The task of restoring a garden after the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa continues, even though the season has ended. Recovery is an opportunity to start anew with varieties built to withstand future storms, according to Stacy Thompson, principal of Plantology876. From palms to ground covers and ornamentals, Style Observer Gardening
takes a look at hurricane-suitable plants that gardeners can consider.

Tropical palms

When prioritising storm resilience, look to tropical palms; they are one of the most suitable planting options. This group includes the areca, coconut, and bottle palms. Their strength lies in the trunks, which are made of flexible tissue and tough, slender strands that allow them to bend dramatically without breaking in high winds. Thompson advises that recovery is simple: “All that is needed to treat them is to remove old fronds and feed with potassium-rich fertiliser,” she notes.

Native shrubs

For a low-maintenance, resilient garden, opt for native plants. Species like the hibiscus, croton, and ixora are already adapted to local conditions, providing built-in resistance and ecological support for local wildlife and pollinators. Thompson suggests two simple steps: Light pruning and fertilising once new buds begin to form.

Flowering Plants

Thompson recommends easy-to-maintain flowering plants, including bougainvillea, heliconia, and bird of paradise. These plants are ideal because they are known for their adaptability, strong root systems, and drought and salt tolerance (a key feature when dealing with potential storm surge). Thompson advises: “Water sparingly until new shoots appear, as they are naturally drought-resistant.”

Ground covers

Ground covers — such as periwinkles, liriope, and wedelia — are low-growing plants that quickly form a dense mat. Their function is essential: They suppress weeds, prevent soil erosion, and help soil retain moisture. Because they regrow quickly, treatment is simple: Trim the edges and replant any missing patches.

Hardy Ornamentals

To maintain both beauty and toughness, incorporate resilient varieties such as the snake plant, ZZ plant, anthuriums, and bromeliads. Not only do these plants provide significant aesthetic value to any space, but they also require minimal maintenance and can withstand harsh conditions. Thompson’s advice is to clean leaves thoroughly and position in indirect sunlight.

Trees

Gardeners can also consider trees like sea grape, silver buttonwood, and the Jamaican Lignum Vitae. These are particularly attractive options due to their natural resilience to coastal winds. Thompson cautions that to ensure the survival of these newly planted trees, you must firmly stake them for vertical growth and deeply mulch the planting area to retain moisture

Choosing from these options ensures gardeners will have a space that’s aesthetically pleasing, highly storm-resistant, with minimal upkeep or restoration.

Areca palm (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Madagascar periwinkle (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Helicona (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Anthurium (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Lignum Vitae (Photo: YuRi Photolife)

Stacy Thompson principal, Plantology (Photo: 876Stacy Thompson)