If you live on the coast, make sure that you are buying salt tolerant plants for your landscape designs. Some flora and foliage simply can’t withstand the salt air and spray of the southeastern shoreline, and that could be disastrous for your landscape. Some prudent options for South Carolina include:
- Conifers, like evergreen shrubs.
- Juniper, such as cedar.
- Flowering oleander.
- Grassy sea oats.
- Blooming lantana.
- Some types of zinnia flowers.
For a dramatic and colorful green-space, consider Hydrangeas, a beautiful blooming shrub that is tolerant to salty conditions- and a natural attraction for butterflies and birds!
Salt tolerant plants improve your landscaping success in the Carolinas:
Salty Situations
Too much salt can impact the roots of your plants, hindering their hardiness and curbing growth. Many gardeners may not realize the salty situation, and watering makes it much worse. The best prevention for coastal homeowners is to talk with your landscape professional and design a yard and garden full of plants that are salt tolerant.
Vulnerable Victims
The way that salt affects plants is through the root system. Salt damages the roots which hinders the plant’s ability to absorb needed nutrients from the soil. Furthermore, when you water the plant, you drive the salt deeper into the plant and closer to the roots. Plants that have been impacted by salt in the soil, air, or water typically struggle, wane, and wither.
Towering Trees
Worried that trees won’t grow as tall near the salty shores? Think again; Palmetto and dwarf Palmettos are perfect choices for homes on the coast of South Carolina. Palmetto trees often reach heights of 50-feet!
Super Shrubs
Shrubs are one option when salt is an issue; Sweet Pepperbush is a popular choice among South Carolina homeowners. The four-to-six feet spread is perfect for hedges, and with heights that reach eight-feet, it makes sense for security and privacy, too.
Fabulous Flora
If you dream of a garden or bed of colorful blossoms, flowers, and buds, plant Beach Primrose. The pop of color, large yellow blooms, and blueish leaves are beautiful and the perfect highlight to your home near the water.
Native Grasses
Native grasses are great choices because they are easy to maintain. American Beach Grass is a natural choice, offering that natural, ethereal element that improves your landscaping. This grass species likes full-sun and grows several feet high.
Optimal Conditions
Optimal conditions for salt tolerant plants varies, but coastal living merits a shelter for your exposed plants. Create a wind-break from hedges, retaining walls, or a fence, to protect your prized plants while also allowing for exposure to the sunlight, as needed.
If you live along the coast, don’t waste time and money on plants that cannot tolerate salty conditions. Talk to the professionals at Terra Bella Garden Center, a Local Garden & Landscape Design Center in Charleston, for insight and information into the best salt-tolerant options for your distinct property. Don’t give up having your garden on the coast – just change what you grow!
