What Is Sunshine Mimosa?
Sunshine Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa) is one of Florida's most beloved native ground covers — and for good reason. With its feathery, fern-like foliage and cheerful pink powderpuff blooms, it creates a dense, walkable carpet that outcompetes weeds, feeds pollinators, and practically takes care of itself. It's a natural fit for Tampa Bay yards looking to ditch high-maintenance turf.
Why Tampa Bay Homeowners Love It
- Native to Florida — adapted to our soils, heat, and rainfall patterns
- Drought-tolerant — once established, thrives through dry spells with minimal watering
- Self-fertilizing — fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, feeding itself and nearby plants
- Low mowing — mow just a few times a year, or skip it entirely
- Pollinator magnet — attracts honeybees, bumblebees, and is a host plant for the native Little Sulphur Butterfly
- Interactive & fun — leaves fold inward when touched and close up at night
- Pet-friendly — non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Planting Sunshine Mimosa in Tampa Bay
Best time to plant: Spring through early summer (March–June) for fastest establishment.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade — at least 3–6 hours of morning sun is ideal. More sun = more blooms.
Soil: Highly adaptable; prefers well-drained to sandy soils. Avoid areas with standing water.
Spacing: Plant 3–4 feet apart. It spreads quickly and will fill in within one to two seasons.
Watering at planting: Water weekly (or more in extreme heat) until established. After that, rainfall alone typically keeps it happy.
Ongoing Care
Mowing: Optional. A light trim a few times a year keeps edges tidy and encourages denser growth.
Fertilizing: Not needed — Sunshine Mimosa enriches the soil on its own. Skip the fertilizer bag.
Edging: It will spread enthusiastically, so plan to edge 2–4 times per year along beds, sidewalks, and driveways.
Pest & disease: Very low maintenance. Its native status means it's well-adapted to local conditions with minimal pest pressure.
How Much Do I Need?
Use this formula to calculate how many plants you need:
Area (W × L) × 12 ÷ spacing (in inches) = number of plants
For a 12' × 15' area (180 sq ft):
- Spaced 12" apart → ~180 plants
- Spaced 18" apart → ~120 plants
- Spaced 24" apart → ~90 plants
Is Sunshine Mimosa Right for Your Yard?
Sunshine Mimosa works best for:
- Replacing turf in full-sun or part-sun areas
- Slopes and areas prone to erosion
- Pollinator and butterfly gardens
- Low-traffic areas where a soft, living carpet is desired
- Underplanting around trees and along driveways
Get Sunshine Mimosa Delivered to Your Door
At Plant It Tampa Bay, we carry Sunshine Mimosa 1-gallon plants ready for delivery across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Pasco Counties. We offer free delivery on orders over $150 and free delivery + installation on orders over $250.