15 Best Salt-Tolerant Plants

However good the coastal breeze might feel on a hot afternoon, the salt it carries can wreak havoc on your garden. Whether you’re dealing with constant road salt during winter or saltwater winds coming from the ocean, you need to have the best salt-tolerant plants in your yard.

Just as a ninja can silently weaken its target, salt infiltrates the soil, lurking in the shadows, and with a subtle but lethal touch, it disrupts your plants’ delicate balance, gradually leaving them vulnerable and wilted. Using plants with high salt tolerance can help you maintain a healthy and beautiful garden, even in coastal regions.

Best salt-tolerant plants

The harsh effects of salt on many plant species can be daunting. But fear not, for there is a diverse array of plants with high salt tolerance that can not only survive but also flourish in these challenging conditions.

Whether you’re looking for vibrant flowering perennials, graceful shrubs, or groundcovers to combat erosion, this list will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration needed to transform your garden into a salt-resistant oasis.

1. Adam’s needle (Yucca filamentosa)

A classic-looking yucca plant, Adam’s needle can add a desert-like flavor to any landscape. This stemless shrub is green year-round and resembles a spreading bouquet of spiny, dagger-like leaves.

Although the shrub itself can be as short as 4 feet, this plant’s flowering stalk can add an extra 6 feet. Expect a column of white, bell-shaped flowers to spring up in the summer.

A great choice for the beginner gardener, this hardy perennial needs minimal care. Just don’t overwater it, and give it at least 2 feet around the planting site for room to spread. To avoid painful cuts, wear gloves when handling your new yucca plant.

Growth habit: Shrub

USDA hardiness zone: 4-11

Mature size: 4-8 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun

Soil preferences: Prefers well-drained soil

Water needs: Low

Potential hazards: Its roots contain poisonous saponins, while its sap can cause skin reactions.

2. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)

If you’ve ever seen a flush of raspberry along the side of a house, it’s probably bougainvillea. This woody vine can be grown as a shrub or a climbing vine, depending on your preference. In some regions, it blooms year-round – sporting multicolored green and white leaves with clusters of deep pink leaves.

Bougainvillea is drought-tolerant and will grow vigorously in any soil type as long as it doesn’t stay consistently wet. Don’t be shy about pruning your bougainvillea – cutting suckers away at the base will encourage top growth. But remember to save serious pruning for late fall after summer flowering.

Growth habit: Vine

USDA hardiness zone: 9-11

Mature size: 1.5-2 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide as a shrub, up to 30 feet tall and wide as a climbing vine

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Deciduous in cold climates and evergreen in warm climates

Sunlight needs: Full sun

Soil preferences: Prefers well-drained, acidic soil

Water needs: Moderate

Potential hazards: Its thorns are sharp and can cut your skin and cause rashes or irritations, while its sap is mildly toxic and may cause illness, especially if ingested in large quantities.

3. Bee balm (Monarda didyma)

Bee balm will take your flower bed from boring to spectacular with little effort from you. Its showstopper blooms come in vibrant red whorls that will capture the interest of local wildlife (including your neighbors). Plant it outside a kitchen window to view the show from the birds and butterflies when they visit.

Because bee balm is a native flower, it’s already well adapted to the environment and resilient to pests and disease. It will tolerate a range of conditions but thrives with plenty of direct sunlight and consistent moisture.

Growth habit: Flower

USDA hardiness zone: 4-9

Mature size: 2-4 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers rich, moist soil

Water needs: High

Potential hazards: Non-toxic

4. Daylily (Hemerocallis)

This dependable perennial plant is a favorite among home gardeners and is perfect for a coastal landscape. The daylily produces a showy bloom with luxuriant petals that fall open in a bell shape. Every color of the rainbow is available, from deep crimson to classic yellow. Although each flower only lasts a day, one clump within the plant can bloom for 30 to 40 days.

Daylilies perform best when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant them in moist, well-drained soil to help prevent disease, and leave at least 18 inches of space around each plant to encourage air circulation. With the right placement, this landscape plant won’t need much supplemental care for years.

Growth habit: Flower

USDA hardiness zone: 4-9

Mature size: 1-8 feet tall (depending on cultivar), 1-3 feet wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Deciduous to evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers well-drained, rich soil

Water needs: Moderate

Potential hazards: Highly toxic to cats

5. Gaillardia (Gaillardia x grandiflora)

Gaillardia, also called blanket flower, is a front yard staple. The daisy-like flowers sport bold colors, often with bright red flowers with yellow tips on each petal, and bloom throughout summer and fall. They add a fabulous contrast to softer ornamental grasses or airy flowers like yarrow and aster.

Gaillardia spreads fast – it can form a sizable mound in its first year. Full sun and plenty of water will help young blanket flowers develop a healthy root system, but they can tolerate drought well. Keep in mind that this garden plant prefers poor soil, so there’s no need to amend it with compost or fertilizer.

Growth habit: Wildflower

USDA hardiness zone: 5-10

Mature size: 24-36 inches tall, 12-24 inches wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Deciduous

Sunlight needs: Full sun

Soil preferences: Prefers well-drained soil but grows well even in poor soil

Water needs: Moderate

Potential hazards: Non-toxic – but may cause irritation

6. Japanese pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira)

Sometimes known as mock orange, the Japanese pittosporum is a hardy, attractive shrub. With glossy, thick, evergreen foliage that grows quickly, this shrub can act as a fence. Its clusters of white flowers appear in late spring and give off a sweet smell of orange blossoms.

Pittosporums are remarkably resilient. Whether you have abundant sunshine or lots of shade, they can thrive as long as the soil has good drainage. If the ground stays consistently wet, pittosporums are at risk of dying from root rot disease.

Growth habit: Shrub, small tree

USDA hardiness zone: 8-10

Mature size: 8-13 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun to heavy shade

Soil preferences: Prefers well-drained soil

Water needs: Low

Potential hazards: Non-toxic

7. Lantana (Lantana camara)

Also known as shrub verbena, this classic flowering shrub can bring a cottage feel to any backyard. Tight clusters of bright, multicolored flowers spring up from large, feathered leaves. Expect frequent visits from hummingbirds and butterflies when you plant lantana.

Lantana is drought-resistant and prefers full sun. But if you have sandy soil, daily watering might be necessary, especially if you notice blooming has stopped. With proper care, lantanas can bloom year-round.

Growth habit: Flower

USDA hardiness zone: 7-11

Mature size: 6 feet tall and wide

Duration: Perennial in hardiness zones 8 to 11, annual in other areas

Foliage: Evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun

Soil preferences: Prefers well-drained soil

Water needs: High

Potential hazards: Toxic – its flowers, leaves, sap, and fruits are all poisonous

8. Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Native to the southeastern U.S., this deciduous shrub excels in salt-rich soils, enduring salt spray and thriving in sandy coastal settings, making it a coveted asset for seaside landscapes. Beyond its resilience to coastal conditions, its oak-like foliage and impressive flower clusters can create a rustic elegance in any garden.

With its graceful transition from creamy white to blush pink blossoms, oakleaf hydrangea adds charm and beauty throughout the growing season. Furthermore, its striking fall foliage and enduring winter interest in the form of dried flower heads and exfoliating bark make it a year-round treasure.

Growth habit: Shrub

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a-9b

Mature size: 4-8 feet tall

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Deciduous

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Grows well in fertile, loamy, or sandy soil

Water needs: Moderate

Potential hazards: Toxic – every part of this plant is poisonous

9. Oleander (Nerium oleander)

An evergreen shrub, oleander thrives in the challenging coastal environment, offering not only high salt tolerance but also exquisite beauty. Its vibrant, fragrant blossoms in shades of white, pink, and red make it a captivating addition to any seaside garden.

Apart from withstanding salt-laden winds and occasional saltwater exposure, this resilient coastal plant can be an excellent option for creating striking hedges and attracting pollinators. Its lush, evergreen foliage ensures your landscape remains attractive year-round.

Growth habit: Shrub

USDA hardiness zone: 8-10

Mature size: 6-19 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers well-drained, moist, occasionally dry soil

Water needs: Moderate – give it deep watering every three days

Potential hazards: Highly toxic – it can be fatal if ingested

10. Pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

An excellent choice for low-maintenance, ornamental grass., this showy plant sports thin stems of green leaves surrounded by plumes of fuzzy pink flowers that emerge in the fall. Muhly grass is especially stunning in the late afternoon when its cotton candy tufts are lit up by the low sun.

This plant is susceptible to a fungal infection called tar rot, so leave plenty of space around each plant for good airflow. With enough sun and well-drained soil, muhly grass won’t need much care. It benefits from pruning and dividing every few years.

Growth habit: Sedge, ornamental grass

USDA hardiness zone: 6-9

Mature size: 1-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Deciduous

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial sun

Soil preferences: Prefers well-drained, dry soil

Water needs: Low

Potential hazards: Non-toxic

11. Prickly pear (Opuntia)

Prickly pear lives up to its name – so don’t handle it without gloves. This low-maintenance cactus doesn’t need much to thrive. After a few years of proper care, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful, lotus-like yellow blooms. In some regions, the flowers give way to small purple or red fruits that are pickled and eaten.

This cactus can live as long as 20 years under the right conditions. The most important thing is planting it in a place with plenty of direct sunlight and well-drained soil.

Growth habit: Cactus or succulent

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3b-11

Mature size: 3-20 feet tall, 3-15 feet wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun

Soil preferences: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil but grows well even in dry, salty soil

Water needs: Low

Potential hazards: Toxic – while its fruit can be eaten, it can be poisonous to children and pets

12. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Are you a culinary whiz or just interested in sprucing up a dinner party with an aromatic garnish? Rosemary isn’t just a great resource for cooking and homemade goods – it’s also a beautiful evergreen shrub that adds an elegant, silvery touch to a backyard. In spring and summer, rosemary sports small blue and white flowers.

Native to the Mediterranean, rosemary prefers a sandy environment and does not thrive in rich soil. Not only does loam hold excess moisture, but it also weakens the fragrance and taste of rosemary. Add a handful of sand before planting to keep your rosemary happy.

Growth habit: Herbaceous shrub

USDA hardiness zone: 8-11

Mature size: 2-6 feet tall, 4-5 feet wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun

Soil preferences: Prefers well-drained, sandy soil

Water needs: Low

Potential hazards: Non-toxic – but may cause vomiting and allergic reactions when ingested in large quantities

13. Seaside rose (Rosa rugosa)

This hardy rose variety has earned its reputation as a resilient and picturesque addition to seaside landscapes. With the ability to thrive in sandy soils and salt-rich environments, it is specially adapted to flourish in coastal settings.

These rugged roses produce fragrant, single or double blooms in hues of pink, white, or red. Their robust nature helps them endure the challenges posed by salt exposure while contributing vibrant color and delightful fragrance to any garden. They’re also known for their attractive, ornamental hips that persist into the winter, providing interest and food for local wildlife.

Growth habit: Shrub

USDA hardiness zone: 2-7

Mature size: 4-6 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Deciduous

Sunlight needs: Full sun

Soil preferences: Grows well in moist soil with good drainage and high organic matter

Water needs: Moderate – avoid overhead watering

Potential hazards: Non-toxic – but its bark and twigs are covered in thorns, which can cause injuries

14. Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera)

Wax myrtle, or southern bayberry, is a large, multi-trunked shrub with olive, evergreen leaves. If you’re in need of some extra privacy around your landscape, wax myrtle is a great choice. It can grow 3 to 5 feet a year, providing quick coverage.

If you’re into handmade goods, this perennial plant’s leaves and berries can be crushed and used to scent candles. Pollinators like birds and bees are also attracted to the fragrant fruit, so expect visits from flying friends when you plant this shrub.

Growth habit: Shrub

USDA hardiness zone: 7-11

Mature size: Most varieties grow 3-8 feet tall, while others can reach up to 25 feet high and 8-10 feet wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Deciduous to evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Water needs: Moderate

Potential hazards: Non-toxic – but may cause vomiting if ingested in large quantities

15. Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria)

If a corner of your yard needs a little sprucing, yaupon holly is perfect. Its vivid green leaves, clusters of bright red berries (on female plants), and small white flowers add life and beautiful contrasting colors to an otherwise unremarkable area.

Yaupon holly doesn’t get shocked easily, so it’s a smoother transplant process than other species. Apply mulch after planting to keep moisture in the soil and regulate the ground temperature. It’s drought and salt-tolerant, so it’s perfect for various landscapes.

Additionally, this evergreen plant will add welcome winter interest during the cold months. But keep in mind that if you want your tree to produce berries, you’ll need both a male and female plant for pollination.

Growth habit: Shrub, small tree

USDA hardiness zone: 7-9

Mature size: 10-30 feet tall, 10-25 feet wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Prefers sandy soil

Water needs: Low

Potential hazards: Toxic – its berries can be poisonous when eaten

Signs you need salt-tolerant plants

If you live right by the beach, planting salt-tolerant plants is an easy choice. If you live farther inland or are dealing with road salting, it might be harder to tell if they’re necessary. The easiest method is assessing if your current plants are suffering salt damage.

Symptoms of salt damage include:

• Browning at the tips
• Bud damage or delayed bud break
• Wilting when it’s hot or dry 
• Tufted and stunted growth
• Leaf burn, especially at the tip
• Premature leaf drop

What makes a plant good for coastal areas?

Soil always has salt in it, but it’s usually flushed out regularly by rainwater, so there’s no buildup. When soil receives an influx of salt, as is the case with coastal landscapes or places affected by hurricane winds, it draws water out from plants. Even if the ground is saturated with water, the plant is effectively experiencing drought conditions.

Some plants handle dehydration better than others. Certain characteristics of salt-tolerant plants help them resist the effects of high salt content, so they’re not in constant drought.

Salt-tolerant plants display:

• Strong, spreading roots
• Efficient water uptake
• Low salt permeability
• Good root osmotic adjustment

Research is still being done on all the mechanisms plants deploy to combat salt injury. From physical traits to genetic sequencing, plants have an arsenal of ways to survive high salinity. If you want to do a deep dive into scientists’ theories about salt tolerance, check out this paper from Frontiers in Plant Science.

FAQ about the best salt-tolerant plants

What are the best salt-tolerant plants for a sunny landscape?

Bougainvillea, hibiscus, and lantana are great options for sunny spots. Any cactus (like prickly pear or agave) is almost always a good choice for direct sun, too.

What are the best salt-tolerant plants for a shaded landscape?

Japanese pittosporum and live oaks can thrive in heavy to part shade.

Are there native plants with high salt tolerance?

A lot of native plants can thrive in coastal areas. North American native salt-tolerant plants include:

• Bee balm
• Coral honeysuckle
• Goldenrod
• Live oak
• Pink muhly grass
• Virginia creeper
• Wax myrtle
• Yucca

What are the best salt-tolerant trees?

Whether you’re looking for windbreaks, shade, or ornamental value, the following trees prove themselves as champions in the face of salt-rich environments:

• Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum): A deciduous conifer known for its tolerance to wet and saline soils, often found in coastal wetlands.
• Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana): This tough-as-nails tree is fairly low maintenance and adaptable to various soil types, making it perfect for gardens with salty soil and conditions.
• Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana): Synonymous with the coastal Southern U.S., this iconic, evergreen oak is known for its resilience to salt spray and its grand, sweeping branches.
• Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana): With its elegant, sweet-smelling white blossoms and glossy leaves, it thrives in salt-affected soils and contributes to the beauty of coastal gardens.

These trees offer a combination of resilience and beauty, enhancing coastal landscapes with their diverse forms, textures, and year-round appeal.

Hire a pro for your salt-tolerant garden

These carefully selected plants are not only hardy in the face of salt exposure but also help you create a visually captivating and resilient landscape.

However, choosing the best salt-tolerant plants is just the start. Taking care of them is the next step. If the idea of installing a new flower bed or vegetable garden is overwhelming, hire a professional gardener to handle all your gardening needs.

Main Photo Credit: KRiemer | Pixabay