Native Plants That Thrive in Costa Rica's Southern Zone

Creating a beautiful tropical garden doesn’t have to mean constant upkeep or high water bills. In fact, some of the most stunning and resilient landscapes in Costa Rica come from working with nature—starting with native plants.

At Redizon Landscaping, we champion the use of native and endemic species in all our projects, especially in Costa Rica’s lush Southern Zone. These plants are naturally adapted to the region’s tropical climate, making them low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and resistant to local pests and diseases. They’re not only good for the environment—they’re good for your peace of mind.

Why Choose Native Plants?

Native species bring powerful advantages to any landscape design:

• Less water and fewer chemicals needed for thriving growth

• Improved biodiversity—supporting birds, butterflies, and pollinators

• Greater resistance to seasonal changes and extreme weather

• Seamless visual integration into Costa Rica’s natural beauty

Plus, using native plants helps preserve the region’s ecological integrity, ensuring that your landscape complements, rather than competes with, the surrounding environment.

Our Top Native Picks for the Southern Zone

Here are a few of our favorite native plants that perform exceptionally well in the Osa Peninsula and surrounding areas:

Heliconia

Famous for their striking, tropical blooms, Heliconias bring vibrant color and attract pollinators like hummingbirds. These hardy plants thrive in the humid climate of the Southern Zone and work beautifully as ornamental accents or privacy screens.

Stachytarpheta

Also known as porterweed, this fast-growing, flowering shrub is a magnet for butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. With its long blooming period and low-maintenance nature, Stachytarpheta is an excellent choice for natural gardens and pollinator habitats.

Zamia

This prehistoric-looking ground cover adds drama and texture to shade gardens. With its thick, dark green leaves, Zamia is a favorite for creating lush, low-maintenance understory plantings.

Propagated Locally, Grown to Thrive

All of these species—and many more—are cultivated in Redizon’s on-site nursery in Ojochal. By growing plants locally, we ensure they are climate-hardened and ready to flourish in your garden from day one.

Our nursery approach also gives us full control over quality and availability, allowing us to match each client’s design goals with plants that are proven performers in the Southern Zone’s unique microclimates.

Let Nature Work for You

Whether you’re building a new landscape or rejuvenating an existing garden, incorporating native plants is a smart and sustainable choice. Contact Redizon Landscaping to learn more about our plant selection, on-site nursery, and how we can help you design a thriving tropical landscape that stands the test of time.

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