- Native trees<\/a><\/li>
- Native shrubs<\/a><\/li>
- Native flowers<\/a><\/li>
- Native vines<\/a><\/li>
- Native ground covers<\/a><\/li>
- Native grasses<\/a><\/li>
- Where to buy Lowcountry native plants<\/a><\/li>
- More South Carolina resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Lowcountry native trees<\/span><\/h2>
Red maple<\/span><\/h3>
![\"close](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Red-maple-1.jpg\")
Heng Wang<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Red maple (Acer rubrum<\/em>) is a standout tree known for its brilliant red fall color and red fruit, which give it its fitting name. This tree is a nectar and pollen source for beneficial insects, as well as a host plant for butterfly larvae.<\/p>
In addition, red maples can reach impressive heights, growing anywhere between 40 to 120 feet tall. This tree is native to all of the Lowcountry\u2019s counties, except Dorchester.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Plant it in well-drained soils, medium to moist, in sunny or partially shaded locations.<\/li>
- Avoid alkaline soils.<\/li> <\/ul>
Southern magnolia <\/span><\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/28581765901_2abe37a41a_c-1.jpg\")
David Ohmer<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora<\/em>) is a true icon of the South, known for its large, striking white flowers that fill the air with a sweet fragrance. These blooms give way to seeds that are a valuable food source for native birds, making this tree both lovely and beneficial to the local wildlife.<\/p>
The southern magnolia can grow between 60 and 80 feet tall. On a fun note, both the flowers and the fruit of this tree are edible, so it\u2019s more than just a pretty face in your yard \u2014 it can be a unique culinary addition as well.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- If you want dense shade, plant this tree in a full sun setting, with 40 feet of spacing and in well-drained soil.<\/li> <\/ul>
Lowcountry native shrubs<\/span><\/h2>
Elderberry <\/span><\/h3>
![\"White](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2194751579_99e3a41abd_c-1.jpg\")
Dinesh Valke<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis<\/em>) is a versatile shrub that has bright green leaves and clusters of white flowers that exhale a refreshing lemony scent. After flowering, this shrub produces berries that can be used in a variety of culinary creations, such as jams, jellies, teas, and even wine.<\/p>
Beyond its benefits to humans, elderberry also provides food and shelter to local wildlife, making it a valuable addition to your landscape. It grows to a height of 5 to 12 feet.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Plant it in moist soils, with a neutral or acidic pH. <\/li>
- Keep the plant moist.<\/li> <\/ul>
Yaupon holly<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Red](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/51686260035_bae3d49496_c-1.jpg\")
Robert Nunnally<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The Yaupon holly, or Ilex vomitoria<\/em>, is an attractive shrub that\u2019s more commonly found along the Lowcountry\u2019s coast. It produces delicate white flowers, followed by bright red berries that persist into the winter. These berries are a favorite among birds, insects, and small mammals.<\/p>
This shrub is highly adaptable, tolerating a wide range of conditions, and grows between 10 and 12 feet. Moreover, with its vibrant red berries, Yaupon holly will also look great for Christmas decorations. <\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Tolerates various soil types, but prefers well-drained settings, with medium to high moisture.<\/li> <\/ul>
Lowcountry native flowers<\/span><\/h2>
Blazing star<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Blazing](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_1024px-dense_blazing_star_-_liatris_spicata_4347689892.jpg\")
Drew Avery<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Blazing star (Liatris spicata<\/em>) is a native herbaceous wildflower that can be found in the southern Lowcountry counties like Hampton, Jasper, and Beaufort, as well as further north in Berkeley. This plant features fluffy, violet flower spikes that bloom throughout the summer, attracting a wide array of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.<\/p>
Blazing star is typically 2 to 6 feet tall, and is both easy to grow and low-maintenance, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who want a splash of color without much fuss.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Plant it in moist, well-drained sites, with acidic or neutral soils. <\/li>
- Perfect for rain gardens. You can learn how to build a rain garden<\/a> in our other article.<\/li> <\/ul>
Black-eyed Susan<\/span><\/h3>
![\"grouping](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_2704732633_7200e5a974_c.jpg\")
Jim, the Photographer<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Black-eyed Susan, or Rudbeckia hirta<\/em>, is a wildflower that\u2019s perfect for adding vibrant color to your yard. Its bright yellow petals surrounding a dark center \u2014 or black eye \u2014 create a striking contrast with blooms from summer to fall, keeping your garden lively for an extended period.<\/p>
One of the benefits of the black-eyed Susan is its ability to self-seed, making it easy to maintain its presence in your landscape year after year. In addition, this plant is highly adaptable, tolerating various soil conditions, except for poorly drained soils. It is one of the best native plants for Charleston<\/a>.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Plant it in well-drained soils with up to 2 feet of spacing. <\/li>
- Remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period.<\/li> <\/ul>
Seashore mallow <\/span><\/h3>
![\"Pink](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/20850441812_0fd862736f_c-1.jpg\")
Mrs. Gemstone<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Seashore mallow (Kosteletzkya virginica<\/em>) is commonly found along South Carolina\u2019s Lowcountry coast, particularly in marshes with fresh or brackish water. While it thrives in these natural habitats, it can also adapt to regular garden soil as long as it\u2019s kept moist.<\/p>
One of the unique aspects of this plant is its delicate pink flowers, which bloom only for a single day. However, they bloom in such profusion that you\u2019ll have many flowers opening over a span of days, creating a continuous display of color.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Plant it in acidic or neutral soils in sunny sites, and keep it moist. <\/li>
- This plant lives only about five years.<\/li> <\/ul>
Lowcountry native vines<\/span><\/h2>
Coral honeysuckle <\/span><\/h3>
![\"Coral](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/5516596144_6b38e80b80_c-1.jpg\")
yewchan<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens<\/em>) is a native vine found throughout South Carolina, including the Lowcountry. It blooms from early spring to early summer with clusters of striking pink-red tubular flowers that look like tiny trumpets and are perfect for attracting pollinators.<\/p>
This vine thrives when it has a support structure to climb, making it an excellent choice for walls, pergolas, and fences, where it can grow up to 20 feet. <\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Plant it in well-drained, acidic or neutral, moist soils. <\/li>
- This plant is intolerant of dry soil and may experience leaf spot or powdery mildew in hot, humid weather.<\/li> <\/ul>
Virginia creeper <\/span><\/h3>
![\"Virginia](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1024px-Virginia_creeper_Parthenocissus_quinquifolia_169-1.jpeg\")
Linnaeus<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia<\/em>) is a fast-growing vine that can be quite aggressive in its spread, making it an excellent choice if you need to cover a large area quickly. This plant can grow up to 50 feet tall, so it\u2019s perfect for covering walls, fences, or trellises. However, its sucker discs can cling tightly to surfaces, potentially causing damage to walls.<\/p>
In addition, Virginia creeper also produces small fruits that are toxic to humans, so it\u2019s important to plant it in areas where children or pets won\u2019t be tempted to eat them. This vine can also be used as a ground cover.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Plant it in well-drained, medium to moist soils. <\/li>
- Trim it regularly to keep it contained.<\/li> <\/ul>
Lowcountry native ground covers<\/span><\/h2>
Partridge berry <\/span><\/h3>
![\"close](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Mitchella_repens_2004-1.jpg\")
Jomegat<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Partridge berry (Mitchella repens<\/em>) is a ground cover that does more than just provide a green carpet. This highly ornamental plant brings unique charm to your garden with its glossy, evergreen leaves, which emit a wintergreen scent when crushed.<\/p>
In the spring, partridge berry blooms with tiny white flowers, and as fall arrives, it produces red berries that persist throughout the winter. These berries also attract birds and small mammals, adding ecological benefits to its beauty. <\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Plant it in well-drained, acidic soils, in partial sun or full shade. <\/li>
- Keep it consistently moist.<\/li> <\/ul>
Lowcountry native grasses<\/span><\/h2>
Switchgrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Switchgrass.jpg\")
Matt Lavin<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum<\/em>) is an excellent ornamental grass if you\u2019re looking to add texture and movement to your Lowcountry landscape. Its beautiful, upright foliage can grow up to 7 feet tall, and from late summer to fall, it blooms with copper-toned flower panicles.<\/p>
This tough, low-maintenance perennial is highly resilient and will stand tall through the winter in the Lowcountry, providing essential habitat for birds during the colder months.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Plant it in well-drained soil, and cut the foliage to the ground in late winter.<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy Lowcountry native plants<\/span><\/h2>
You can check the South Carolina Native Plant Society\u2019s Lowcountry Chapter<\/a> if you\u2019re interested in getting native plants through Native Plant Markets. You can also check the following nurseries:<\/p>
- Garden for Wildlife<\/a><\/li>
- Rare Roots<\/a><\/li>
- Naturescapes of Beaufort<\/a><\/li>
- Roots and Shoots Nursery<\/a><\/li>
- Native Plants to the People<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
More South Carolina resources<\/span><\/h2>
If you want to know more about how to make your South Carolina landscape look pristine, take a look at our other articles:<\/p>
- When to Plant Grass Seed in South Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- Native Ornamental Grasses for South Carolina Landscapes<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Grass for Coastal South Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- The Most Common Weeds in South Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- When to Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control in South Carolina<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
When to call a pro<\/span><\/h2>
Native plants are perfectly adapted to South Carolina\u2019s Lowcountry, requiring minimal care once established. However, you still need to plant them and spend a bit of time maintaining them to ensure they thrive. The good news is, you don\u2019t have to tackle it alone. Call a local gardening professional<\/a> to help you create the Lowcountry landscape of your dreams.<\/p>
\t\t\t\t\t\tSources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t
<\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t- Gardenia<\/a><\/li>
- South Carolina Native Plant Society<\/a><\/li>
- USDA Plants Database<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>
Main Photo Credit: Southern Magnolia. Wendy Cutler<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Create a stunning Lowcountry landscape with native plants like red maple perfectly suited for South Carolina\u2019s coastal climate and soil.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":31916,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[186],"tags":[779,783,768,787,776,784,770,775,781,780,777,782,404],"class_list":["post-31456","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-south-carolina","tag-lawn-care-beaufort-sc","tag-lawn-care-bluffton-sc","tag-lawn-care-goose-creek-sc","tag-lawn-care-hanahan-sc","tag-lawn-care-hilton-head-island-sc","tag-lawn-care-johns-island-sc","tag-lawn-care-ladson-sc","tag-lawn-care-moncks-corner-sc","tag-lawn-care-mount-pleasant-sc","tag-lawn-care-north-charleston-sc","tag-lawn-care-okatie-sc","tag-lawn-care-summerville-sc","tag-lawn-care-charleston-sc"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/5977331238_58d8cd5750_k-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Maria Isabela Reis","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/maria-isabela-reis\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31456","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31456"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31456\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31916"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31456"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31456"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31456"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- South Carolina Native Plant Society<\/a><\/li>
- Native Ornamental Grasses for South Carolina Landscapes<\/a><\/li>
- Rare Roots<\/a><\/li>
- Garden for Wildlife<\/a><\/li>
- Plant it in well-drained soil, and cut the foliage to the ground in late winter.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Tolerates various soil types, but prefers well-drained settings, with medium to high moisture.<\/li> <\/ul>
- If you want dense shade, plant this tree in a full sun setting, with 40 feet of spacing and in well-drained soil.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Native shrubs<\/a><\/li>