A thriving garden is more than an aesthetic addition to your home — it can help support local wildlife and offers a productive hobby.
That said, gardening by the coast can be tricky when you’re using non-native species and inadequate gardening methods. Let’s explore the best garden plants for South Carolina homes.
Understanding the Coastal Climate of South Carolina
Generally, South Carolina has a mild yet humid climate with moderate temperatures and rainfall.
While inland South Carolina is in Hardiness Zone 8b, the coastline has many areas that are in both 8b and 9a. The average extreme minimum temperature in these areas ranges from 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on how close you are to the ocean.
Native Plants
Native species are the best plants for a garden in South Carolina and beyond because they’ve evolved specifically to thrive in your area. As a result, they need less maintenance and water than non-native ones.
You can also avoid using harsh pesticides and fertilizers with these plants, which protects native pollinators like birds and insects and helps you save on gardening supplies.
1. Yellow Jessamine
As the state flower, yellow jessamine makes a beautiful addition to any South Carolina garden. It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10 and can grow up to 20 feet long, so it’s an excellent choice for trellises, fences, arbors or even loose tree canopies.
Yellow jessamine is an evergreen vine that produces bright yellow flowers in late winter to early spring. Its growing preferences include:
- Full sun to partial shade.
- Well-draining soil.
- Regular watering.
Remember, all parts of this vine are poisonous if ingested. Families with pets or small children should choose a nontoxic alternative to keep their loved ones safe.
2. American Beautyberry
True to its name, the American beautyberry is a stunning deciduous shrub rated for Hardiness Zones 6 to 10. It produces small pink flowers from spring to early fall and vivid pink berries in winter.
These berries provide a valuable food source for winter birds, which can help pollinate your garden and keep those blooms coming year after year. The berries are also nontoxic, making this shrub an excellent choice for homes with small children or pets.
For best results, plant your beautyberry in moist, well-draining soil. These shrubs prefer full sun, but they can also grow well in partial shade.
Salt-Tolerant Species for Coastal Gardens
Salt exposure is a unique challenge for coastal gardens. Due to the ocean spray, plants with a high to medium salt tolerance will be your best options.
If you live on the oceanfront, choose plants with high salt tolerance that can withstand high salt exposure. People who live further inland or behind protective structures can also grow moderately salt-tolerant plants.
3. Muhly Grass
If you’re looking for a resilient ornamental grass to add color to your garden, muhly grass is a solid choice. It can withstand direct salt exposure, extended droughts and extreme temperatures, making it fitting for the coast.
For the best results, plant muhly grass in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. However, this grass’s high adaptability can also make it suitable for a range of conditions.
4. Southern Magnolia
With its large, soft petals and massive canopies, the southern magnolia is one of the region’s most iconic evergreens. Its moderate salt tolerance makes it a good centerpiece for gardens protected by dunes and other beachfront structures.
Southern magnolias prefer full sun or partial shade. They also do best in moist, well-drained and loamy soils. To keep your magnolia healthy, water it regularly during droughts and prune its branches after the last frost in early spring or late winter.
5. Bee Balm
Also known as bergamot, bee balm is a perennial wildflower that grows well in Hardiness Zones 3 to 9. Its spiky flowers bloom in the summer and can be many different colors, including hot pink, lavender, white and red.
Bee balm’s growing preferences include:
- Full sun or partial shade.
- Moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH.
- Open space that allows good airflow.
Low-Maintenance Plants
Choosing plants with minimal maintenance requirements can help ensure your plants are thriving — even during busy periods when finding time to garden can be difficult. Here are some of the easiest native plants to care for.
6. Switchgrass
Switchgrass is a hardy ornamental grass that can adapt to various conditions in Hardiness Zones 5 to 9. It can grow from 3 to 6 feet tall, making it a good choice for filling gaps between other plants.
While switchgrass is a highly adaptable plant, it grows best in the following conditions:
- Clay, loamy or sand soil
- Wet or moist soil
- Full sun
It’s also important to note that switchgrass grows rhizomes, which means the plant’s roots continue to grow horizontally after becoming established. The rhizomes will cause new growths to shoot up and spread rapidly through your garden.
7. Inkberry Holly
This shrub’s characteristic glossy green leaves and tall stature make it a subtle yet attractive choice for hedges and filling gaps between other plants. Its pale white flowers bloom in early summer, turning into small black berries in early autumn.
Once they’re established, inkberry plants only require regular watering and some pruning to maintain healthy limbs and the bush’s desired shape.
Inkberry shrubs do best in either full sun or partial shade. Their preferred soil is moist and well-drained, and they thrive in Hardiness Zones 4 to 11.
Seasonal Gardening Tips for the SC Coast
Knowing when to plant a garden in South Carolina can help you ensure beautiful blooms throughout the season. The right planting time for each species will vary depending on several factors:
- Planting method: Generally, you’ll want to plant seeds earlier in the season than started nursery plants. You can also start seeds indoors to extend the growing season and avoid dealing with unexpected frost.
- Plant type: Each plant has a better chance of becoming established in different seasons, so it’s important to know when and where each species in your garden will thrive. Planning ahead can help give your plants the best chances of survival.
- Existing conditions: Before choosing any plants, evaluate what you may already have in the garden and the available amount of light and space. Knowing what you can provide your plants can help you choose species that will grow well.
Coastal Gardening FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions about growing a garden in coastal South Carolina.
How Do You Make Sure Your Plants Have Enough Nutrients?
The salty sea spray and wind can cause soil to dry out and lose important nutrients. These tips can help ensure your plants are properly nourished:
- Add compost: Homemade or store-bought compost adds nutrients to the soil, which helps supplement your plants’ growth and water retention abilities.
- Use salt-free water: Even if you choose plants with a high salt tolerance, using a water source that is free of salt can make it easier for your plants to tolerate the conditions you are in.
- Prune regularly: Both high-maintenance and low-maintenance plants need seasonal pruning to stimulate new growth and remove dead or diseased parts.
What Are Good Fall Garden Plants for South Carolina?
Perennials that change throughout the year, like switchgrass and red maples, are excellent choices for a fall garden. They shift into deeper autumn colors like red and orange, which will help create a warm and inviting seasonal garden that captures the essence of fall.
Some annuals that can create visual interest during autumn include:
- Marigolds
- Pansies
- Multicolored violas
You can change these annuals out each year to create a fresh look.
Partner With Simply Green Landscaping for a Beautiful Coastal Garden
A well-planned garden is a source of pride for any homeowner, and choosing the right plants is part of the process. Sometimes, though, it can be challenging to find a good starting place.
Simply Green Landscaping can help you design and plant a garden that will complement your home’s unique exterior. We also provide routine maintenance for residential gardens, so you can keep your plants thriving even when life gets hectic.
If you want to enhance or start your coastal South Carolina garden, we can help. Contact us today to get started!
