But if you’re still unsure where to start, this guide will help. Whether you’re looking to improve aesthetic appeal with vibrant colors or create a low-maintenance garden, our list of the 10 best plants to grow in North Carolina will show you how to transform your garden.
Why Is Planting Native Greenery Important for Your Garden?
Moreover, they contribute to soil health and erosion control, so they’re not only cost-effective, but eco-friendly as well. Finally, North Carolina wildflowers, trees, and shrubs also provide shelter and food to local wildlife, including birds, bees, and butterflies, helping with biodiversity.
When Is the Best Time to Plant?
Timing is key when it comes to creating your very own garden! Below is the best time to plant in North Carolina:
- Spring (March-May): We recommend planting perennials, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables (spinach, lettuce, garden peas), just about when the temperatures warm up.
- Summer (June-August): Best to plant in early summer, especially for heat-resistant plants that will bloom in the rest of the months. Keep in mind they will require extra watering.
- Fall (September-November): This time is ideal for native trees, hardy perennials, certain vegetables (onions and garlic from cloves, for example), and some native shrubs, allowing them to establish roots before winter starts.
- Winter (December-February): We advise against planting during this season, except if you’re working with dormant trees and shrubs.
Selecting the right season guarantees your wildflower or vegetable garden grows healthily and without much maintenance!
Native Plants You Can Grow
1. Blazing Star
| Botanical Name | Liatris spicata |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun |
| Bloom Time | From July to November |
| Watering | Low |
| Region | Mountains, coast, and Piedmont region |
Blazing Stars are gorgeous, spikey, purple flowers. They tend to attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. We suggest keeping them in flower beds, with full sun exposure and well-drained soil.
2. Lanceleaf Coreopsis
| Botanical Name | Coreopsis lanceolata |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun |
| Bloom Time | From March to August |
| Watering | Medium |
| Region | Mountains, coast, and Piedmont region |
These bright yellow flowers are the perfect addition to a wildflower garden. They bring a cheerful touch to any landscape, blooming beautifully from spring to summer, making them drought-resistant.
3. Carolina Phlox
| Botanical Name | Phlox carolina |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun or partial shade |
| Bloom Time | From May to October |
| Watering | High and medium |
| Region | Mountains, coast, and Piedmont region |
Carolina Phlox, a beautiful pink, lavender, or white-toned perennial, is ideal for borders, growing well whether in partial shade or full sun. It’s extremely resistant to powdery mildew, making it a cost-effective option when it comes to disease control.
4. New York Ironweed
| Botanical Name | Vernonia noveboracensis |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun or partial shade |
| Bloom Time | From August to September |
| Watering | Medium |
| Region | Mountains, coast, and Piedmont region |
New York Ironweed, known for its deep purple blooms, is one of the most common gardening plants in North Carolina. It’s a late-season bloomer that provides pollen for butterflies and thrives in moist areas and rain gardens.
5. Eastern Blue Star
| Botanical Name | Amsonia tabernaemontana |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun or partial shade |
| Bloom Time | From March to May |
| Watering | High |
| Region | Mountains, coast, and Piedmont region |
As the name suggests, this is a soft blue flower, that adds elegance and texture to any garden with its fine foliage. Many homeowners prefer it for being low-maintenance and easily adapting to various soil conditions. Plus, it’s famous for attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
6. Purple Coneflower
| Botanical Name | Amsonia tabernaemontana |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun or partial shade |
| Bloom Time | From March to May |
| Watering | High |
| Region | Mountains, coast, and Piedmont region |
Another favorite among gardeners, Purple Coneflower is a medicinal flower that blooms all summer and attracts bees, butterflies, and songbirds. It’s drought-resistant and requires relatively low maintenance.
7. Swamp Sunflower
| Botanical Name | Helianthus angustifolius |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun or partial shade |
| Bloom Time | From August to November |
| Watering | High and medium |
| Region | Coast and Piedmont region |
Swamp Sunflower is one of the best plants to grow in North Carolina due to its high adaptability. It grows tall and loves the sun, thriving in wet or dry conditions, and produces golden-yellow flowers that brighten any garden even in the fall.
8. Northern Maidenhair
| Botanical Name | Adiantum pedatum |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Fern |
| Sunlight Requirements | Partial shade or full shade |
| Bloom Time | From June to November |
| Watering | Medium |
| Region | Mountains, coast, and Piedmont region |
Northern Maidenhair Fern is the perfect addition for woodland gardens or under trees, as they grow best in shady, moist areas. Their lacy leaves make them seem delicate, but once established, they’re a tough plant.
9. Butterfly Milkweed
| Botanical Name | Asclepias tuberosa |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun |
| Bloom Time | From May to September |
| Watering | Medium |
| Region | Mountains, coast, and Piedmont region |
The name says it all! Butterfly Milkweed, in all its 14 plant species, is a monarch butterfly magnet! It grows healthily in well-drained soil and it’s highly drought-resistant.
10. Cardinal Flower
| Botanical Name | Lobelia cardinalis |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun, partial shade, or full shade |
| Bloom Time | From May to October |
| Watering | High and medium |
| Region | Mountains, coast, and Piedmont region |
Want to attract hummingbirds? You can’t go wrong with Cardinal Flowers! These showstopping red flowers prefer moist soils, tending to thrive near ponds, streams, and rain gardens.
Partner with the Best Gardeners in North Carolina!
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro at gardening, you can’t overlook how these 10 best plants to grow in North Carolina will enhance your outdoor space into the blooming, sustainable, stunning haven you’ve always desired.
Or, if you need further assistance, you can always partner with Martinez Landscaping and Hardscape LLC! Our seasoned specialists can make your wildflower, vegetable, or wildlife garden a dream come true! We can professionally integrate the flowers mentioned above and other plants of your liking. Get in touch today to discuss your vision with us and receive a completely free quote!