Native plants of Southeast USA: 40 natives for hot, humid climates

Your complete guide to native plants of Southeast USA – stunning native plants that thrive in the heat and humidity.

The Southeastern United States is a botanical paradise where azaleas bloom in spectacular drifts, towering magnolias perfume the air, and ancient live oaks drape themselves in Spanish moss. From the Appalachian foothills of North Carolina to the subtropical coast of Florida, this region offers some of the most diverse and beautiful native plant communities in North America.

If you’re gardening in the Southeast, you have access to an incredible palette of native plants that have evolved to thrive in hot, humid summers, mild winters, and the unique challenges of your regional climate. This guide will help you harness that natural beauty while creating gardens that support local wildlife and require minimal inputs once established.

Featured Image: New York Scheinaster Vernonia noveboracensis by westher is licensed under CC BY 2.0

See also: The ultimate guide to gardening with native plants: why location matters

Understanding the Southeast Growing Region

Climate Zones and Characteristics

USDA Hardiness Zones: 6b-11

Upper Southeast (North Carolina, Tennessee, Northern Georgia, Northern Alabama):

• Zones 6b-8a
• Growing season: 180-220 days
• Winter lows: 0°F to 20°F
• Annual precipitation: 40-60 inches
• Features: Four distinct seasons, occasional snow, mountain influences

Lower Southeast (South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana):

• Zones 8b-11
• Growing season: 240-365 days
• Winter lows: 15°F to 40°F
• Annual precipitation: 45-65 inches
• Features: Mild winters, long hot summers, hurricane influence

Coastal Areas:

• Zones 8b-10b
• Salt spray influence
• Sandy soils predominant
• Storm surge and hurricane considerations
• Year-round growing in southern areas

Regional Ecosystems

Piedmont

• Rolling hills with clay soils
• Mixed hardwood forests
• Hot summers, moderate winters

Coastal Plain

• Flat terrain with sandy soils
• Longleaf pine ecosystems
• High water tables in some areas

Appalachian Foothills

• Cooler temperatures, more precipitation
• Rich, diverse plant communities
• Stone and clay soils

Subtropical Coastal

• Year-round warmth
• High humidity
• Unique plant communities including palms and air plants

Signature Southeast Native Trees

Large Canopy Trees (50+ feet mature)

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

• Zones: 7-10
• Size: 60-80 feet tall, 30-50 feet wide
• Features: Massive fragrant white flowers (up to 12 inches), glossy evergreen leaves
• Bloom time: May-August
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds and squirrels; flowers attract beetles
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist, well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Specimen tree, shade, fragrance, year-round structure
• Native range: North Carolina to Florida and Texas

Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

• Zones: 8-10
• Size: 40-80 feet tall, 60-120 feet wide
• Features: Massive spreading crown, evergreen in warmer zones
• Wildlife value: Supports 500+ species of butterflies and moths; acorns feed wildlife
• Growing conditions: Adaptable to various soils; full sun
• Best for: Large properties, historic landscapes, wildlife habitat
• Native range: Virginia to Florida and Texas
• Note: Iconic tree of the Deep South

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

• Zones: 4-11
• Size: 50-100 feet tall, 20-30 feet wide
• Features: Deciduous conifer with feathery foliage, distinctive “knees” in wet areas
• Fall color: Rusty orange before dropping needles
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed waterfowl; nesting sites for herons
• Growing conditions: Wet to average soil; full sun
• Best for: Water gardens, large landscapes, unique specimen
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 70-90 feet tall, 35-50 feet wide
• Features: Distinctive tulip-shaped leaves, yellow-green flowers
• Fall color: Golden yellow
• Wildlife value: Nectar for hummingbirds; seeds feed birds
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist, well-drained soil; full sun
• Best for: Large properties, fast-growing shade, fall color
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris)

• Zones: 7-10
• Size: 60-100 feet tall, 25-35 feet wide
• Features: Extremely long needles (8-18 inches), fire-adapted
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; ecosystem keystone species
• Growing conditions: Sandy, well-drained soil; full sun
• Best for: Restoration plantings, large properties, historical accuracy
• Native range: Virginia to Florida and Texas
• Note: Foundation species of Southeast ecosystems

Medium Trees (25-50 feet mature)

Dogwood (Cornus florida)

• Zones: 5-9
• Size: 15-30 feet tall, 15-30 feet wide
• Features: Showy white or pink bracts in spring, red berries, red fall color
• Bloom time: March-May
• Wildlife value: Berries feed 40+ bird species; early nectar source
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist, well-drained soil; partial shade
• Best for: Understory tree, spring display, wildlife food
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 20-30 feet tall, 25-35 feet wide
• Features: Pink-purple flowers emerge before leaves, heart-shaped foliage
• Bloom time: March-April
• Wildlife value: Early nectar for bees; seeds feed birds
• Growing conditions: Adaptable; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Spring color, small to medium gardens, naturalizing
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Southern Sugar Maple (Acer barbatum)

• Zones: 6-9
• Size: 25-40 feet tall, 25-35 feet wide
• Features: Excellent fall color, smaller than Northern sugar maple
• Fall color: Orange, red, and yellow
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds and squirrels
• Growing conditions: Rich, well-drained soil; partial shade tolerant
• Best for: Fall color, medium-sized properties, shade
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 35-50 feet tall, 20-35 feet wide
• Features: Orange fruit, yellow fall color, interesting bark
• Wildlife value: Fruit feeds many mammals and birds
• Growing conditions: Adaptable to poor soils; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Wildlife food, unique specimen, edible landscaping
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Essential Southeast Native Shrubs

Large Shrubs (6+ feet mature)

Native Azaleas (Rhododendron species)

Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum)

• Zones: 5-8
• Size: 6-15 feet tall and wide
• Features: Brilliant orange to red flowers, no fragrance
• Bloom time: May-June
• Wildlife value: Nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds
• Growing conditions: Acidic, well-drained soil; partial shade
• Native range: Appalachian regions

Pinxterbloom Azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 4-6 feet tall and wide
• Features: Fragrant pink-white flowers before leaves
• Bloom time: March-May
• Wildlife value: Early nectar source
• Growing conditions: Acidic soil; partial shade
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

• Zones: 5-9
• Size: 6-8 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
• Features: Large white flower clusters, oak-shaped leaves, exfoliating bark
• Bloom time: May-July
• Fall color: Red, orange, and purple
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; flowers attract pollinators
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist soil; partial shade
• Best for: Shade gardens, four-season interest, specimen planting
• Native range: Georgia to Florida and Louisiana

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 6-12 feet tall and wide
• Features: Large white flower clusters, dark purple berries
• Bloom time: June-July
• Wildlife value: Berries feed 40+ bird species; flowers attract pollinators
• Growing conditions: Moist soil; full sun to partial shade
• Uses: Edible landscaping, wildlife habitat, naturalized areas
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 6-12 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
• Features: Yellow fall color, red berries on female plants, aromatic leaves
• Wildlife value: Host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterfly
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist soil; partial to full shade
• Best for: Shade gardens, butterfly gardens, naturalized areas
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Medium Shrubs (3-6 feet mature)

Beauty Berry (Callicarpa americana)

• Zones: 6-10
• Size: 4-6 feet tall and wide
• Features: Clusters of brilliant purple berries in fall
• Bloom time: Small pink flowers in summer
• Wildlife value: Berries feed birds; flowers attract butterflies
• Growing conditions: Adaptable; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Fall interest, wildlife food, specimen planting
• Native range: Virginia to Florida and Texas

Strawberry Bush (Euonymus americanus)

• Zones: 6-9
• Size: 4-6 feet tall and wide
• Features: Pink fruits that split open to reveal orange seeds
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; browse for deer
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist soil; partial to full shade
• Best for: Shade gardens, naturalized areas, fall interest
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Wild Azalea/Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 4-8 feet tall and wide
• Features: Fragrant white flowers, late blooming
• Bloom time: June-July
• Wildlife value: Late-season nectar source
• Growing conditions: Moist to wet, acidic soil; partial shade
• Best for: Rain gardens, wet areas, fragrance
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus floridus)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 4-8 feet tall and wide
• Features: Fragrant burgundy flowers, aromatic bark and leaves
• Bloom time: April-July
• Wildlife value: Seeds attract small mammals
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist soil; partial shade
• Best for: Fragrance gardens, shade borders, specimen planting
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Small Shrubs and Subshrubs (Under 3 feet)

Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)

• Zones: 7-10
• Size: 3-25 feet (very variable, often kept pruned smaller)
• Features: Small evergreen leaves, red berries on female plants
• Wildlife value: Berries feed birds; dense nesting sites
• Growing conditions: Very adaptable; drought tolerant; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Hedges, topiary, coastal gardens, low maintenance
• Native range: Virginia to Florida and Texas

Zamia integrifolia

• Zones: 8-11
• Size: 2-3 feet tall and wide
• Features: Palm-like cycad with glossy green fronds
• Wildlife value: Host plant for Atala butterfly (endangered species)
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; partial shade
• Best for: Tropical gardens, unique specimen, butterfly gardens
• Native range: Florida and coastal Georgia
• Note: Ancient plant family, critically important for Atala butterfly

Firebush (Hamelia patens)

• Zones: 8-11
• Size: 3-8 feet tall and wide
• Features: Orange-red tubular flowers, red-orange fall foliage
• Bloom time: Year-round in frost-free areas
• Wildlife value: Hummingbird magnet; berries feed birds
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Hummingbird gardens, tropical gardens, continuous color
• Native range: Florida

Southeast Native Perennials and Wildflowers

Spring Bloomers

Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

• Zones: 4-8
• Size: 6-8 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
• Features: Heart-shaped leaves, hidden burgundy flowers
• Bloom time: March-May
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist soil; partial to full shade
• Best for: Groundcover, woodland gardens
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum and T. cuneatum)

• Zones: 4-8
• Size: 8-15 inches tall and wide
• Features: Three-petaled flowers, distinctive three-leaved structure
• Bloom time: March-May
• Colors: White, pink, red, or maroon depending on species
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist soil; partial to full shade
• Best for: Woodland gardens, naturalizing
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

• Zones: 3-8
• Size: 12-18 inches tall, 12 inches wide
• Features: Blue bell-shaped flowers, goes dormant in summer
• Bloom time: March-May
• Wildlife value: Early nectar for bees and butterflies
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist soil; partial shade
• Best for: Woodland gardens, spring ephemeral displays
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Fire Pink (Silene virginica)

• Zones: 4-8
• Size: 12-24 inches tall, 8-12 inches wide
• Features: Brilliant red five-petaled flowers
• Bloom time: April-June
• Wildlife value: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; partial shade
• Best for: Rock gardens, hummingbird gardens, woodland edges
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Summer Bloomers

Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: Vine to 20 feet
• Features: Red tubular flowers with yellow throats
• Bloom time: April-September
• Wildlife value: Hummingbird favorite; berries feed birds
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Vertical gardens, hummingbird gardens, native alternative to invasive honeysuckles
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 2-4 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Features: Scarlet red tubular flowers in dense heads
• Bloom time: June-August
• Wildlife value: Hummingbird and butterfly magnet
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist soil; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Pollinator gardens, herb gardens, cut flowers
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 2-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
• Features: Lavender-pink flowers, aromatic foliage
• Bloom time: June-September
• Wildlife value: Excellent for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Prairie gardens, pollinator support, herb gardens
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 2-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
• Features: Purple-pink petals with prominent orange cones
• Bloom time: June-October
• Wildlife value: Goldfinches love the seeds; butterfly nectar
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; full sun
• Best for: Perennial borders, cut flowers, seed heads for winter interest
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
• Features: Bright yellow flowers with dark centers
• Bloom time: June-October
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; nectar for butterflies
• Growing conditions: Adaptable; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Mass plantings, meadow gardens, low maintenance
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Fall Bloomers

Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)

• Zones: 4-8
• Size: 1-3 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
• Features: Masses of small purple flowers, drought tolerant
• Bloom time: September-November
• Wildlife value: Critical late-season nectar for migrating monarchs
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; full sun
• Best for: Dry gardens, fall color, monarch migration support
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Goldenrod (Solidago species)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 2-6 feet tall depending on species
• Features: Bright yellow flower plumes
• Bloom time: August-October
• Wildlife value: Supports 115+ moth and butterfly species
• Growing conditions: Adaptable; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Naturalized areas, fall gardens, pollinator support
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast
• Note: Does NOT cause hay fever (ragweed does)

Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 4-7 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
• Features: Large dome-shaped clusters of pink-purple flowers
• Bloom time: July-September
• Wildlife value: Butterfly magnet; attracts dozens of species
• Growing conditions: Moist soil; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Back of borders, rain gardens, butterfly gardens
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)

• Zones: 5-9
• Size: 4-8 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Features: Deep purple flower clusters
• Bloom time: August-October
• Wildlife value: Important late-season nectar source
• Growing conditions: Moist soil; full sun
• Best for: Back of borders, naturalized areas, fall color
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Southeast Native Grasses

Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

• Zones: 6-10
• Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Features: Pink-purple clouds of airy seed heads in fall
• Bloom time: September-November
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; nesting material
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; full sun
• Best for: Mass plantings, fall display, coastal gardens
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
• Features: Blue-green foliage turns orange-red in fall
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; important prairie grass
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; full sun
• Best for: Prairie gardens, naturalized areas, fall color
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Wiregrass (Aristida stricta)

• Zones: 8-10
• Size: 2-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
• Features: Fine-textured grass, foundation species of longleaf pine ecosystems
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; habitat for wildlife
• Growing conditions: Sandy, well-drained soil; full sun
• Best for: Restoration plantings, naturalized areas, historical accuracy
• Native range: Coastal Plain from Virginia to Florida

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 3-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Features: Airy seed heads, golden fall color
• Wildlife value: Important bird food; cover for small animals
• Growing conditions: Adaptable; full sun
• Best for: Rain gardens, prairie plantings, biofuel crops
• Native range: Throughout the Southeast

Heat and Humidity Champions

Plants That Thrive in Extreme Southeast Conditions

Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

• Handles high humidity and heat with ease
• Actually performs better in humid conditions
• Drought tolerant once established

Zamia integrifolia

• Thrives in high humidity
• Extremely heat tolerant
• Requires minimal water once established

Firebush (Hamelia patens)

• Loves hot, humid conditions
• Blooms continuously in heat
• Actually struggles in cool weather

Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)

• Extremely heat and humidity tolerant
• Handles drought and salt spray
• Virtually indestructible in Southeast conditions

Native Azaleas

• Evolved in humid Southeast conditions
• Bloom better with some humidity
• Heat tolerant when given afternoon shade

Regional Plant Combinations

Coastal Southeast Garden

Trees: Live Oak, Bald Cypress, Longleaf Pine Shrubs: Yaupon Holly, Beauty Berry, Coontie Perennials: Coral Honeysuckle, Seaside Goldenrod Grasses: Muhly Grass, Wiregrass

Piedmont Woodland Garden

Canopy: Tulip Tree, Southern Magnolia, Dogwood Understory: Oakleaf Hydrangea, Spicebush, Native Azaleas Perennials: Wild Ginger, Trillium, Christmas Fern Groundcover: Partridgeberry, Wild Strawberry

Hot, Dry Southeast Garden

Trees: Persimmon, Redbud, Eastern Red Cedar Shrubs: Beauty Berry, Yaupon Holly, Carolina Allspice Perennials: Purple Coneflower, Aromatic Aster, Black-Eyed Susan Grasses: Little Bluestem, Muhly Grass

Pollinator Paradise

Trees: Southern Magnolia, Tulip Tree, Dogwood Shrubs: Native Azaleas, Spicebush, Elderberry Perennials: Bee Balm, Joe Pye Weed, Ironweed Late bloomers: Goldenrod, Aromatic Aster

Seasonal Care Calendar for the Southeast

Spring (March-May)

Early Spring (March):

• Plant bare-root trees and shrubs
• Prune summer-blooming shrubs before bud break
• Begin regular watering schedule for establishing plants

Mid-Spring (April):

• Prime planting time for most natives
• Mulch beds to conserve moisture for summer heat
• Begin pest monitoring (scale, aphids)

Late Spring (May):

• Complete planting before summer heat
• Establish deep watering routines
• Monitor for drought stress signs

Summer (June-August)

Early Summer (June-July):

• Deep, infrequent watering for establishing plants
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
• Monitor for heat stress and provide shade if needed

Mid-Summer (July-August):

• Reduce planting activities during peak heat
• Maintain consistent moisture for shallow-rooted plants
• Collect seeds from early bloomers

Late Summer (August):

• Begin fall garden planning
• Continue seed collection
• Prepare for fall planting season

Fall (September-November)

Early Fall (September-October):

• Excellent planting season – plants establish roots before winter
• Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials
• Enjoy peak bloom time for fall flowers

Late Fall (November):

• Continue planting until first frost
• Collect seeds from fall bloomers
• Begin winter garden cleanup

Winter (December-February)

Early Winter (December-January):

• Plan next year’s garden additions
• Order plants and seeds for spring
• Enjoy evergreen structure and persistent berries

Late Winter (February):

• Prune summer-blooming shrubs
• Begin soil preparation for spring planting
• Start seeds indoors for species requiring early start

Dealing with Southeast Challenges

Heat Management

Plant Selection:

• Choose heat-tolerant natives adapted to your specific zone
• Provide afternoon shade for plants at their heat tolerance limit
• Use evergreen trees to create cooling microclimates

Watering Strategies:

• Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep roots
• Water early morning to reduce disease and maximize uptake
• Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for efficiency

Soil Improvement:

• Add organic matter to improve water retention
• Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist
• Consider raised beds for better drainage and root cooling

Humidity Management

Air Circulation:

• Space plants appropriately for good air flow
• Prune to open up dense shrubs
• Choose naturally open-growing varieties

Disease Prevention:

• Avoid overhead watering when possible
• Choose disease-resistant native varieties
• Remove infected plant material promptly

Hurricane and Storm Preparation

Plant Selection:

• Choose deep-rooted native trees (avoid shallow-rooted non-natives)
• Select flexible plants that bend rather than break
• Avoid brittle trees in high-wind areas

Garden Design:

• Create windbreaks with native evergreen trees
• Avoid planting large trees near structures
• Design drainage for heavy rainfall events

Sourcing Southeast Native Plants

Regional Specialty Nurseries

North Carolina:

• Niche Gardens (Chapel Hill)
• We-Du Nurseries (Marion)
• Wild Ginger Farm (Brevard)

South Carolina:

• Woodlanders (Aiken)
• Native Gardens (Greenville)

Georgia:

• Eco-Gardens (Decatur)
• Wilkerson Mill Gardens (Palmetto)

Florida:

• Florida Association of Native Nurseries members
• Green Images (Christmas)
• Meadow Beauty Nursery (Seffner)

Alabama/Mississippi:

• Lazy Gator Nursery (Alabama)
• Crosby Arboretum (Mississippi)

Native Plant Societies

• North Carolina Native Plant Society
• South Carolina Native Plant Society
• Georgia Native Plant Society
• Florida Native Plant Society
• Alabama Wildflower Society

Seed Sources

• Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (Virginia)
• Swallowtail Seeds (North Carolina)
• Florida Wildflowers Growers Cooperative

Success Tips for Southeast Native Gardening

Site Assessment

1. Determine your exact microclimate – coastal vs. inland vs. mountain
2. Test soil drainage – many Southeast areas have clay or sandy extremes
3. Assess summer shade patterns – deciduous trees create different conditions
4. Consider storm exposure – wind patterns and drainage

Plant Selection Strategy

1. Choose zone-appropriate plants – don’t push hardiness limits
2. Prioritize heat and humidity tolerance
3. Plan for hurricane resistance if in coastal areas
4. Select for continuous seasonal interest

Establishment Success

1. Plant in fall when possible for best root establishment
2. Mulch heavily to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature
3. Water consistently through first summer, deeply but less frequently
4. Protect from deer – use fencing or repellents as needed

Long-Term Care

1. Embrace natural leaf litter for wildlife habitat and soil improvement
2. Allow plants to go to seed for wildlife food and natural reseeding
3. Prune minimally – most natives have naturally good form
4. Monitor for invasive species common in the Southeast

The Southeast Advantage

Gardening with native plants in the Southeast gives you access to some of North America’s most spectacular flora. From the legendary beauty of native azaleas blooming in spring woodlands to the architectural drama of live oaks draped in Spanish moss, Southeast natives offer unmatched beauty and ecological value.

The key to success is working with the region’s natural rhythms – the long growing season, abundant rainfall, and yes, even the heat and humidity that make this region unique. Choose plants that celebrate these conditions rather than fighting them, and you’ll create gardens that are both beautiful and sustainable.

Remember that “Southeast native” covers a lot of territory – a plant native to the mountains of North Carolina may not thrive in the coastal plains of Georgia. Always verify that your chosen plants are appropriate for your specific location within this diverse region.

Start with easy, proven performers like Beauty Berry, Coral Honeysuckle, and Purple Coneflower, then gradually expand your palette as you learn what thrives in your specific garden conditions. Before long, you’ll have a garden that captures all the magic of the Southeast while supporting the native wildlife that makes this region so special.

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