional Info:
Excellent understory plant and great for shaded landscapes or woodland gardens.

🌿 Silver Saw Palmetto

(Serenoa repens ‘Silver’)

Characteristics:
A hardy, drought-tolerant native palm with striking silver-blue fan leaves. Provides shelter for wildlife and helps stabilize sandy soils.

Planting:

• Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball.
• Plant at the same depth as the container.

Watering:

• Water weekly during establishment (first 4–6 weeks).
• Once established, requires minimal watering.

Soil:

• Thrives in sandy, well-drained soils
• Highly tolerant of poor soils.

Sun Requirements:

• Full sun to partial shade

Fertilizer:

• Use a palm-specific fertilizer 2–3 times per year.

Pruning:

• Remove only dead or damaged fronds.

Additional Info:
Extremely low-maintenance and ideal for native landscapes, coastal areas, and drought-prone sites.

🌲 Red Cedar

(Juniperus virginiana)

Characteristics:
A fast-growing evergreen tree valued for wildlife habitat, windbreaks, and fragrant wood. Produces berry-like cones loved by birds.

Planting:

• Plant in a location with room to grow vertically.
• Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.

Watering:

• Water weekly for the first 2–3 months.
• Drought tolerant once established.

Soil:

• Adaptable to most soils, including sandy or clay.

Sun Requirements:

• Full sun

Fertilizer:

• Generally not required.
• Optional slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Pruning:

• Minimal pruning needed.
• Remove dead or crowded branches as needed.

Additional Info:
Provides excellent wind protection and wildlife shelter. Can reach 30–40 feet tall.

🌳 Pignut Hickory

(Carya glabra)

Characteristics:
A strong native hardwood tree valued for shade, wildlife food, and long-term landscape value. Produces nuts enjoyed by squirrels and birds.

Planting:

• Choose a permanent planting location, as hickories develop deep roots.
• Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.

Watering:

• Water weekly during the first growing season.
• Water deeply during extended droughts.

Soil:

• Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil.

Sun Requirements:

• Full sun

Fertilizer:

• Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if growth is slow.

Pruning:

• Prune in late winter to remove weak or crossing branches.

Additional Info:
A long-lived native tree that provides excellent shade and supports local wildlife ecosystems.

Thank You for Supporting Our Scenic Byway!

Your participation helps preserve the natural beauty of the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail and supports native plant conservation across our region.

🌿 Plant Native • Protect Wildlife • Preserve Florida’s Beauty 🌳

Need additional plants and support? Visit us today at Flowingwelltreefarm.com