Imagine your landscape looking as vibrant as Brookgreen Gardens, filled with South Carolina native plants. You don’t have to just imagine it anymore — with plants like the cardinal flower and the crested iris, you can bring that natural beauty into your own yard.
These plants are perfectly adapted to South Carolina’s climate, making them easy to care for while also supporting local wildlife and promoting a healthier ecosystem.
South Carolina native flowers
Joe Pye weed
Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium fistulosum) is a striking herbaceous wildflower that’s a common sight in South Carolina’s Piedmont and central regions, though you won’t find it as frequently on the coast. This plant is a magnet for pollinators, attracting a variety of butterflies to your garden.
While you might see it growing along roadside ditches, don’t let that fool you — Joe Pye weed can make a stunning addition to your landscape. Its bold blooms add height and color, creating a beautiful, natural look.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained to poorly drained soils
Fragrance: Vanilla
Bloom time: Late summer to fall
Water needs: Average to high
Mature height: 4 to 8 feet
Potential hazards: None known
Maintenance: This plant needs to be cut down to the ground in late winter.
Cardinal flower
The cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a stunning wildflower found throughout South Carolina, known for its vibrant red blooms that are hard to miss. These bright flowers are also a favorite nectar source for hummingbirds, so they’ll make your garden a lively spot for these visitors.
While cardinal flowers tend to be short-lived, they have the ability to self-seed under the right conditions, allowing them to reappear year after year. To encourage this natural reseeding, it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Sun: Full sun, partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained to poorly drained, slightly acidic soils
Fragrance: None
Bloom time: May to October
Water needs: High
Mature height: 4 to 5 feet
Potential hazards: This plant is toxic if eaten in large quantities.
Maintenance: Deadhead to improve its appearance.
Butterfly milkweed
Butterfly milkweed, or Asclepias tuberosa, is a vital plant for anyone looking to support the struggling monarch butterfly population, which is currently at risk in the country. By planting this wildflower, you’re not only adding a burst of color to your garden but also creating a safe haven for monarchs and other pollinators.
During the summer, this plant produces clusters of delicate orange flowers that are as attractive to butterflies as they are to humans. It is also resistant to most diseases, pests, and drought conditions.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Dry to medium moisture soils, well-drained
Fragrance: Lightly sweet
Bloom time: June to August
Water needs: Low
Mature height: 1 to 1.5 feet
Potential hazards: Can be toxic if ingested or in contact with skin.
Maintenance: Water sparingly and prune as needed.
South Carolina native shrubs
Inkberry holly
Inkberry holly (Ilex glabra) is a shrub commonly found along South Carolina’s coastal region. It has glossy, smooth leaves, and remains attractive throughout the year. In winter, it produces bright berries that draw in a variety of birds and mammals, offering them a food source in the colder months.
In spring, the inkberry holly also blooms with small flowers that attract bees and provide nectar, which makes it an important part of the local ecosystem.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
Sun: Full sun, partial sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained, and acidic soil
Fragrance: Slightly sweet
Bloom time: May to June
Water needs: High
Mature height: 5 to 10 feet
Potential hazards: This plant is toxic and causes discomfort if ingested.
Maintenance: Keep the soil moist and prune in late winter.
Spicebush
The spicebush, or Lindera benzoin, is a fragrant shrub that’s common throughout South Carolina, but especially in the central region. It’s a large shrub, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to fill out a substantial portion of your yard with something that offers beauty and ecological benefits.
In spring, spicebush blooms with delicate yellow flowers. Come fall, bright red berries appear, attracting a variety of birds. Spicebush is also a host plant for many butterflies, making it an essential addition to anyone looking to support local wildlife.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Sun: Partial sun, shade
Soil: Medium to moist, well-drained soils, neutral pH
Fragrance: Spicy
Bloom time: March to April
Water needs: Average to high
Mature height: 8 to 15 feet
Potential hazards: None known
Maintenance: Fertilize twice a year and keep the soil moist.
South Carolina native trees
American holly
American holly (Ilex opaca) is a versatile tree found throughout South Carolina. It has the potential to grow into a large tree, though it grows slowly, so it might not be the best fit for smaller yards.
In spring, American holly blooms with delicate white flowers, which are soon followed by red berries that ripen in fall and last through winter. These berries are a favorite among various bird species. Moreover, the evergreen foliage and festive berries make this tree’s branches a popular choice for Christmas decorations.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Sun: Full sun, partial sun
Soil: Medium to moist, well-drained soils
Fragrance: Sweet
Bloom time: April to June
Water needs: Average
Mature height: 40 to 60 feet
Potential hazards: The fruits are poisonous if ingested.
Maintenance: Keep the soil moist.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana, is a fascinating native small tree or large shrub that can be found throughout South Carolina. One of its most distinctive features is that it can bear both flowers and fruit at the same time, making it an interesting addition if you want something unusual in your yard.
The tree’s yellow flowers, which have ribbon-like petals, bloom in winter, adding a splash of color and visual interest when most other plants are dormant. In addition, in spring and summer, witch hazel develops a dense canopy, which can provide much-needed shade.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Sun: Full sun, partial sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic soils
Fragrance: Sweet
Bloom time: November to January
Water needs: Average
Mature height: 8 to 25 feet
Potential hazards: None known
Maintenance: Water and prune occasionally.
South Carolina native ground covers
Crested iris
Crested iris (Iris cristata) is a beautiful perennial that grows in South Carolina’s Piedmont and central regions but is less frequently found on the coast. This plant can be used as a ground cover, forming a dense mat of leaves that stays close to the ground, providing a beautiful green carpet for your garden.
The crested iris also has clusters of violet and yellow flowers, which add a pop of color to the green foliage. It’s particularly well-suited for rock gardens and areas with partial shade, where it thrives the most.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Sun: Prefers partial sun
Soil: Medium to moist, infertile, well-drained soils
Fragrance: None
Bloom time: April to May
Water needs: Average to moist. According to the South Carolina Native Plant Society, the crested iris does not tolerate dry soil.
Mature height: 0.5 to 0.75 feet
Potential hazards: This plant can cause skin irritation and stomach issues. Be careful with pets.
Maintenance: Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged; remove dying foliage in fall.
Partridge berry
Partridge berry (Mitchella repens) is easily one of the cutest plants on our list. This creeping vine naturally thrives in forested areas and makes an excellent ground cover for shaded spots throughout South Carolina.
In spring, partridge berry blooms with delicate white flowers that later develop into bright red berries along its rounded, glossy leaves. It is a highly ornamental plant, perfect for planting under trees, in shaded beds, or within cottage gardens.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Sun: Partial sun, full shade
Soil: Well-drained, acidic soils
Fragrance: Wintergreen scent when leaves are crushed
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Water needs: Average
Mature height: Less than 0.5 feet
Potential hazards: None known
Maintenance: Keep it consistently moist.
South Carolina native vines
Carolina jessamine
Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is a beautiful vine commonly found in South Carolina’s coastal and central regions. This plant is known for its yellow trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from February to April, filling the air with a sweet scent that attracts various pollinators.
Carolina jessamine is ideal for fences, trellises, arbors, and other structures. However, it’s important to handle this plant with care, as all parts of it are highly poisonous if ingested. Consider picking another vine if you have kids and pets at home, or plant it in an area where they are unlikely to come into contact with it.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
Sun: Full sun, partial sun
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soils
Fragrance: Sweet
Bloom time: February to April
Water needs: Average
Mature height: 12 to 20 feet
Potential hazards: All parts of this plant are highly toxic if ingested.
Maintenance: Fertilize annually in the spring.
Passionflower
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a striking vine commonly found throughout South Carolina. This plant is best known for its unique and fragrant purple blooms, which feature intricate, fringe-like filaments that catch the eye. These flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and even serve as a larval host to some butterflies.
Following its blooms, passionflower produces edible fruits known as maypops — though it’s important to note that the leaves and stems are toxic if ingested. In addition, due to its high flammability rating, this plant should be planted away from your home.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Sun: Full sun, partial sun
Soil: Medium to moist, well-drained soils
Fragrance: Sweet
Bloom time: May to July
Water needs: Low to average
Mature height: 6 to 8 feet, but can grow taller if given more space to climb
Potential hazards: Leaves and stems of this plant are toxic if ingested, and this plant is extremely flammable.
Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring.
South Carolina native grasses
Some of South Carolina’s native grasses include:
- Indiangrass
- Switchgrass
- Sweetgrass
- Inland sea oats
- Pink muhly grass
Check out our article, “Native Ornamental Grasses for South Carolina,” for more information on them and more grass options.
Where to buy South Carolina native plants
Here are a few websites and nurseries where you can buy South Carolina native plants:
- Garden for Wildlife
- Flower Moon Nursery
- Sandy Mush Herb Nursery
- Rare Roots
- Carolina Wild
- Wildbud Natives
- Naturescapes of Beaufort
You can also check out your local chapter within the South Carolina Native Plants Society, as some of them have native plant sales throughout the year.
Other South Carolina resources
If you want to completely transform your landscape, you’ll also have to learn how to take care of your grass. Check out this helpful article:
Call the pros
Choosing the right native plants for your South Carolina landscape and planting them can feel like a lot of work. But don’t worry — you don’t have to tackle it all on your own. Call a local gardening professional to help you create the perfect garden while you relax and enjoy some sweet tea.
Main Image Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0
