The Plant Rolodex
Plants for coastal Carolina yards.
A reference guide to plants that thrive in sandy soil, salt air, and zone 8b weather: what each one is, how big it gets, and the sun, water, and soil it needs.
These are general guidelines. Every yard drains, shades, and dries a little differently, so check with our nursery staff for proper planting and care before it goes in the ground.
Shade & Flowering Trees
Live Oak
Quercus virginiana
The signature coastal shade tree. Salt-tolerant and hurricane-proven, it anchors a yard for generations.
- Salt & wind tolerant
- Acorns feed wildlife
- Butterfly & moth host plant
- Type
- Evergreen shade tree
- Mature size
- 40–80 ft tall, 60–100 ft spread
- Zone
- 8–10
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Regular until established, then drought tolerant
- Soil
- Adaptable; sandy or loamy, well drained
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to children and pets if eaten (acorns and young leaves).
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
Months of summer bloom on smooth sculptural trunks. Thrives in coastal heat with little fuss.
- Pollinator favorite
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Type
- Deciduous flowering tree
- Mature size
- 10–30 ft tall depending on variety
- Zone
- 7–9
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Soil
- Well drained; tolerates sand and clay
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Glossy evergreen leaves and huge fragrant white blooms. A classic specimen for larger yards.
- Fragrant
- Salt tolerant
- Evergreen shelter & food for birds
- Type
- Evergreen flowering tree
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall, 20–30 ft spread
- Zone
- 6–10
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Regular during the first seasons
- Soil
- Rich, slightly acidic, well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
River Birch
Betula nigra
Fast shade with peeling cinnamon bark. Happy where other trees sulk.
- Erosion control
- Tolerates wet soil
- Type
- Deciduous shade tree
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall, 30–40 ft spread
- Zone
- 4–9
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Likes moisture; handles wet spots
- Soil
- Acidic, moist; tolerates poor drainage
Toxicity: No toxicity data found.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Reliable fall color for the coast, and one of the fastest ways to real shade.
- Early pollinator nectar source
- Feeds birds & wildlife
- Butterfly & moth host plant
- Type
- Deciduous shade tree
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall, 25–40 ft spread
- Zone
- 3–9
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate; tolerates wet soil
- Soil
- Slightly acidic, moist to well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets. Toxic to horses (wilted leaves).
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Chaste Tree
Vitex agnus-castus
Spikes of purple-blue summer bloom that pollinators mob. Built for heat and sand.
- Pollinator favorite
- Deer resistant
- Drought & salt tolerant
- Type
- Deciduous flowering tree
- Mature size
- 10–15 ft tall and wide
- Zone
- 6–9
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low once established
- Soil
- Well drained; loves sandy soil
Toxicity: Not toxic to pets. Berries unsafe during pregnancy or nursing.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Lavender-pink bloom on bare branches in early spring. Weeping forms make striking accents.
- Pollinator favorite
- Butterfly host plant
- Seed pods feed birds
- Type
- Deciduous flowering tree
- Mature size
- 20–30 ft tall, 25–35 ft spread
- Zone
- 4–9
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Soil
- Well drained; adaptable
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Nellie R. Stevens Holly
Ilex × 'Nellie R. Stevens'
A dense evergreen pyramid that makes a fast, handsome privacy screen.
- Winter bird food source
- Deer resistant
- Salt tolerant
- Type
- Evergreen tree / screen
- Mature size
- 15–25 ft tall, 8–12 ft wide
- Zone
- 6–9
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Soil
- Slightly acidic, well drained
Toxicity: Toxic to children and pets if berries are eaten.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Flowering Shrubs
Encore Azalea
Rhododendron hybrids
Blooms spring, summer, and fall instead of one week in April.
- Pollinator favorite (butterflies & hummingbirds)
- Type
- Evergreen flowering shrub
- Mature size
- 2–5 ft tall and wide by variety
- Zone
- 6–10
- Sun
- Morning sun, afternoon shade
- Water
- Regular; shallow roots dry out fast
- Soil
- Acidic, rich, well drained; mulch well
Toxicity: Toxic to children and pets if eaten.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Camellia
Camellia japonica & sasanqua
The South's winter rose. Sasanquas bloom fall into winter, japonicas winter into spring.
- Fall & winter pollinator nectar
- Deer resistant
- Type
- Evergreen flowering shrub
- Mature size
- 6–12 ft tall, 5–8 ft wide
- Zone
- 7–9
- Sun
- Part shade; morning sun is safest
- Water
- Regular first two years
- Soil
- Acidic, rich, well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Gardenia
Gardenia jasminoides
Unmistakable fragrance on glossy evergreen foliage.
- Fragrant
- Deer resistant
- Type
- Evergreen flowering shrub
- Mature size
- 3–6 ft tall and wide
- Zone
- 8–11
- Sun
- Morning sun, afternoon shade
- Water
- Consistent moisture
- Soil
- Acidic, rich, well drained
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets. Generally safe for children in small amounts.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Limelight Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'
Huge lime-to-cream cones on the toughest, most sun-tolerant hydrangea.
- Pollinator favorite
- Salt & wind tolerant
- Drought tolerant once established
- Type
- Deciduous flowering shrub
- Mature size
- 6–8 ft tall and wide
- Zone
- 3–9
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Regular; more in full sun
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Toxic to children and pets if eaten.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Knock Out & Drift Roses
Rosa hybrids
Continuous color with no spraying and no drama.
- Pollinator favorite
- Type
- Flowering shrub / groundcover rose
- Mature size
- Drift 1–2 ft; Knock Out 3–4 ft
- Zone
- 5–10
- Sun
- Full sun, 6+ hours
- Water
- Moderate; water at the base
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Loropetalum
Loropetalum chinense
Burgundy foliage and fringe flowers on an easy evergreen.
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant once established
- Type
- Evergreen flowering shrub
- Mature size
- 3–10 ft by variety
- Zone
- 7–10
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Soil
- Acidic, well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Abelia
Abelia × grandiflora
Arching branches loaded with small blooms from summer to frost. Bees love it.
- Pollinator favorite (bees, butterflies, hummingbirds)
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant once established
- Type
- Semi-evergreen flowering shrub
- Mature size
- 3–6 ft tall and wide
- Zone
- 6–9
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Low once established
- Soil
- Well drained; adaptable
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Fatsia
Fatsia japonica
Bold, tropical-looking structure for deep shade.
- Pollinator favorite
- Salt & wind tolerant
- Winter berries feed songbirds
- Type
- Evergreen foliage shrub
- Mature size
- 6–10 ft tall and wide
- Zone
- 8–10
- Sun
- Shade to part shade
- Water
- Regular; likes humidity
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Coastal Natives
Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris
A pink cloud of bloom every fall. Salt-tolerant and nearly indestructible.
- Salt & wind tolerant
- Drought tolerant
- Erosion control
- Deer resistant
- Type
- Native ornamental grass
- Mature size
- 3–4 ft tall and wide in bloom
- Zone
- 6–10
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low; very drought tolerant
- Soil
- Sandy, well drained; thrives in poor soil
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Yaupon Holly
Ilex vomitoria
Tough native evergreen, from clipped hedges to sculptural weeping forms. Berries feed winter birds.
- Salt & wind tolerant
- Drought tolerant
- Deer resistant
- Winter bird food source
- Type
- Native evergreen shrub / small tree
- Mature size
- 10–20 ft; dwarf forms 3–4 ft
- Zone
- 7–10
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Low once established
- Soil
- Adaptable; sand, clay, wet or dry
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to children and pets if berries are eaten in quantity.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Wax Myrtle
Morella cerifera
The coast's fastest native screen, with fragrant evergreen foliage and salt tolerance.
- Salt & wind tolerant
- Deer resistant
- Fragrant
- Winter bird food source
- Type
- Native evergreen shrub
- Mature size
- 10–15 ft tall and wide
- Zone
- 7–11
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Low; handles wet and dry
- Soil
- Adaptable; sandy to swampy
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana
Clusters of electric-purple berries line the stems every fall.
- Pollinator favorite
- Fall bird food source
- Drought tolerant
- Deer resistant
- Type
- Native deciduous shrub
- Mature size
- 4–6 ft tall and wide
- Zone
- 6–10
- Sun
- Part sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Soil
- Adaptable; rich or sandy
Toxicity: Generally safe. Confirm ID before letting kids or pets eat the berries.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia
Native hydrangea with cone blooms, oak-shaped leaves, and true burgundy fall color.
- Pollinator favorite
- Fragrant
- Deer resistant
- Type
- Native deciduous shrub
- Mature size
- 6–8 ft tall and wide
- Zone
- 5–9
- Sun
- Part shade
- Water
- Regular; mulch to keep roots cool
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Toxic to children and pets if eaten.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra
A native alternative to boxwood with neat evergreen mounds.
- Pollinator favorite
- Salt & wind tolerant
- Deer resistant
- Winter bird food source
- Type
- Native evergreen shrub
- Mature size
- 3–6 ft tall and wide
- Zone
- 4–9
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate; tolerates wet feet
- Soil
- Acidic; sandy to boggy
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to children and pets if eaten.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
River Oats
Chasmanthium latifolium
Flat, dangling seed heads that shimmer in the breeze.
- Erosion control
- Deer resistant
- Feeds birds
- Type
- Native ornamental grass
- Mature size
- 2–4 ft tall
- Zone
- 3–8
- Sun
- Sun or shade
- Water
- Moderate; adaptable
- Soil
- Any; happiest in moist soil
Toxicity: No toxicity data found.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Bright orange bloom and a host plant for monarch butterflies.
- Monarch host plant
- Pollinator favorite
- Drought tolerant
- Deer resistant
- Type
- Native perennial
- Mature size
- 1–2 ft tall
- Zone
- 3–9
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low; drought tolerant
- Soil
- Sandy, well drained
Toxicity: Toxic to children and pets if eaten.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Palms & Tropicals
Windmill Palm
Trachycarpus fortunei
The most dependable trunked palm for our winters.
- Cold-hardy palm
- Salt & wind tolerant
- Drought tolerant
- Type
- Cold-hardy palm
- Mature size
- 10–20 ft tall, slow growing
- Zone
- 8–11
- Sun
- Sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Soil
- Well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Sabal Palmetto
Sabal palmetto
The Carolina state tree. Handles salt, wind, and storms.
- Salt & wind tolerant
- Drought tolerant
- Deer resistant
- Type
- Native palm
- Mature size
- 20–40 ft tall
- Zone
- 8–11
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low once established
- Soil
- Sandy, well drained; salt tolerant
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Pindo Palm
Butia capitata
Blue-gray feathered fronds on a stout trunk. Striking as a single specimen.
- Salt tolerant
- Drought tolerant
- Cold-hardy palm
- Type
- Cold-hardy palm
- Mature size
- 12–20 ft tall
- Zone
- 8–11
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Low once established
- Soil
- Well drained; sandy
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets. Fruit is edible.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Sago Palm
Cycas revoluta
Ancient, architectural, and tough.
- Drought tolerant
- Salt tolerant
- Type
- Cycad (palm-like)
- Mature size
- 3–10 ft, very slow growing
- Zone
- 8–11
- Sun
- Bright light; part shade inland
- Water
- Low; let it dry between waterings
- Soil
- Sandy, sharply drained
Toxicity: Highly toxic to children and pets, all parts. Call Poison Control or your vet right away if eaten.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta
Huge dramatic leaves for that lush low-country feel.
- Tropical, lush look
- Deer resistant
- Type
- Tropical perennial bulb
- Mature size
- 3–6 ft tall
- Zone
- 8–11
- Sun
- Sun to part shade
- Water
- High; loves wet feet
- Soil
- Rich, moist
Toxicity: Toxic to children and pets, all parts, if eaten raw.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Hardy Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos
Dinner-plate blooms on a perennial that returns bigger every summer.
- Pollinator favorite
- Hummingbird magnet
- Type
- Perennial (dies back in winter)
- Mature size
- 3–5 ft tall
- Zone
- 5–9
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Regular; likes moisture
- Soil
- Rich, moist
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Tropical Hibiscus
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Nonstop tropical color for pots and patios.
- Pollinator favorite
- Hummingbird magnet
- Deer resistant
- Type
- Tropical shrub (annual here)
- Mature size
- 3–6 ft in a season
- Zone
- 9–11; enjoy as an annual or overwinter indoors
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Regular; do not let pots dry out
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Mandevilla
Mandevilla hybrids
Vining trumpets of pink, red, or white all summer.
- Pollinator favorite
- Hummingbird magnet
- Salt & wind tolerant
- Type
- Tropical flowering vine (annual here)
- Mature size
- 6–10 ft in a season with support
- Zone
- 10–11; grown as an annual
- Sun
- Full sun to light shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to children and pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Perennials & Grasses
Lantana
Lantana camara
The hardest-working color plant on the coast. Butterflies agree.
- Butterfly favorite
- Hummingbird magnet
- Drought tolerant
- Salt tolerant
- Type
- Perennial (hardy here) / annual
- Mature size
- 1–4 ft by variety
- Zone
- 8–11
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low; blooms through drought
- Soil
- Any well-drained soil
Toxicity: Toxic to children and pets, especially unripe berries. Call Poison Control right away if eaten.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Salvia
Salvia greggii & guaranitica
Spikes of red, purple, or blue that hummingbirds fight over.
- Hummingbird magnet
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 2–4 ft tall
- Zone
- 7–10
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Soil
- Well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Feeds bees in summer and finches in fall.
- Pollinator favorite
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Goldfinch seed source
- Type
- Native perennial
- Mature size
- 2–4 ft tall
- Zone
- 3–9
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low once established
- Soil
- Well drained; tolerates poor soil
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia fulgida
Gold daisies from July to frost, spreading into cheerful drifts.
- Pollinator favorite
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Goldfinch seed source
- Type
- Native perennial
- Mature size
- 2–3 ft tall
- Zone
- 4–9
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Soil
- Adaptable, well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Daylily
Hemerocallis hybrids
Weeks of bloom in nearly every color, whatever summer brings.
- Salt tolerant
- Drought tolerant
- Hummingbird & butterfly nectar source
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 1–3 ft tall
- Zone
- 3–9
- Sun
- Full sun to light shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Soil
- Any reasonable soil
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or dogs. Severely toxic to cats — call your vet right away if eaten.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Garden Phlox
Phlox paniculata
Fragrant summer clusters. Choose mildew-resistant varieties for our humidity.
- Hummingbird magnet
- Pollinator favorite
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 2–4 ft tall
- Zone
- 4–8
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Regular; water at the base
- Soil
- Rich, well drained; good air flow
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Dianthus
Dianthus hybrids
Clove-scented blooms over blue-green foliage.
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Pollinator favorite
- Type
- Perennial / cool-season color
- Mature size
- 6–18 in tall
- Zone
- 3–9
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Soil
- Well drained; slightly alkaline
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets. Not toxic to humans.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Coral Bells
Heuchera hybrids
Foliage in caramel, lime, and burgundy that colors shade beds all year.
- Hummingbird magnet
- Deer resistant
- Shade tolerant
- Type
- Evergreen perennial
- Mature size
- 8–16 in tall
- Zone
- 4–9
- Sun
- Part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Leopard Plant
Farfugium japonicum
Glossy round leaves that shine in damp shade, with yellow daisies in fall.
- Shade tolerant
- Deer resistant
- Type
- Evergreen shade perennial
- Mature size
- 1–2 ft tall
- Zone
- 7–10
- Sun
- Shade to part shade
- Water
- Regular; likes damp
- Soil
- Rich, moist
Toxicity: Treat as toxic to children and pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Liriope
Liriope muscari
The dependable evergreen border, with purple bloom spikes in late summer.
- Deer & rabbit resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Salt tolerant
- Evergreen groundcover
- Type
- Evergreen groundcover
- Mature size
- 12–18 in tall
- Zone
- 5–10
- Sun
- Sun or shade
- Water
- Low
- Soil
- Any; very adaptable
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Seasonal Color
SunPatiens
Impatiens hybrids
The impatiens that takes full coastal sun, spring to frost.
- Heat tolerant
- Rabbit resistant
- Type
- Warm-season annual
- Mature size
- 1–3 ft tall
- Zone
- Annual here; plant after frost
- Sun
- Full sun to shade
- Water
- Regular
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Vinca
Catharanthus roseus
Thrives in the hottest, driest beds in town.
- Pollinator favorite
- Deer resistant
- Heat & drought tolerant
- Type
- Warm-season annual
- Mature size
- 10–16 in tall
- Zone
- Annual here; loves heat
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low; do not overwater
- Soil
- Well drained; thrives in sand
Toxicity: Toxic to children and pets, all parts.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Petunia
Petunia hybrids
Waves of trailing color for beds, baskets, and pots.
- Hummingbird magnet
- Deer resistant
- Heat tolerant
- Type
- Cool/warm-season annual
- Mature size
- 6–12 in, trailing to 3 ft
- Zone
- Annual here; best spring and fall
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Regular in pots
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Caladium
Caladium bicolor
Painted leaves that light up shade beds all summer.
- Shade-loving foliage color
- Type
- Warm-season foliage bulb
- Mature size
- 1–2 ft tall
- Zone
- 9–11; grown as a summer annual
- Sun
- Shade to part sun
- Water
- Regular
- Soil
- Rich, moist, well drained
Toxicity: Toxic to children and pets, all parts, if eaten.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Coleus
Coleus scutellarioides
Foliage color that outperforms most flowers.
- Shade-loving foliage color
- Deer resistant
- Type
- Warm-season foliage annual
- Mature size
- 1–3 ft tall
- Zone
- Annual here; plant after frost
- Sun
- Sun and shade varieties
- Water
- Regular
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Toxic to pets if eaten. Mainly a skin irritant for humans.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Celosia
Celosia argentea
Velvet plumes in gold, red, and pink that hold their color through summer.
- Pollinator favorite
- Heat & drought tolerant
- Type
- Warm-season annual
- Mature size
- 8–24 in tall
- Zone
- Annual here; loves heat
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Soil
- Well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Pansy & Viola
Viola hybrids
The backbone of fall and winter color, blooming until May.
- Cool-season color
- Deer resistant
- Edible flower
- Type
- Cool-season annual
- Mature size
- 6–10 in tall
- Zone
- Plant here October through spring
- Sun
- Full sun in winter
- Water
- Moderate
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Snapdragon
Antirrhinum majus
Cool-season spires that shrug off frost.
- Pollinator favorite
- Hummingbird magnet
- Deer resistant
- Edible flower
- Type
- Cool-season annual
- Mature size
- 8–36 in by variety
- Zone
- Plant here fall through spring
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Edibles & Herbs
Meyer Lemon
Citrus × meyeri
The easiest backyard citrus for coastal NC. Fragrant bloom, heavy fruit.
- Fragrant
- Container-friendly
- Evergreen
- Type
- Citrus tree (container-friendly)
- Mature size
- 6–10 ft; smaller in pots
- Zone
- 9–11; protect below 25°F
- Sun
- Full sun, 8+ hours
- Water
- Deep and regular; never soggy
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Fruit is safe. Peel and leaves can upset a pet's stomach.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Satsuma Orange
Citrus unshiu
Seedless, easy-peel fruit ripening as the weather cools.
- Cold-hardiest sweet citrus
- Container-friendly
- Evergreen
- Type
- Citrus tree (container-friendly)
- Mature size
- 8–12 ft; smaller in pots
- Zone
- 8b–11; hardiest sweet citrus
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Deep and regular; never soggy
- Soil
- Rich, well drained
Toxicity: Fruit is safe. Peel and leaves can upset a pet's stomach.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Rabbiteye Blueberry
Vaccinium virgatum
The blueberry bred for the Southeast. Plant two varieties for heavy fruit in June.
- Pollinator favorite
- Native to the Southeast
- Fall foliage color
- Type
- Deciduous fruiting shrub
- Mature size
- 6–10 ft tall
- Zone
- 7–9
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Regular; shallow rooted
- Soil
- Very acidic (pH 4.5–5.5); amend with pine bark
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Brown Turkey Fig
Ficus carica
The reliable Southern fig. Two crops a year once established.
- Drought tolerant once established
- Fast-growing shade
- Type
- Deciduous fruit tree
- Mature size
- 10–20 ft tall and wide
- Zone
- 7–9
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Soil
- Well drained; adaptable
Toxicity: Ripe fruit is safe. Sap can irritate skin and upset a pet's stomach.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Muscadine Grape
Vitis rotundifolia
The native grape that actually thrives here, with disease resistance table grapes can't match.
- Native to the Southeast
- Heat & humidity tolerant
- Pollinator favorite
- Type
- Native fruiting vine
- Mature size
- 15–20 ft on a trellis or arbor
- Zone
- 7–10
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low once established
- Soil
- Sandy, well drained
Toxicity: Treat with the same caution as grapes around dogs.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
Evergreen, drought-proof, and as good in the landscape as in the kitchen.
- Drought tolerant once established
- Evergreen
- Fragrant
- Pollinator favorite
- Type
- Evergreen herb / shrub
- Mature size
- 2–4 ft tall and wide
- Zone
- 8–10
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low; hates wet feet
- Soil
- Sandy, sharply drained
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Basil, Thyme & Mint
Seasonal herb bench
The kitchen staples, rotated through the seasons.
- Fragrant
- Pollinator favorite
- Container-friendly
- Type
- Kitchen herbs
- Mature size
- 6–24 in
- Zone
- Seasonal; rotated fresh
- Sun
- Full sun (mint takes part shade)
- Water
- Regular (basil, mint); light (thyme)
- Soil
- Rich and well drained; keep mint in a pot
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets in normal use.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Tomato & Pepper Starts
Spring & fall vegetable starts
Varieties chosen for coastal humidity and heat.
- Sun-loving
- Seasonal harvest crop
- Type
- Vegetable transplants
- Mature size
- Varies by variety
- Zone
- Plant after last frost; fall crop in July–August
- Sun
- Full sun, 6–8 hours
- Water
- Deep, even watering
- Soil
- Rich, well drained; feed regularly
Toxicity: Ripe fruit is safe. Vines can upset a pet's stomach.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Houseplants & More
Air Plants
Tillandsia varieties
No pots, no fuss. A rotating wall of xerographica, ionantha, and friends.
- Drought tolerant / hard to kill
- No soil required
- Collector favorite
- Type
- Epiphyte (no soil needed)
- Mature size
- 2–12 in by variety
- Zone
- Indoors, or outside in warm months
- Sun
- Bright, indirect light
- Water
- Mist or soak weekly, then dry fully
- Soil
- None; mount on driftwood or shells
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
The split-leaf classic. Fast, forgiving, dramatic.
- Collector favorite
- Tolerates medium indirect light
- Type
- Tropical houseplant
- Mature size
- 3–8 ft indoors
- Zone
- Indoors
- Sun
- Bright, indirect light
- Water
- When the top inch of soil is dry
- Soil
- Chunky, well-draining potting mix
Toxicity: Toxic to children and pets if chewed.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Ficus Audrey
Ficus benghalensis
Velvety leaves with striking veins, easier-going than a fiddle-leaf.
- Collector favorite
- Statement floor plant
- Type
- Tropical houseplant
- Mature size
- 4–8 ft indoors
- Zone
- Indoors
- Sun
- Bright, indirect light
- Water
- When the top inch of soil is dry
- Soil
- Rich, well-draining potting mix
Toxicity: Toxic to pets. Irritating to humans if chewed.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Hoya
Hoya varieties
Waxy foliage and starry fragrant blooms. A collector favorite.
- Fragrant bloom
- Trailing habit
- Drought tolerant
- Collector favorite
- Type
- Trailing houseplant
- Mature size
- Trails 2–6 ft
- Zone
- Indoors
- Sun
- Bright, indirect light
- Water
- Low; let it dry well between waterings
- Soil
- Airy, fast-draining mix
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Bromeliads
Vriesea & Guzmania
Sculptural banded foliage and months-long tropical bloom.
- Low-light tolerant
- Long-lasting color
- Collector favorite
- Type
- Tropical houseplant
- Mature size
- 1–2 ft tall
- Zone
- Indoors, or shaded porches in summer
- Sun
- Bright, indirect light
- Water
- Keep the center cup filled; light soil watering
- Soil
- Orchid or bromeliad mix
Toxicity: Not toxic to children or pets.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Anthurium
Anthurium andraeanum
Glossy heart-shaped blooms that last for months.
- Long-lasting bloom
- Collector favorite
- Type
- Tropical houseplant
- Mature size
- 1–2 ft tall
- Zone
- Indoors
- Sun
- Bright, indirect light
- Water
- When the top inch of soil is dry
- Soil
- Airy, well-draining mix
Toxicity: Toxic to pets. Irritating to humans if chewed.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Nearly unkillable architecture for any room.
- Air-purifying
- Low-light tolerant
- Drought tolerant / hard to kill
- Type
- Succulent houseplant
- Mature size
- 1–4 ft tall
- Zone
- Indoors
- Sun
- Any light, low to bright
- Water
- Every 2–4 weeks; less in winter
- Soil
- Cactus or succulent mix
Toxicity: Toxic to pets. Irritating to children if chewed.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Glossy, drought-proof, and happy in low light.
- Low-light tolerant
- Drought tolerant / hard to kill
- Type
- Succulent-like houseplant
- Mature size
- 2–3 ft tall
- Zone
- Indoors
- Sun
- Low to bright, indirect light
- Water
- Every 2–3 weeks; drought-proof
- Soil
- Well-draining potting mix
Toxicity: Toxic to pets. Irritating to humans if chewed.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
The easiest trailing houseplant there is.
- Air-purifying
- Low-light tolerant
- Trailing habit
- Drought tolerant / hard to kill
- Type
- Trailing houseplant
- Mature size
- Trails 6–10 ft
- Zone
- Indoors
- Sun
- Low to bright, indirect light
- Water
- When the top inch of soil is dry
- Soil
- Standard potting mix
Toxicity: Toxic to pets. Irritating to children if chewed.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Growing guidelines are a starting point, not a promise. For planting depth, spacing, feeding, and anything specific to your yard, talk with our nursery staff.
Questions about a plant? Come talk to us.
47 Waterford Business Center Way, Leland, NC · Mon–Sat 9 AM – 4 PM · Sun Closed