Master Gardener^sm Column for the Week of April 18, 2005
Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^sm Volunteer

Listed below are a few of the salt-tolerant and heat-tolerant plants for the coastal region. I have found adapting to the region is less stressful for me and my plants. Hope this list will be useful in choosing plants for your landscape.

• Red Buckeye is a native small tree with bright red flowers in late spring. It will tolerate some sound or tidal creek exposure and likes shady sites.
• Goundsel Bush grows naturally along the marsh and tidal creeks. It tolerates intense salt spray and, if cultivated, makes a dense shrub or small tree.
• Butterfly Bush tolerates frontal dune conditions; however, it needs some protection. As the name implies, butterflies love it, and it will bloom until winter.
• American Beautyberry has showy berries and tolerates dry soil and salty winds.
• Camellia Japonica grows well under the shade of the maritime forest and tolerates a moderate amount of salty wind.
• Sweet Autumn Clementis is a tough, aggressive vine that tolerates salt spray and can be trained and contained to make an attractive addition to the waterfront landscape.
• Winter Daphne grows well exposed to moderate salt spray and is not a finicky plant when planted in soil with good drainage.
• Fatsis Japonica is an excellent shade-tolerant shrub for the coastal landscape. It tolerates slight amounts of salt and wind and loves the deep shade.
• Fig grows well in an oceanfront garden. Salt and wind do not hinder its growth.
• Pineapple Guava grows well exposed to moderate to high salt spray. It forms a low, dense hedge. The flowers are edible, and it usually bears fruit in the South, starting in South Carolina.
• Garden Jasminoides tolerates wind and slight salt spray, but does better with a little protection.
• Hydrangea is an excellent summer-flowering shrub for the coastal garden.
• Laurel, the true bay leaf of commerce, does well in coastal gardens. ? Texas Sage, Banana Shrub, Osmanthus, Tea Olive, Passiflora, Redbay, Rosemary, Japanese, Cleyera, Confederate Jasmine, Yellow-Eyed Grasses, and White Fringetree are all possible choices for salt marsh and coastal gardening.

Some perennials that grow in dry, sandy, and poor soil are Golden Marguerite, New England Aster, Common Yucca, Sunflower, Baby’s Breath, Candytuft, Moss Phlox, and Grass Pink.

Annuals that are tolerant to heat and drought (and some like sandy soil) are Amaranthus, Four O-Clock, Vinca, Zinnia, Morning Glory, Verbena, Gloriosa Daisy, Phlox, and Portulaca.

Go native, learn what grows in the area and you will find your landscaping and gardening much smoother. In addition, there will be less stress on you. When you buy plants, ask about them. Learn how to care for them. In coastal Carolinas, you can have something in bloom and grow vegetables all year. Adapt.

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^smVolunteer

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Date Created 4/18/2005