Native plants, on the other hand, have been thriving in our soils for centuries without human interference. Since they’re already used to our region’s terrain, native plants make hardy, low-maintenance, and beautiful additions to your landscape. Take note of their planting preferences and water them occasionally for dependable color year after year.
North Carolina Trees
Eastern Redbud: When in bloom, Eastern Redbuds burst with color. Their thousands of tiny, pink flowers bloom right on the bark of the tree, concealing their branches. As if that weren’t enough, their heart-shaped leaves compliment their blushing blooms for a truly charming view. Adaptable to anywhere from full sun to light shade, all the Eastern Redbud needs is ample space and a winter chill to thrive in our North Carolina soils.
Eastern Red Cedar: Despite its name and appearance, the Eastern Red Cedar is actually a juniper tree. When you get up close and personal, you can see that this tree has the blue-green foliage and pretty, blue, berry-like cones characteristic of juniper trees. This native, dense evergreen is perfect for adding privacy and windbreak on your property. Eastern Red Cedars are hardy trees that tolerate a variety of harsh conditions, including tough, dry soils and salt spray from roads.
North Carolina Flowering Shrubs
Winterberry Holly: With spring buds and summer blooms, it’s easy to boast about your garden in the warm months. But keeping that interest going all year long — now that’s the challenge! Winterberry Holly, also called Common Winterberry, is the perfect solution to dreary cold-season landscapes. This mid-sized shrub produces vibrant, red berries during early fall and into winter. This deciduous holly sheds its leaves in the fall, leaving the branches full of fruits to contrast frosty winter scenes. Take advantage of this holly’s affinity for wet soils and plant it where most other shrubs would drown.
Oak-Leaf Hydrangea: If a reliable, flowering shrub is what you’re looking for, this billowing bush is just what you need! In the spring, they unfurl broad, oak-like leaves and begin to form long, cone-shaped clusters of tiny flowers. They begin their blooms with a fresh, green-white and age beautifully into shades of light pink or brown. These shrubs contribute to a fall scene with stunning shades of crimson red, rusty orange and deep purple. Though they can tolerate some shady areas, plant these hydrangeas in the sun for more successful blooms.
North Carolina Wildflowers
Black-Eyed Susan: There’s nothing more representative of summer than a bright, cheerful, yellow flower like the Black-Eyed Susan. Against the blue sky, their perfect petals and golden hue resemble the summer sun itself. Their dark, button-like center just bring some additional drama to the scene and provide the perfect perch for passing pollinators. As you can expect from such a sunny flower, Black-Eyed Susans prefer full exposure. Water regularly and these beauties will bloom from June to September.
Native species are hardy plants that require virtually no maintenance once they’re established. Not only do they make for an easy garden, but they still make sure it’s a beautiful one, too. Native plants still offer showy flowers, stunning colors, and pleasant aromas. They’re also essential for wildlife in our region, providing food and shelter to beneficial pollinators and other creatures. Come chat with us at Carolina Seasons and we’ll help you pick out the perfect plants to naturalize your landscape.