Yellowgirl used to grow named mophead varieties (ES, Mme. Moulliere, St. Therese, etc) in pots and on the ground in the Orlando area but she had the add 50% compost to her soil. (Ground) Watering in sandy areas would require 50% more water than normal. For example, a newly purchased plant at Lowes/HD would usually need 1g of water per watering so give them 1.5g per watering instead. Choose the location carefully so they get shade starting at 12pm on the hot summer days or earlier and mulch, mulch, mulch.

Another good choice in that area would be oakleaf hydrangeas. They are native to Florida. They have a nice leaf color change in the Fall. But do not let them have wet feet as they will quickly develop root rot. I had that happen to an Alice but, with your sandy soils, that may be more difficult to happen. It is a morning sun only (2-4 hrs is ok; bright shade is ok too) shrub too.

This post was edited by luis_pr on Sun, Oct 26, 14 at 14:37

I am in zone 9a on the northeast side of FL. I have had very good luck with Blushing Bride in a mostly shaded area (near a huge live oak). It doesn't flop and blooms nicely. It was my first year with it and I got some nice blooms. Hopefully I will get more next year when it gets bigger.
SJN