So.
Many people don’t understand that invasives are labelled so for a good reason. They think that they will be able to maintain them but that’s only half the problem.
The Numbers.
Only about 11% of the 1,400 non-native/exotic landscaping plants used here in Florida are considered invasive, however, all invasives have a negative impact on the environment and natural landscape of Florida. They are labelled invasive because of how they propagate (runners or seed dispersal), how they’ve adapted to our climate, and how they take over the natural landscape.
Let’s Play Categories. 
We have categories for invasives as set forth by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.
FLEPPC Category I: Invasive exotics that are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives. This definition does not rely on the economic severity or geographic range of the problem, but on the documented ecological damage caused.
These should not be planted.
FLEPPC Category II: Invasive exotics that have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. These species may become ranked Category I, if ecological damage is demonstrated. These plants should be well monitored.
Below are the top ten invasive plants, rated by the number reported.
Some of these may sound familiar:
1. Brazilian Pepper Tree- 33,152 reports
2. Cogongrass – 19,834 reports
3, Melaleuca- 12,458 reports
4. Torpedo Grass- 11,990 reports
5. Old World Climbing Fern- 11,029 reports
6. Japanese Climbing Fern- 8,083 reports
7. Caesar Weed- 7223 reports
8. Chinese Tallow Tree- 6,598 reports
9. Limpograss- 5,354 reports
10. Air Potato- 3,672 reports
Hillsborough County ranks #4 in Florida for invasive plants with 423 known species (down from 2012 when it was ranked #3 but only had 371 reported known species).
(Source: http://www.eddmaps.org/tools/statereport.cfm?id=us_fl)
Bet You Didn’t Know…
Millions of tax payer dollars are spent every year to remove these exotics from Florida public land to preserve the natural landscape. About one third of the animals on Florida’s endangered list are because of lack of habitat due to the take over of invasive plants. So whether you’re into being green, saving the planet, a plant lover, or obsessed with Florida natives, everyone has a reason to stop the invasive plant population from increasing- saving money.
Sound Familiar?
Here are a few of the most common invasives that are still being planted in the ground although advised against:
Asparagus Fern
Silverthorn
Water Hyacinth
Lantana (natives, does not includes recent hybrids release onto the market)
Nandina domestica
Tropical Soda Apple
Mexican Petunia (Ruellia)
Oyster Plant
Chinese Wisteria
Wedelia
Often times, it is the wildlife that helps these plants spread. If you are going to plant them, make sure to limit your planting and keep up with your maintenance. These are some beautiful plants but homeowners need to be responsible for them. Homegrown Landscapes will include these in your design if you request with disclosure warnings about planting invasive plants. These plants are best suited for pots or consistently maintained landscapes.
There’s Always Another Option.
With invasives, Florida Gardening Magazine has composed a list of acceptable alternatives to using specific invasive plants.
Instead of Lantana camara, use Yaupon Holly.
There are different varieties of this plant.
Instead of Asparagus Fern, use Coontie (also a Florida native). 
Instead of Oyster Plant, use Spiderlily, which comes in a variety of colors.
Instead of Shrub Morning Glory, use native Hibiscus. 
Instead of Creeping Lantana, use Black Eyed Susan.
Just Say No.
Prevention is the best way to avoid helping the invasives spread. We need to educate ourselves on what is an invasive and tell landscapers “no” that are over using these plants. For instance, I went to pick my little brother up from school which was just built a few years ago. Along the road are 15-20 Mexican Petunias. They may have been more cost efficient but in the long run, it’s going to be a problem for maintenance and for the environment. I also noticed a few years ago, a neighbor down the road planted them in a row along the road in front of their ditch. They are slowly spreading toward the road and into the ditch. Although pretty, don’t be fooled, they will take over as time goes on! Again these plants are best used sparingly as well as in area where they are not going to inhibit walkways, driveways, roads, etc. Use these plants in a limited manner if you feel that is what you are wanting in your landscape.
For more information on invasives, check out the Florida Gardening Magazine (Aug/Sept 2012), EDDMaps.org, University of Florida IFAS Center of Aquatic and Invasive Plants, and FLEPPC,org.
Homegrown Landscapes LLC 