Sanibel in Full Bloom

Nothing sets the tropical mood like Sanibel’s natural foliage and Sundial is in full bloom! There is more to these plants than just pretty flowers and each was chosen specifically to thrive in our island climate while providing a natural beauty for all of our visitors to enjoy.

The caretakers of Sundial have a keen eye on how to make your visit look beautiful by keeping account of each bloom’s unique qualities. As you enjoy exploring the property and discovering the island, keep an eye out for these pretty blooms.

African Tulip Tree

(Pictured above) The environment on Sanibel Island is much like the tropical climate the African Tulip Tree thrives in. On the end of its branches grow large bushes of bright, blood-orange flowers with scalloped edges. In the middle of the striking petals is a pressurized swollen flower bud that acts as a natural water gun and can squirt up to 10 feet! The water in these buds is actually comprised of rain dew mixed with nectar and feeds local bird species.

Bottle Brush Shrub

The Bottle Brush Shrub is recognized by its red spiky petals, which shoot off the stem and give off a citrus scent. These crimson flower-bearing trees are very hardy and can tolerate soil in various qualities.

Bougainvillea

Originally from Brazil, the Bougainvillea is a part of the evergreen vine family. What seems like large magenta petals is not what it seems. The actual flower is the small white trumpet in the center. The pink ‘petals’ are called bracts. Bracts help draw attention to the small white flower for pollinators.

Chenille Plant

While you’re walking around the resort, you may brush up against something red and fuzzy. The Chenille Plant’s flowers are narrow long catkins with fuzzy pistols, pleasant to the eye and touch. The red shade becomes deeper and more saturated the more it is exposed to sunlight.

Hibiscus

Nothing signifies a tropical retreat better than the classic Hibiscus. Its name came from a Roman army doctor and botanist, Pedanius Dioscorides, after the Greek word hibiskos, which translates to mallow, the family this plant belongs to. The hibiscus symbolizes femininity with different classifications based on color. White for purity, yellow for luck and happiness, and pink for both romantic and platonic love. This flower’s fanning petals attract hummingbirds to its pistol, with red being the most popular among pollinators and visitors.

Ixora

The Ixora is a shrub that bears clusters of 60 thin flowers that come in red, orange, yellow, white, and pink. These flowers are not all show, for it also serves as an ingredient in traditional medicines.

Oleander

Oleanders are a common sight in the South, although originally from the Mediterranean and Northern Africa. They come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, white, and yellow, and in single or double blossoms.

Pink Ball Bush

The Pink Ball Bush is known by many names, like the Dombeya Wallichii or the Tropical Hydrangea. This shrub brings its Madagascar charm to Sanibel in the form of pink balls of flowers. Just like the bougainvillea, tropical hydrangeas do not have petals, but bracts to show off their colorful hue. They look like little Pom Poms, don’t you think?

Tabebuia Trumpet Tree

The Tabebuia Trumpet Tree shows off its spectacle best in the spring. It’s named for its trumpet-shaped blooms that come in an assortment of colors. These medium-sized trees call Florida their home and are common throughout the state.

Bird of Paradise

The Bird of Paradise is the true embodiment of all things tropical and extra. Among their large leaves bloom what resembles a bird. These scene-stealing flourishes consist of blue and white bracts hiding a purple tongue of sorts. The white bird of paradise is also known as the wild banana.

Snap your own shots of your favorite blooms the next time you’re on island for a visit!