Top 10 Tips for Choosing Climate-Friendly Plants in the Southeast

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Garden: A Guide for Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina

Selecting the right plants for your garden is key to creating a landscape that is not only beautiful but also easy to maintain. With the humid subtropical climate of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, it’s essential to choose plants that can thrive in warm summers, mild winters, and varying moisture levels. This guide will help you select the best plants for your garden based on local growing conditions, so you can enjoy a vibrant and resilient landscape year-round.

1. Understand Your Hardiness Zone

Before you start selecting plants, it’s important to know your USDA hardiness zone. Hardiness zones indicate the coldest temperatures in which a plant can survive, helping you choose plants that are resilient to local winter conditions.

• Tennessee is primarily in Zones 6a to 8a.

• North Carolina ranges from Zones 6a in the mountains to Zone 8b in the coastal areas.

• South Carolina is mostly in Zones 7a to 9a.
  

When shopping for plants, look for the hardiness zone on the plant tag to ensure it will thrive in your local climate.

2. Choose Native and Adapted Plants

Native plants are naturally suited to your region’s climate, soil, and weather conditions. Choosing native plants helps create a low-maintenance garden because these plants have adapted to local conditions over time. Additionally, they support local wildlife, such as birds, bees, and butterflies, making your garden eco-friendly.

Examples of native plants for the Southeast:

• Tennessee: Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), and Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa).

• North Carolina: Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), and Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana).

• South Carolina: Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), and Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica).
  

These plants are well-suited for the Southeastern climate and require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than non-native species.

3. Consider Sun and Shade Requirements

Different plants have unique sunlight requirements, so it’s crucial to consider the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Observe the areas where you plan to plant and note the amount of daily sunlight.

• Full Sun (6+ hours of sunlight): Ideal for sun-loving plants like coneflowers (Echinacea), lavender (Lavandula), and ornamental grasses.

• Partial Shade (3-6 hours of sunlight): Perfect for shade-tolerant plants such as ferns, azaleas, and hostas.

• Full Shade (less than 3 hours of direct sunlight): Works well for shade-loving plants like hellebores, rhododendrons, and certain varieties of hydrangea.
  

Understanding sun and shade needs will help you place each plant in the right spot for optimal growth and health.

4. Choose Plants for Your Soil Type

Soil quality and type vary across Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Testing your soil is an important step in choosing plants that will thrive in your garden.

• Sandy Soil: Drains quickly but can be low in nutrients. Plants like lavender, black-eyed Susans, and yucca thrive in sandy soil.

• Clay Soil: Tends to hold moisture but can be heavy. Look for moisture-tolerant plants like daylilies, asters, and swamp milkweed.

• Loamy Soil: This is the ideal garden soil that balances drainage and nutrients. Most garden plants, including roses, azaleas, and hydrangeas, thrive in loamy soil.
  

Consider adding organic matter like compost to improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients for plant growth.

5. Focus on Drought-Tolerant Plants

Summers in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina can be hot and dry, so it’s wise to include drought-tolerant plants in your garden. These plants require less frequent watering, making them ideal for reducing water usage and maintenance.

Drought-tolerant plant suggestions:

• Tennessee: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), and Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia).

• North Carolina: American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana), and Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).

• South Carolina: Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella), Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus), and Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica).
  

These hardy plants withstand dry spells and will maintain their beauty even during heat waves.

6. Think About Seasonal Interest

To keep your garden visually appealing throughout the year, choose a variety of plants that bloom or offer color in different seasons. This approach will add texture, color, and interest to your garden as the seasons change.

Seasonal plant suggestions:

• Spring: Dogwood (Cornus florida), Azalea (Rhododendron spp.), and Daffodils (Narcissus spp.).

• Summer: Coneflower (Echinacea), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), and Daylilies (Hemerocallis).

• Fall: Chrysanthemums, Asters, and Beautyberry (Callicarpa).

• Winter: Holly (Ilex spp.), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), and Hellebore (Helleborus).
  

Mixing plants with varying bloom times and foliage textures will keep your garden lively all year.

7. Plan for Maintenance and Growth

Consider the growth rate and mature size of each plant to ensure your garden remains manageable. Some plants, like ornamental grasses, spread quickly, while others, such as boxwoods, are slower growers. Planning for growth helps prevent overcrowding and reduces the need for frequent pruning.

Low-maintenance plant options:

• Ground Covers: Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata), Periwinkle (Vinca minor), and Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans).

• Slow-Growing Shrubs: Boxwood (Buxus spp.), Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria), and Spirea (Spiraea japonica).

• Perennials: Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum), Coral Bells (Heuchera), and Catmint (Nepeta).
  

These plants require minimal trimming and upkeep, allowing you to enjoy your garden without extensive maintenance.

Create a Thriving Garden with the Right Plant Choices

Choosing plants that thrive in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina’s unique climate can lead to a beautiful, resilient garden that requires less maintenance and supports local wildlife. By selecting native and adapted plants, considering sunlight and soil needs, and planning for seasonal interest, you can design a garden that flourishes year-round.

Need help with plant selection or garden design? Contact Jones Landscape Construction for expert advice and personalized landscaping services. Let us help you create the perfect garden for your home!