Do you live in the great state of South Carolina? Are you planning to landscape your property this year? If so, you have come to the right place. One of the best ways to landscape your property is by choosing plants from your local region.
There are many benefits of planting native plants in your yard. Today you will learn more about these benefits, and find out which south carolina native plants are right for you.
The Benefits of Using South Carolina Native Plants
Below are a few reasons why you should consider planting native species on your property.
Native Plants Will Thrive
Native plants will thrive in your backyard because they are already acclimated to your local climate. These plants will do much better than nursery plants from different areas of the country. This means your landscape will look beautiful with less work on your part.
It Is Better for The Environment
Some commercially grown landscaping plants are invasive to certain areas of the state. Instead of risking planting something that will be bad for the local environment, why not use native plants? Native plants are rarely invasive, making them a much better choice.
Native Plants Use Less Water
Watering the plants is a real chore, and many people hate this task. If you are one of those people that forget to water their plants, chances are your landscape doesn’t look its best.
When you use native plants in your landscape plan, they will likely use less water. Most native plants will hold water better, and this will require you to water them less often.
South Carolina Native Plants
Now that we know the benefits of using native plants in the landscape, let’s learn about some of them. All the plant species you will find below are native to South Carolina, and they will look great in your yard.
South Carolina Native Flowering Plants
No landscape would be complete without a few flowering plants. Flowering plants add appeal to any property, and they attract butterflies and hummingbirds during the spring.
Coral Honeysuckle
Coral Honeysuckle is a beautiful long growing vine that boasts brightly colored flowers. When in bloom, the flowers of the plant, give off a rich fragrant smell.
Hummingbirds and Butterflies are attracted to this plant and will come in droves to feed on its nectar. This native South Carolina plant would make a great backdrop for other plants. When planted on a trellis or fence row, Coral Honeysuckle will be the star of the show.
Wisteria
Another amazing plant that climbs is wisteria. Wisteria can be planted on border fences to provide a stunning backdrop, or it can be grown anywhere as long as it has room to grow. This native plant produces beautiful purplish-blue flowers that attract bees and other nectar-loving insects.
Wild Indigo
This native plant species will add richness to any landscape. During the spring, wild indigo puts on deep blue flowers, which makes the plant stand out. This species has been used for many years in landscaping, and is a great choice to add to your property.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a species of plant that you find in many parts of the south. It can be found growing beside roadways and in unplanted fields. This tall growing plant was used by people of the past to treat certain ailments. Goldenrod will add a splash of color to your yard when it puts on feathery yellow flowers in the spring.
Oakleaf Hydrangeas
Another flowering plant that is native to South Carolina is Oakleaf Hydrangeas. These plants are used as shrubs and make great border plants. The plant has thick green leaves and large bright flowers that are very appealing to the eye.
Fire Pink
Fire Pink is a native wildflower that can be found growing in many parts of the state. This wildflower puts on eye-cathing decorative flowers, and it is great for growing in an area of the property that would otherwise remain vacant.
Blue Star
This native plant puts on a beautiful show in the spring with colorful flowers. It is an appealing plant year-round, and it retains its color when many plants turn brown in the fall.
Native Trees
When you’re designing your landscape, make sure to add a few trees to the plan. Trees can add shady areas to the property, and they provide homes for birds and other animals.
Red Maple
A common native tree that you will find in many yards in South Carolina is the red maple. This tree has beautiful foliage that turns bright red during the fall. Red maple trees are fast-growing and easy to care for.
Black Gum
Black Gum is another local tree that will put on an impressive show during the fall. This tree will grow tall and provide you with plenty of shade during hot summer days.
Magnolia
One of the south’s most iconic trees is the magnolia. People in South Carolina have fallen in love with this unique-looking tree, and you can find it all over the place.
Magnolias have bright waxy-green leaves that stay beautiful the entire year. This tree is slower growing, but it can live for many years. The magnolia puts on big white flowers in the spring, that produces a sweet smell.
Palmetto
This list of native plants wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the palmetto. This tree is the official state tree, and it grows in areas along the coast.
The palmetto is a unique tree that resembles a shorter version of a coconut tree. Many people use this tree as a centerpiece in their landscaping design. Palmetto trees can be grown in the shade, as well as in sunny areas of the property.
South Carolina native plants: Conclusion
Native plants can add value to any property, and they are much easier to care for. They won’t harm the environment, and they will thrive in areas where other plants simply won’t grow.
So, if you are landscaping your property this year, why not include a few of the plants you have learned about today.
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